If you’re looking for a quick and seriously crave-worthy snack, this Cookies and Cream Puppy Chow is it. No baking, just melt, mix, shake, and eat. It’s crunchy, creamy, chocolatey, and has that cookies & cream flavor everyone loves. It’s the perfect lazy-day treat or last-minute party snack. You only need a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes. Let’s make it.
Why I Love This Recipe
I remember trying a cookies and cream snack mix at a friend’s house once and couldn’t stop thinking about it. This is my homemade version and it’s even better. It’s that perfect combo of crunchy cereal, sweet white chocolate, and crushed Oreos. I’ve made it for road trips, movie nights, and even just for a weekend snack stash.
- No oven needed — just a microwave
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- You only need one bowl and one bag
- Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet
- Stays fresh for days if you can resist eating it all
Servings and Time
Servings: 10 (about 1 cup each)
Time: 15 minutes total
Macros (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Chex cereal has a light, airy texture with tons of surface area. That makes it perfect for grabbing onto the melted chocolate and Oreo crumbs.
The coconut oil thins the white chocolate just enough to coat without clumping. When powdered sugar goes on last, it sticks to that layer and locks in all the flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes
- Adding the sugar too early: Wait until the chocolate is fully mixed with the cereal, or it won’t stick right
- Overheating the white chocolate: It burns fast — use short microwave bursts and stir each time
- Breaking the cereal: Fold gently, don’t stir hard
- Crushing the Oreos too fine: You want some chunkiness for texture
What to Serve With
- Cold milk
- Hot cocoa or lattes
- A salty snack mix for contrast
- Vanilla milkshakes or Oreo frappes
FAQ
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white?
Sure can — it’ll just taste more like traditional puppy chow and less like cookies & cream.
Are Oreos dairy-free?
Surprisingly, yes — but double check if you’re strictly avoiding dairy due to allergies.
How long does it stay fresh?
Up to a week in an airtight container at room temp.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, for up to 1 month. Just thaw before serving.
Do I need to use coconut oil?
You can use butter instead, but coconut oil keeps the white chocolate smooth and shiny.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or butter)
- 12 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it sealed in an airtight container at room temp. Don’t refrigerate or it may get chewy instead of crispy.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Puppy Chow
Step 1: Crush the Oreos
Place 12 Oreo cookies in a zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them into a mix of small chunks and fine crumbs. Set aside.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth and melted (about 60–90 seconds total).
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour 6 cups Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the melted white chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold until all pieces are coated evenly.
Step 4: Add the Crushed Oreos
Add the crushed Oreo mixture to the coated cereal. Gently fold everything together until the cookies are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Shake with Powdered Sugar
Transfer the cereal and cookie mix to a large zip-top bag. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake until everything is fully coated and no sticky spots remain.
Step 6: Let It Cool
Spread the coated mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes so the chocolate can set.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Transfer to a round serving bowl and dig in. Store extras in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Cookies and Cream Puppy Chow is simple, fast, and ridiculously good. It’s got the best mix of textures and flavors — sweet, crunchy, and creamy with that perfect Oreo finish. Make it once and it’ll be on repeat. Let me know how it turned out or if you put your own twist on it!
