This Double Chocolate Brownie Puppy Chow is everything you love about classic muddy buddies, but extra rich, chocolatey, and over-the-top good.
It’s crunchy, sweet, loaded with double the chocolate, and has that soft brownie dusting on the outside that makes every handful irresistible.
I’ve made this one for parties, cozy nights in, and even packed it up as sweet little gifts — it’s always a hit.
Plus, it’s no-bake and easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need
- 9 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup brownie mix (boxed, dry)
- Pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Use Dutch-process cocoa for the richest flavor — it’s smoother and deeper than regular cocoa.
- Gently shake the cereal in the bag, don’t mash it — you want it coated, not crushed.
- Let it cool before serving so the coating firms up and doesn’t melt on your fingers.
- Store it in the fridge if your kitchen runs warm — chocolate coating holds better.
- Mix the powdered sugar, cocoa, and brownie mix together first for even coating.
Tools Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Gallon-sized zip-top bag
- Measuring cups & spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Use almond butter or sunflower butter instead of peanut butter
- Try dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
- Add mini M&M’s or crushed pretzels for a twist
- Use gluten-free brownie mix and cereal to make it GF
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this up to 3 days ahead! Just store it in an airtight container at room temp, or in the fridge if it’s warm out.
How to Make Double Chocolate Brownie Puppy Chow
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter
Add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter to a medium saucepan. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 2: Pour Chocolate Mixture Over Cereal
Place 9 cups of rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until every piece is coated.
Step 3: Mix the Coating
In a separate medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1/2 cup dry brownie mix, and a pinch of salt. Stir to blend evenly.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Pour in the brownie-cocoa-sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake gently until every piece is fully coated in the powder.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Spread the coated puppy chow onto a large parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool and set for about 20 minutes. Then transfer to a bowl and serve.
Leftovers and Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge — just bring to room temp before eating so it’s not too hard. You can also freeze it for up to a month!
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s got all the cozy snack vibes I crave, with a nostalgic twist. The brownie coating? That’s the secret. It’s rich, chocolatey, and just a little messy — in the best way. I made this once for a movie night and everyone kept sneaking back to the bowl until it was empty. Since then, it’s been my go-to when I want something indulgent but super easy.
- No baking required
- Great for parties or gifting
- Comes together in under 30 minutes
- The brownie coating is next-level
- Keeps well — make it ahead and you’re set
Makes
12 servings
Time
Prep + cooling: 25 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 290
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Carbs: 40g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The mix of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and brownie mix sticks perfectly to the slightly warm chocolate-coated cereal because of the fat content and residual moisture. Peanut butter adds creaminess and helps the chocolate melt smooth, while the Chex holds its crunch and doesn’t collapse under the weight of the coating. The Dutch-process cocoa gives it that deep chocolate flavor without bitterness.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the chocolate mixture — it’ll seize or burn. Low and slow wins.
- Stirring too hard — you’ll crush the cereal. Be gentle.
- Not mixing the coating powders first — it’ll clump up unevenly.
- Skipping the cool time — warm puppy chow is sticky and messy to eat.
What to Serve With
- Big glass of cold milk
- Coffee or hot cocoa
- Ice cream for an extra treat
- A salty snack like popcorn for sweet-salty contrast
FAQ
Can I use different cereal?
Yes! Corn Chex or Crispix work great too.
Is this safe for dogs?
Nope — it’s just called puppy chow. Chocolate and xylitol (sometimes in PB) are toxic to dogs.
Can I skip the peanut butter?
You can, but the texture may not be as smooth. Try sunflower butter or cookie butter instead.
What’s the best brownie mix to use?
Any boxed mix works! Use your favorite — just the dry powder.
Can I double the recipe?
Yep! Just use a giant mixing bowl and do the coating in batches.
