This S’mores Puppy Chow is one of those quick, no-bake snacks that totally hits the spot.
It’s crunchy, chocolatey, a little gooey from the marshmallows, and has all the vibes of a summer night around the campfire—but without the mess.
I started making this as a fun little treat for get-togethers, and now it’s one of my go-to sweet snacks.
You’ll love how easy it is to toss together, and how fast it disappears!
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is everything I want in a snack: sweet, crunchy, nostalgic, and totally crave-worthy.
- Tastes like s’mores but you can eat it by the handful
- No oven or fire needed
- Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a sweet bite on the go
- Takes 10 minutes to make
- Easy to double for a crowd
I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it with my eyes closed. Once you make it once, you’ll be hooked too.
Servings & Time
Makes: About 8 cups
Time: 10 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (plus ½ cup extra for mixing in later)
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (about 9 full sheets)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Pro Tips
- Use a large mixing bowl so you have room to coat everything evenly.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate or it’ll seize—low and slow is best.
- Let the mixture cool a few minutes before adding extra marshmallows and mini chocolate chips so they don’t melt.
- A gallon-size ziplock bag works great for tossing with powdered sugar—less mess!
- Store in an airtight container so it stays crispy and fresh.
Tools Required
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Large mixing bowl
- Gallon-size ziplock bag or paper bag
- Measuring cups
- Microwave
Substitutions and Variations
- Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate
- Swap Rice Chex for Corn Chex or Golden Grahams for extra graham flavor
- Add peanut butter (¼ cup) to the melted chocolate mix for a twist
- Drizzle white chocolate over the top after mixing
- Toss in pretzels or peanuts for crunch
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this up to 3 days in advance. Just store in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature. Do not refrigerate—it’ll get soggy.
How to Make S’mores Puppy Chow
Step 1: Melt the chocolate, butter, and marshmallows
In a large microwave-safe bowl, add 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips, ¼ cup unsalted butter (cubed), and 1 cup mini marshmallows. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth (about 1 to 1½ minutes total).
Step 2: Mix in the cereal and crushed graham crackers
Add 6 cups Rice Chex cereal and 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers into a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top and gently fold together with a rubber spatula until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Toss in powdered sugar
Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal mixture to a large ziplock bag or paper bag. Add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar. Seal and shake until the mixture is fully coated and no chocolatey pieces are left exposed.
Step 4: Add marshmallows and mini chocolate chips
Once the coated cereal mix has cooled slightly (about 5 minutes), pour it back into the mixing bowl. Add ½ cup mini marshmallows and ½ cup mini chocolate chips. Gently toss to combine.
Step 5: Serve it up!
Pour the S’mores Puppy Chow into a serving bowl and enjoy! Add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or chocolate chips on top if you want to dress it up.
Leftovers and Storage
Keep it in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temp for up to 5 days. Don’t refrigerate—it’ll get too hard or soggy. If it clumps up, just shake it gently before serving.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- The butter helps smooth out the chocolate and makes it easier to coat the cereal.
- Mini marshmallows melt into the chocolate to give it that gooey, s’mores-like texture.
- Powdered sugar creates a dry, sweet coating that keeps the mix from sticking together.
- Adding the extra marshmallows and chocolate chips after cooling keeps them whole, not melted.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the chocolate—can make it seize or get grainy
- Adding mix-ins too soon—chocolate needs time to cool or the chips and marshmallows will melt
- Not shaking long enough—leaves sticky spots without powdered sugar
- Using too small of a bowl—makes mixing hard and messy
What to Serve With
- Hot chocolate or warm milk
- Coffee or a pumpkin spice latte
- As a topping for vanilla ice cream
- Alongside popcorn for a sweet & salty movie snack
FAQ
Is this the same as Muddy Buddies?
It’s a twist! Same idea, but this one has graham crackers and marshmallows to make it taste like s’mores.
Can I make it without a microwave?
Yes—just melt everything in a saucepan over low heat instead.
Can I freeze it?
Nope—freezing makes it soggy when it thaws.
Can I use vegan marshmallows or dairy-free chocolate?
Absolutely! Just use the same amounts and melt gently.
