This is one of those recipes that disappears fast — White Chocolate Puppy Chow is sweet, crunchy, and super addictive in the best way.
It’s my go-to when I need a no-bake treat that feels special but comes together in minutes.
It’s perfect for holidays, game nights, or just because you’re craving something delicious.
One big bowl, a quick toss, and boom: you’ve got snack magic.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- Optional: 2 tbsp holiday sprinkles
Why I Love This Recipe
This one brings back memories of holiday parties and school bake sales. My mom made it every year during December, and I’d always sneak pieces before it was fully cooled. Now I make it for friends when I want to bring something easy and fun.
- Only takes about 10 minutes
- No baking required
- You can switch it up with sprinkles, M&Ms, or even cookie crumbs
- Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy in one bite
Servings and Time
Makes: About 8 servings
Time: 10 minutes total
Macros (Per Serving — Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 16g
- Sugar: 26g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The white chocolate and peanut butter melt together into a silky coating that clings perfectly to each Chex piece. That combo of fat and sugar helps the powdered sugar stick evenly, giving it that iconic powdery finish. The cereal stays crunchy because it’s coated while dry, keeping it from getting soggy.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the chocolate: It seizes and gets grainy. Microwave in short bursts!
- Pouring hot chocolate directly on cereal: Let it cool slightly first so the cereal doesn’t soften.
- Using too much powdered sugar at once: Makes it clump instead of coat evenly.
- Stirring too hard: Breaks up the cereal. Fold gently!
What to Serve With
- A cold glass of milk
- Hot cocoa for cozy vibes
- Fruit for a fresh contrast
- Pretzels or nuts to balance out the sweetness
FAQ
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Just use smooth almond butter.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and vegan butter.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally — just make sure you have a big enough bowl or mix it in two batches.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter
- Use chocolate Chex for a twist
- Add mini marshmallows, crushed cookies, or sprinkles
- Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Gallon-sized zip-top bag or large container with lid
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make this 2–3 days in advance.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp.
- Don’t refrigerate — it makes the cereal go stale faster.
How to Make White Chocolate Puppy Chow
Step 1: Add Cereal to Mixing Bowl
Pour 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Butter
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips, ½ cup smooth peanut butter, and ¼ cup unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract at the end.
Step 3: Pour Mixture Over Cereal
Let the melted chocolate mixture cool for 1 minute. Pour it over the Rice Chex cereal and gently fold it in with a silicone spatula until every piece is coated.
Step 4: Shake with Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated cereal into a gallon-sized zip-top bag or large container. Add 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar. Seal and shake until all pieces are coated in white powdered sugar.
Step 5: Add Optional Sprinkles
Pour the puppy chow into a clean bowl. If using, sprinkle 2 tbsp of holiday sprinkles on top and gently toss again.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a clean round bowl or plate and serve! Perfect for snacking or gifting.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days
- Avoid the fridge — it softens the cereal
- You can freeze it for up to 1 month, but it’s best fresh
Wrap-Up
This White Chocolate Puppy Chow is one of those quick wins you’ll come back to again and again. It’s cozy, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet. If you try it, drop a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you put your own spin on it!
