Christmas Puppy Chow
Photo by Jessica Furniss
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Puppy Chow is a HUMAN treat and not safe for dogs.
Making easy Christmas Candy is one of my favorite holiday traditions. Every year I make my grandmother’s Martha Washington Candy, my other grandmother’s English Toffee, and lots more simple homemade candy. There’s something really special about stuffing Christmas goodies into cookie tins and gifting them to folks I love. It’s like a tiny piece of holiday magic that I get to create.
For a candy to make it into my holiday rotation it has to meet some criteria. It has to be an easy candy recipe, a quick candy recipe, and a DELICIOUS candy recipe. And this easy Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe hits all the marks.
Photo by Jessica Furniss
What is Puppy Chow?
Puppy Chow is a HUMAN treat and not intended for dogs (I know I already mentioned that, but chocolate is toxic to dogs and I want to make sure it’s clear this is not for your furry friends). Also called Muddy Buddies, Puppy Chow is a snack mix made with Chex rice or Chex corn cereal in a chocolatey peanut buttery coating.
How to make Christmas Puppy Chow?
Christmas Puppy Chow is made by coating Chex cereal in melted chocolate and peanut butter, then dusting it in powdered sugar, and allowing it to set. To make my Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe I also add Christmas M&Ms and sometimes mini Christmas shortbread cookies as well. Make your muddy buddy Chex mix holiday themed however you like!
Is Puppy Chow Vegan?
Puppy Chow can be easily made vegan. Just be sure to use vegan chocolate chips and vegan toppings (in place of the M&Ms) along with the other already vegan ingredients.
My powdered sugar isn’t sticking
If the powdered sugar isn’t sticking to your puppy chow cereal pieces it most likely means that your chocolate peanut butter hardened. To ensure that the powdered sugar sticks, be sure to shake the chocolate coated cereal while the chocolate/peanut butter is still melty.
Variations
Puppy Chow isn’t just for Christmas! I like to add seasonal candies and sprinkles for different holidays. Pastel M&Ms work great for Easter, Lucky Charms marshmallows work great for St. Patrick’s Day, and Conversation Hearts are so fun for Valentine’s Day.
Photo by Jessica Furniss
Tips for Making Puppy Chow
What is Puppy Chow? Is Puppy Chow the same as Muddy Buddies?
Puppy Chow is a chocolate peanut butter cereal candy Chex mix. Puppy Chow is the same as Muddy Buddies.
Is Puppy Chow safe for dogs?
Puppy Chow is not safe for dogs. It’s a human treat with ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Can you freeze Puppy Chow?
Freezing Puppy Chow is my favorite way to store this candy. You can eat it straight out of the freezer, plus it stays good for two months frozen in an airtight container.
Find my mocktail recipes in my e-book Hydrating Mocktails: 31 drink recipes to leave you hydrated instead of hungover.
All photos & recipes Ⓒ Jessica Furniss
Christmas Puppy Chow
This Christmas puppy chow is an amazing candy perfect for gifting
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 7 cups Chex cereal (either rice or corn, or a mix of both)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Christmas Peanut M&Ms, optional
- Other Christmas cookies or candies, optional
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate and peanut butter in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each increment, until fully melted.
- Add the powdered sugar to a gallon zip top bag. Set aside.
- Add the cereal to a large mixing bowl and pour the melted peanut butter and chocolate over the cereal and stir gently to combine.
- While the cereal is still wet with the melty chocolate, pour it into the zip top bag with the powdered sugar. Close the bag and shake until all the cereal is coated in powdered sugar.
- Pour the cereal onto a baking sheet to set for about 1 hour. Add candies and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
