If you’re on the hunt for a snack that instantly brings the holiday cheer, I’ve got just the thing for you — my Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe. This treat is sweet, crunchy, and downright addictive, with a lovely festive twist that makes it perfect for parties, gift-giving, or just cozying up with a cup of cocoa. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to holiday snack that everyone keeps asking for.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: You only need a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps—it’s perfect for all skill levels.
- Perfectly Festive: Those colorful sanding sugars add a joyful pop of holiday spirit you won’t want to miss.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family and friends can’t get enough of this sweet-and-salty combo—it disappears fast!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak it with your favorite nuts or chocolate varieties to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work so well together because the Chex cereal provides just the right crunch, while the chocolate and peanut butter bring creamy richness. The powdered sugar and festive sanding sugar finish it off with a sweet, slightly crunchy coating that’s irresistible. When shopping, look for smooth peanut butter and good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Chex cereal: I always recommend using the classic rice or corn Chex for that perfect crunch and easy coating.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt smoothly and add the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Smooth peanut butter: It blends better than chunky, helping the chocolate mixture coat every bite evenly.
- Butter: Adds a silky texture and richness you’ll notice in every piece.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for that classic “puppy chow” powdery coating.
- Festive sanding sugar: This is your secret weapon to turn a plain snack into an eye-catching holiday treat.
Variations
What I love most about this Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to dial up the chocolate or add some crunch with nuts, you can tweak it any way you like—no judgment here!
- Nutty Swap: I once added chopped roasted pecans, and it gave a delightful depth of flavor and texture that made everyone ask for seconds.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips if you’re catering to friends with dietary restrictions—it still tastes amazing!
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper brings a fun twist that wakes up the flavors.
- Holiday Colors: Swap out the festive sanding sugar for any color combo to match your party theme.
How to Make Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cereal Bowl
Start by measuring out 9 cups of Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl — bigger than you might think you need. I learned this the hard way after trying to toss everything in too small a bowl and making a huge mess. This oversized bowl gives you plenty of room to fold in the chocolate mixture gently without smashing the cereal.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter
Over medium heat, melt together 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter. Stir constantly to avoid burning the chocolate, and don’t rush this part — patience pays off! Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let the mix sit for a couple of minutes so it cools slightly and thickens just enough to coat the Chex without clumping.
Step 3: Gently Combine Chocolate Mixture and Cereal
Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal in three stages, folding gently between each addition. You want to coat every piece without breaking the cereal, so slow and steady wins this race. I usually fold gently with a spatula or clean hands—whatever feels easier to keep the pieces intact.
Step 4: Coat with Sugars for That Festive Finish
Mix 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup festive sanding sugar in a large airtight plastic bag. Add the coated cereal in batches, shaking gently to cover all sides evenly. Then, spread the pieces out on a wax paper-lined rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Chill for about an hour to let everything set perfectly—this step locks in those beautiful sugar crystals that make it festive and fun to eat.
Pro Tips for Making Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe
- Large Mixing Bowl is Key: Trust me, using a huge bowl to toss the coated cereal saves you from a sticky mess and broken pieces.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Melting slowly over medium heat prevents seizing and keeps your mixture smooth and easy to work with.
- Gentle Tossing: Folding the cereal gently helps maintain its crunch and keeps your puppy chow looking beautiful.
- Chill Before Serving: Setting it in the fridge for an hour makes the sugars stick on perfectly and intensifies the festive vibe.
How to Serve Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling extra festive sanding sugar on top right before serving to add that little sparkle. Sometimes I toss in mini holiday-themed sprinkles for extra color and fun. It’s those little touches that make it feel special and festive every time.
Side Dishes
This puppy chow is such a crowd-pleaser on its own, but I’ve found it pairs beautifully with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk—perfect for chilling by the fire during the holidays.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve this in mason jars tied with a festive ribbon or in colorful holiday-themed bowls. It also makes a fantastic edible gift packed in cellophane with a cute tag—everyone loves receiving a homemade treat that looks so delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve kept mine fresh for up to a week, and it stays crunchy with no issues at all—perfect for enjoying little bites throughout the week.
Freezing
If you’re making it far ahead, freezing works pretty well. I recommend sealing it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. When you thaw it, just let it come to room temperature before serving to bring back that perfect crunch.
Reheating
No reheating necessary here! Just give it a gentle toss before serving if it looks clumpy—warming it can melt the sugar coating, so room temp is best to keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
-
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth in the Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds an extra layer of texture, though it might be a bit trickier to get the chocolate mixture evenly coated. If you don’t mind a bit of extra crunch, it works just fine.
-
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
Simply substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious and safe for nut allergies.
-
What’s the secret to keeping the puppy chow crunchy?
Using a gentle folding technique and chilling the treat thoroughly before storing helps maintain the crunch. Also, storing it in an airtight container keeps moisture out and crispness in.
-
Can I make this recipe without sanding sugar?
Yes! If you don’t have festive sanding sugar, you can just use powdered sugar alone. The sanding sugar adds a fun sparkle and texture, but the recipe still tastes great without it.
-
How long does Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it usually stays fresh and crunchy for up to a week. Beyond that, it’s best to check texture before serving.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh for the holidays. When I first made it, I couldn’t believe how simple ingredients could transform into something so crave-worthy and festive. Whether you’re making it to gift, serve at a party, or just treat yourself, it’s always a hit in my house. I hope you enjoy making (and munching!) on this as much as I do—go on, give it a try and spread the holiday sweetness!
Print
Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Puppy Chow recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make holiday snack featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in a rich and creamy chocolate-peanut butter mixture, then tossed in powdered sugar and colorful sanding sugar for a sweet, crunchy treat that’s perfect for holiday parties or gifting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup festive sanding sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: Measure 9 cups of Chex cereal and place it in a very large mixing bowl, ensuring the bowl is bigger than you think you’ll need for mixing. Set it aside for later.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: Over medium heat, combine 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan. Stir constantly until everything is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Vanilla and Cool: Remove the melted mixture from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to slightly cool, so it doesn’t burn the cereal when added.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in three stages, folding gently each time to ensure even coating without breaking the cereal pieces. Toss gently to coat all the cereal evenly.
- Combine Sugars: In a large airtight plastic bag, combine 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup festive sanding sugar. Shake well to mix the sugars evenly.
- Coat with Sugar: Add the chocolate-coated cereal into the sugar mixture in batches. Toss the cereal inside the bag to cover all pieces thoroughly, then remove the coated cereal onto a wax paper lined rimmed baking sheet.
- Set and Chill: Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on the baking sheet and chill it in the refrigerator for one hour to set the coating firmly.
- Serve or Store: After chilling, remove from the refrigerator. The Puppy Chow can be kept at room temperature or chilled until serving. Enjoy your festive treat!
Notes
- Use a large enough bowl to prevent spillage when mixing the chocolate-coated cereal with sugar.
- Be gentle when folding to avoid breaking the Chex cereal pieces.
- Allowing the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before mixing helps prevent the cereal from becoming soggy.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- For a festive touch, use red and green sanding sugar or other colors to match holiday themes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
