Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Puppy Chow is a festive twist on the classic snack mix, featuring vibrant red and green candy-coated Chex cereal. It’s a fun and colorful treat perfect for holiday parties or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
- 5 cups Chex cereal (divided into two 5-cup portions)
- 1 cup green candy melts (about 6 ounces)
- 1 cup red candy melts (about 6 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (for green mix)
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter (for red mix)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (for green mix)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter (for red mix)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (divided as 1 cup for each color)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Step 2: For the green Puppy Chow, place 5 cups of Chex cereal in a large bowl.
- Step 3: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine green candy melts, 3 tablespoons peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the melted green mixture over the Chex cereal. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and gently shake to coat the cereal evenly.
- Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet and let it set for 2 hours.
- Step 7: Repeat the process for the red Puppy Chow: place 5 cups of Chex cereal in a large bowl. In a small bowl, melt red candy melts, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon butter using the same microwave method until smooth.
- Step 8: Pour the red mixture over the cereal, toss to coat, then place in a resealable bag with 1 cup powdered sugar. Shake to coat evenly.
- Step 9: Spread the red-coated cereal on the second lined baking sheet and let set for 2 hours.
- Step 10: Once both colors have set, combine them in a large bowl and enjoy your festive Christmas Puppy Chow!
Tips & Variations
- Use tongs for tossing the cereal with the melted mixture to avoid breaking the pieces.
- Make sure the candy melts are completely smooth before mixing to ensure even coating.
- For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Add festive sprinkles or mini chocolate chips after coating for extra holiday flair.
- Allow the Puppy Chow to fully set before mixing the two colors to prevent bleeding.
Storage
Store Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it fresh longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If the coating softens, spread the Puppy Chow on a baking sheet and allow it to set again at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, while Chex cereal is traditional for Puppy Chow, you can use other cereals like Cheerios or Rice Chex. Just choose a square or round cereal that can hold the coating well.
What if I don’t have candy melts?
You can substitute candy melts with white chocolate chips tinted with food coloring or use colored almond bark. Microwave gently to avoid burning, and stir until smooth before mixing with peanut butter and butter.
Print
Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cups (6 cups each color) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with this festive Christmas Puppy Chow recipe, featuring crunchy Chex cereal coated in colorful green and red candy melts mixed with creamy peanut butter and butter, then dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for sharing and gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Puppy Chow
- 5 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup green candy melts (about 6 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Red Puppy Chow
- 5 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup red candy melts (about 6 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to use later for setting the coated cereal.
- Green Puppy Chow – Combine Cereal: Place 5 cups of Chex cereal in a large bowl, ready for coating.
- Green Puppy Chow – Melt Mixture: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup green candy melts, 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir well, then continue microwaving in 15-second increments, stirring each time until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Green Puppy Chow – Coat Cereal: Carefully pour the melted mixture over the Chex cereal. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss until cereal is evenly coated with the candy mixture.
- Green Puppy Chow – Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large Ziploc bag. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat the cereal thoroughly with powdered sugar.
- Green Puppy Chow – Set: Pour the coated cereal from the bag onto one of the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets and allow it to set for 2 hours at room temperature.
- Red Puppy Chow – Combine Cereal: Place another 5 cups of Chex cereal into a separate large bowl.
- Red Puppy Chow – Melt Mixture: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup red candy melts, 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon salted butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir well, then continue microwaving in 15-second increments, stirring until mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Red Puppy Chow – Coat Cereal: Pour the melted red candy mixture over the Chex cereal and gently toss with tongs or a large spoon until evenly coated.
- Red Puppy Chow – Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal to a large Ziploc bag. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat the cereal evenly.
- Red Puppy Chow – Set: Pour the coated cereal onto the second parchment-lined baking sheet and let it set for 2 hours at room temperature.
- Assembly: Once both batches of Puppy Chow have set, combine the green and red mixtures in a large bowl. Mix gently to blend colors and serve or package for gifting.
Notes
- Microwave times may vary; melt the candy mixture in short increments to avoid burning.
- Use tongs or a large spoon for gentle tossing to keep cereal pieces intact.
- The setting time of 2 hours allows the candy coating to harden properly.
- Store Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To add more festive flair, consider sprinkling mini holiday-themed candies after coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Microwaving and No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, Christmas snack, festive treat, holiday recipe, Chex mix dessert, candy coated cereal
