Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe | Festive Sweet Snack Mix
I have to tell you, making this Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe was pure joy! From the moment I started mixing the chocolate and peanut butter, the kitchen was filled with that cozy holiday aroma. It’s one of those treats that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. I found myself sneaking handfuls while assembling it!
Whether you’re serving it at a Christmas party or enjoying it during a cozy movie night, this recipe never disappoints — and if you love festive desserts, you might also enjoy trying the Pink Lemonade Pie for another colorful holiday treat. Here’s my step-by-step guide to creating this festive, crunchy, chocolaty holiday snack.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Christmas Puppy Chow festive and delicious. I’ll share a few tips to make each ingredient work perfectly.
- 8 cups of Chex cereal – I used chocolate Chex for a rich flavor, but rice, corn, or wheat Chex work well too. Don’t crush them!
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips – Use high-quality chocolate for the best melt and flavor.
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter – Smooth peanut butter blends easily; natural peanut butter can be used but may need a little warming.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter – Adds creaminess and helps the chocolate and peanut butter melt smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar, divided – Gives the signature “snowy” look.
- 2 cups holiday-shaped pretzels or mini pretzel twists – Adds festive crunch; don’t use stale pretzels.
- 1 cup white melting wafers or white chocolate chips – Perfect for decorating pretzels.
- 2 tablespoons Christmas-colored sprinkles – Adds a cheerful holiday touch.
- 1 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped – Bite-sized candy for extra indulgence.
- 1 cup holiday M&Ms – Any festive flavor or color combination.
Note: This recipe makes about 20 servings—perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to friends and family.
Variations
This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to get creative:
- Swap semisweet chocolate for white or colored candy melts for red and green festive colors.
- Make a peanut-free version by using extra chocolate instead of peanut butter.
- Replace M&Ms with Reese’s Pieces or other holiday candies for a fun twist.
- Add mini marshmallows or chocolate-covered graham cracker pieces for a s’mores-inspired mix.
- Use dark chocolate or peppermint fudge pretzels for extra holiday flair.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long each step takes:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need much to make this holiday snack:
- Large mixing bowl – To toss the Chex cereal with chocolate mixture.
- Microwave-safe bowl – For melting chocolate, butter, and peanut butter.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – To set decorated pretzels.
- 2-gallon freezer bag or large stockpot – To shake and coat the cereal with powdered sugar.
- Spoon or piping bag – To drizzle melted white chocolate on pretzels.
How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow
Making this festive snack is easier than it looks! Here’s the process in simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Chex Mixture
Start by measuring the Chex cereal into a large bowl and setting it aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and pour over the cereal, tossing gently to coat each piece.
Step 2: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a large bowl, stockpot, or 2-gallon bag and add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar. Cover and shake or stir until every piece is coated in a snowy layer. Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let it firm up.
Step 3: Decorate Pretzels
While the puppy chow chills, melt the white chocolate wafers and drizzle over the pretzels using a spoon or piping bag. Quickly sprinkle with holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Let them cool for 5 minutes, or refrigerate briefly for a faster set.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Once the puppy chow has firmed, transfer it back to a large bowl or bag and add the remaining ¾ cup powdered sugar. Toss until evenly coated. Finally, mix in M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups, and place the decorated pretzels on top for a festive look.
Serve immediately or store for later. For another tropical twist on a classic sweet, try the Fried Pineapple with Coconut Crust Recipe — it’s equally fun and indulgent!
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, a few tricks make this recipe shine:
- I always use chocolate Chex for richer flavor, but a mix of cereals can make it more interesting.
- Make sure the chocolate-peanut butter mixture is fully melted and smooth before tossing with the cereal.
- Chill the coated cereal before adding candy for better coating adhesion.
- I like to add pretzels at the end so they don’t get soggy from the chocolate mixture.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.
How to Serve Christmas Puppy Chow
Serving this treat is half the fun! I love putting it in festive bowls or Christmas tins. You can also scatter candy canes or holly leaves around for extra holiday spirit. For parties, make individual snack cups or mini mason jars for guests to take home.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick idea of the nutrition for one serving:
- Calories: 250–300 (depending on candy and chocolate used)
- Protein: 3–4g
- Carbohydrates: 30–35g
- Fat: 15–18g
This treat is definitely indulgent, so perfect for holiday snacking rather than daily consumption!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Keep your Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for over a week, though it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, the puppy chow can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to heat; it’s ready to enjoy cold. For a slightly softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Christmas Puppy Chow is my go-to holiday treat:
- It’s easy to make – You don’t need baking skills or fancy equipment.
- Perfect for gifting – Package in tins or jars for a thoughtful holiday gift.
- Highly customizable – Switch up chocolates, candies, and pretzels to your taste.
- Kid-friendly – Everyone loves the colorful, sweet, and crunchy mix.
- Festive and fun – Adds holiday cheer to any snack table or movie night.
This Christmas Puppy Chow recipe is a must-try for the holidays! It’s simple, colorful, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a cozy blanket and your favorite Christmas movie.
Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by measuring the Chex cereal into a large bowl and setting it aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and pour over the cereal, tossing gently to coat each piece.
- Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a large bowl, stockpot, or 2-gallon bag and add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar. Cover and shake or stir until every piece is coated in a snowy layer. Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let it firm up.
- While the puppy chow chills, melt the white chocolate wafers and drizzle over the pretzels using a spoon or piping bag. Quickly sprinkle with holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Let them cool for 5 minutes, or refrigerate briefly for a faster set.
- Once the puppy chow has firmed, transfer it back to a large bowl or bag and add the remaining ¾ cup powdered sugar. Toss until evenly coated. Finally, mix in M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups, and place the decorated pretzels on top for a festive look. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
- I always use chocolate Chex for richer flavor, but a mix of cereals can make it more interesting.
- Make sure the chocolate-peanut butter mixture is fully melted and smooth before tossing with the cereal.
- Chill the coated cereal before adding candy for better coating adhesion.
- I like to add pretzels at the end so they don’t get soggy from the chocolate mixture.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness