Jolly Holiday Puppy Chow Recipe: Festive Treats for Santa

Festive snacking reaches new heights with this irresistible christmas puppy chow that combines sweet and crunchy textures.

Powdered sugar coats every delightful morsel, creating a treat everyone will adore.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint flavors.

Crisp cereal pieces mingle with festive mix-ins for a delectable holiday experience.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Sprinkle some holiday magic into your snack routine and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Dive into this delightful Christmas treat that promises to spread cheer with every handful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 226 kcal

Servings: 11

All Ingredients For Christmas Puppy Chow

• Rice Chex: Crunchy canvas that provides the perfect texture and absorbs the delicious coating wonderfully.

• Chocolate Chips: Rich chocolate that creates a luxurious and smooth melted base for the recipe.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds depth of flavor and helps bind the chocolate coating.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a silky smooth melting process.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic touch.

• Powdered Sugar: Transforms the coated cereal with a sweet, delicate dusting that creates the classic puppy chow texture.
• M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies that add festive crunch and holiday cheer.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Brings playful color and extra holiday spirit to the treat.

Supplies To Make Christmas Puppy Chow

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cereal and mixing ingredients.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate, peanut butter, and butter smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps gently stir and coat cereal evenly without breaking pieces.
• Large Resealable Plastic Bag or Bowl with Lid: Great for shaking and coating cereal with powdered sugar.
• Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet: Provides a clean surface for cooling and setting the puppy chow.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How To Put Together Christmas Puppy Chow

• Christmas Colors

Create a delightful holiday treat that sparkles with festive cheer and brings joy to everyone who tastes it. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a magical snack perfect for celebrations.

• Chocolate Magic

Melt chocolate and peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring gently until smooth and glossy. The rich aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and excitement.

• Cereal Transformation

Pour the luscious chocolate mixture over crispy cereal, carefully folding until every piece is completely covered in chocolatey goodness. Each morsel becomes a delectable treasure.

• Sugar Shower

Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large sealed container. Sprinkle powdered sugar generously, then shake vigorously until the cereal is completely blanketed in a soft white coating.

• Festive Finale

Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined surface and decorate with colorful holiday candies and sprinkles. The twinkling colors will make this treat irresistible to friends and family.

• Sharing Joy

Package in clear gift bags or serve in a beautiful holiday bowl. This snack will become a cherished tradition that brings smiles and memories of sweet moments together.

Fun Tips To Mix Up Christmas Puppy Chow

• Quick Chocolate Coating Trick: Melt chocolate chips and butter slowly to prevent burning, stirring frequently and using microwave-safe bowls with rounded edges for smooth melting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the puppy chow up to three days in advance, storing in sealed containers to maintain crispy texture and preserve festive flavors.
• Allergy-Friendly Swaps: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free version, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining delicious taste.
• Holiday Color Play: Swap seasonal M&Ms and sprinkles to match different celebrations – red and pink for Valentine's Day, pastel colors for Easter, or school/team colors for special events.
• Portion Control Pro: Use small decorative bags or mason jars for easy gifting, measuring roughly 1/2 cup servings to create perfect shareable treats that look thoughtful and taste amazing.

Ways To Serve Christmas Puppy Chow For Holidays

• Holiday Movie Marathon Companion: Grab a big bowl and settle in for festive film nights with this crunchy, sweet treat perfect for munching during classic Christmas movies.
• Homemade Gift Delight: Package this puppy chow in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons, creating adorable edible gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday party hosts.
• Kids' Baking Adventure: Invite children to help mix, shake, and sprinkle – making this recipe a fun family activity that creates delicious memories and teaches simple cooking skills.
• Festive Dessert Table Star: Spread the Christmas puppy chow on elegant platters surrounded by candy canes and gingerbread, adding a playful texture to your holiday dessert spread.

Storage Tips For Christmas Puppy Chow Treat Bags

• Quick Chill Method: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help toppings set faster and prevent melting, ensuring crisp texture and vibrant colors.
• Gift-Ready Packaging: Use clear cellophane bags with festive ribbons, creating adorable holiday treats perfect for neighbors, teachers, or spontaneous gift-giving moments.
• Temperature Smart Storage: Keep the snack in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Sealed containers prevent moisture and maintain the delightful crunch of the cereal mix.
• Freshness Tracking: Write the preparation date on the storage container. Consume within 7 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring maximum enjoyment of your Christmas Puppy Chow.

Festive Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Christmas puppy chow delights friends and family with festive chocolate-peppermint flavors. Sweet snack mix combines crushed candy canes, melted chocolate, and powdered sugar for a merry holiday treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 cups (2.13 L) rice chex cereal
• 1 cup (240 ml) semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120 ml) peanut butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) powdered sugar
• 1 cup red and green M&Ms
• ½ cup (120 ml) holiday sprinkles
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Layer Rice Chex cereal evenly in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform base for the festive treat.
2. Chocolate Fusion: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter, stirring at 30-second intervals until smooth and glossy. Incorporate vanilla extract to enhance the mixture’s aromatic profile.
3. Coating Process: Gently pour the molten chocolate over the cereal, using a silicone spatula to fold and coat each piece thoroughly without crushing the delicate cereal.
4. Sugar Encapsulation: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large sealable bag, dust with powdered sugar, and shake vigorously to create a complete sugar coating on each morsel.
5. Cooling and Embellishing: Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing it to set for 15 minutes. Sprinkle M&Ms and holiday sprinkles throughout, ensuring an even distribution of festive elements.
6. Serving and Storage: Transfer the Christmas Puppy Chow to a decorative serving bowl or gift bags. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining its crisp texture and delectable flavor.

Notes

• Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to avoid burning, which can create a grainy texture and ruin the smooth coating.
• Even Chocolate Distribution: Use a spatula and gentle folding technique to ensure each cereal piece gets completely and uniformly coated without breaking delicate pieces.
• Sugar Coating Pro Tip: Shake the bag thoroughly but carefully to achieve a complete and consistent powdered sugar coverage without crushing the cereal.
• Storage Strategy: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness, and consume within one week for optimal taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 226
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 9 mg