Christmas Puppy Chow

Name: Christmas Puppy Chow
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups Rice Chex cereal; 2 cups dark chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, optional); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 cup peppermint M&Ms; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 12, 2025

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Christmas is a time for joy, laughter, and of course, delicious treats. One of the most beloved sweet snacks that captures the spirit of the season is Christmas Puppy Chow. This delightful mix, with its rich chocolate, crunchy cereal, and festive peppermint M&Ms, makes for a perfect holiday treat. Whether you’re gathering around the kitchen with loved ones or whipping up a batch to share at parties, this recipe is both fun and simple to make. The best part? It requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, making it a must-have for your holiday festivities.

So grab your family, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s make some Christmas Puppy Chow! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together and how festive it looks and tastes. Plus, this easy treat is perfect for gift-giving or simply indulging while you cozy up for the holidays. Let’s hop into the details and create this magical snack!

Why This Recipe Works

The charm of this recipe lies in its perfect blend of ingredients. First off, the combination of Rice Chex and dark chocolate creates an absolutely delightful texture and flavor. You get that satisfying crunch from the cereal paired with the smooth richness of the chocolate. Adding peppermint elevates this snack to a new level, making it a perfect fit for the holiday season.

For busy cooks, the quick preparation time is a blessing. You can whip this together in no time, allowing more moments to enjoy holiday traditions. Plus, the festive kick from the M&Ms not only adds great taste but also brightens up the presentation, making it eye-catching.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Puppy Chow

You’ll adore this Christmas Puppy Chow for many reasons. First, it’s a family-friendly activity. Gather your kids or friends, and get everyone involved! It’s easy enough that even the little ones can help, and together you’ll make fabulous memories.

This recipe shines as a festive snack at parties. Whether you’re hosting friends or attending a holiday gathering, it makes for a fun, shareable treat. Moreover, customization is super easy! Feel free to adapt the ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary needs. With this recipe, there’s no one way to enjoy it!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your Christmas Puppy Chow:

8 cups Rice Chex cereal
2 cups dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, optional)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup peppermint M&Ms
1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Preparing Your Christmas Puppy Chow

Melting the Chocolate

Start by melting the chocolate. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and toss in those dark chocolate chips. Heat them in the microwave for 25-second bursts, stirring well in between each round. Keep a close eye to avoid overheating—when most of the chips are melted, you’ll want to take them out and stir until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Mixing in the Flavors

Once you’ve got that luscious chocolate melted, it’s time to add in some flavor. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, along with the softened butter if you choose to use it. Mix thoroughly so every bit coats the chocolate mixture evenly.

Coating the Chex

In a large mixing bowl, pour in the Rice Chex cereal. Now, drizzle that melted chocolate mixture all over the top. Gently stir it all together until every piece of cereal is lovingly coated in that rich chocolate goodness.

Chilling the Mixture

To help that chocolate set a bit, transfer your coated Rice Chex to the refrigerator. Give it about 5-10 minutes; this small step helps ensure that every bite is as delicious as it can be.

Coating with Powdered Sugar

After chilling, time to bring it all together! Place your chocolate-coated cereal into a large zip-top bag. Pour in the powdered sugar, seal the bag tight, and shake it like there’s no tomorrow! Keep shaking until all the pieces are beautifully coated in that sweet sugary bliss.

Adding Festive Touches

Once you’ve shaken things up to your liking, it’s time to finish it off. Transfer your sugar-coated Chex back into a mixing bowl. Gently fold in those festive peppermint M&Ms and any extra chocolate chips you might want to add. This adds not just to the taste but also to the visual appeal!

Serving Suggestions

Now, let’s think about how to serve your Christmas Puppy Chow. You can display it in a festive bowl as a centerpiece, making it inviting for your guests. Alternatively, consider packaging it in cute decorative bags for holiday gifts or party favors. It’s the kind of treat that radiates holiday cheer!

Tips for Success

To really nail this recipe, ensure your chocolate melts correctly. This prevents clumps and gives you that smooth coating you want. Also, adjust the peppermint extract to suit your personal taste—some may prefer a milder flavor while others want it strong!

Variations

This Christmas Puppy Chow can be adapted in so many ways! If you’d like a sweeter touch, swap out dark chocolate for white chocolate. Additionally, you could experiment with different M&M flavors or even toss in some nuts for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!

Storage Tips

To keep your treat fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can enjoy it for up to one week. Good luck keeping it that long—it’s just too tasty!

Pairing Ideas

For an extra cozy experience, pair your Christmas Puppy Chow with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a festive holiday drink, like eggnog. It also works wonderfully with savory snacks, creating that perfect sweet-and-salty balance that everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give your treat a sweeter flavor for those with that preference.

How can I make it gluten-free?
Simply choose gluten-free Rice Chex, and you’re all set for friends who need to avoid gluten.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it’s great to prepare ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

What other snacks can I add?
Feel free to throw in pretzel pieces, nuts, or other candies for added texture and fun.

How long does Christmas Puppy Chow last?
In an airtight container, it can last up to a week at room temperature.

This Christmas Puppy Chow is not just a delightful mix of flavors; it also becomes a joyous project that can bring family and friends together during the bustling holiday season. So gather around, scoop some up, and truly embrace the warmth of Christmas with every delicious bite! Happy holidays!