Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Puppy Chow is a festive twist on a beloved snack mix, combining crunchy cereal with rich chocolate and peanut butter, all coated in powdered and sanding sugar. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Chex cereal
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup festive sanding sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Measure the 9 cups of Chex cereal and place it in a very large mixing bowl (bigger than you think you need). Set aside.
2. Step 2: Over medium heat, melt and combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth.
3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow the mixture to sit for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in three stages, folding gently as you go to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.
5. Step 5: Toss gently to coat all the cereal pieces evenly.
6. Step 6: In a large, airtight plastic bag, combine the powdered sugar and festive sanding sugar by shaking the bag.
7. Step 7: Add the coated cereal to the sugar mixture in stages, tossing to cover thoroughly before transferring to a wax paper-lined rimmed baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Spread the cereal in a single layer and chill for an hour to allow the coating to set.
9. Step 9: Remove from the fridge. Store your Puppy Chow at room temperature or chilled as preferred.
10. Step 10: If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and share your experience in the comments or star ratings!

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or skip it altogether and increase the butter slightly.
• Use holiday-themed sanding sugar colors to match your festive décor or personalize the mix with mini marshmallows or pretzels.
• Ensure the chocolate is not too hot before mixing with the cereal to avoid sogginess.

Storage

Store Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the fridge for longer freshness. If chilled, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheating is not necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can substitute Chex with other sturdy cereals like Crispix or Cheerios, but avoid fragile cereals as they may break during mixing.

How do I keep Puppy Chow from getting sticky?

Make sure the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly before coating the cereal and ensure the cereal is dry. Also, properly chilling the coated mix helps set the coating and reduce stickiness.

Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

This festive Christmas Puppy Chow is a delightful holiday treat made with crunchy Chex cereal coated in a smooth chocolate and peanut butter mixture, then dusted with powdered sugar and colorful sanding sugar for a sweet, crunchy snack perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cereal

• 9 cups Chex cereal

Chocolate Mixture

• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup festive sanding sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the cereal: Measure the 9 cups of Chex cereal and place it in a very large mixing bowl that is bigger than you think you need. Set this aside for later.
2. Melt the chocolate mixture: Over medium heat on the stovetop, melt and combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth blend without burning.
3. Add vanilla and cool slightly: Once fully melted, remove the chocolate mixture from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let the mixture rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly but remain pourable.
4. Combine chocolate with cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in three stages, folding gently each time to coat without breaking the cereal pieces. Toss carefully to ensure even coverage.
5. Combine sugars: In a large airtight plastic bag, add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup festive sanding sugar. Shake the bag well to combine the two sugars evenly.
6. Coat cereal with sugar mixture: Add the chocolate-coated Chex cereal to the sugar mixture in stages, tossing inside the bag to cover the cereal completely. Remove the coated cereal onto a wax paper-lined rimmed baking sheet as you go.
7. Chill and set: Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on the baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for one hour to allow the coating to set firmly.
8. Store and serve: After chilling, remove from the refrigerator. Store the puppy chow at room temperature or chilled until ready to serve. Enjoy this festive holiday snack!
9. Engage with the recipe: If you try this recipe, return to share your experience, star ratings, and any modifications in the comments.

Notes

• Use a very large bowl to allow easy folding without breaking the cereal.
• Be gentle when folding the cereal with the chocolate mixture to maintain the crunch and avoid crushing.
• Adjust festive sanding sugar colors based on holiday or party themes.
• Store in an airtight container to keep the puppy chow fresh and crunchy.
• This recipe can be customized by adding nuts or M&Ms for added texture and flavor.

Keywords: Christmas Puppy Chow, holiday snack, peanut butter chocolate snack, Chex mix dessert, festive treats, easy holiday recipe