Christmas Puppy Chow

Our family loves a Classic Puppy Chow Chex or maybe you know it as Muddy Buddy Recipe. Whatever name you call it, it’s a huge hit. It’s the perfect treat for the kids or to take to the neighbors for Christmas with these Chocolate Covered Christmas Oreos.

The powdered sugar combined with the peanut butter is amazing! Throw in some Christmas M&M’s and this sweet snack mix is the best Holiday dessert. This Christmas version is red and green and makes the mix look so festive! If you like this easy dessert recipe, try these simple and cute Reindeer Cupcakes.

Why We Love Christmas Puppy Chow

This recipe makes a big batch so it’s perfect to hand out to friends, neighbors and more. Whether you call this puppy chow or muddy buddies, we can all agree this is best holiday treat.

Regardless of the occasion, this puppy chow recipe Christmas idea is the best! It is so tasty and delicious. The chocolate and peanut butter tastes amazing and makes the best homemade gifts for the holidays.

It is so easy to make and really delicious! Some call this Reindeer Chow and it is a must try. It is also an easy gluten free treat. We enjoy this delicious puppy chow recipe all year. From birthday parties to game day and more, this makes a quick and easy treat.

Ingredients

• Chex Cereal – You can use Wheat Chex, Rice Chex Cereal or Corn Chex Cereal or a mixture of both
• Creamy Peanut Butter – We think using creamy peanut butter is best
• Red Candy Melts and Green Candy Melts – You can easily use the different colors. You can change the colors easily to match any holiday. The red and green look so festive at Christmas but you can easily change this and use Valentine’s M&M’s in February!
• Christmas M&Ms – If you can’t find Red and Green M&M’s then use any color

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Chocolate Mixture – Instead of using candy melts, you can also melt chocolate chips such as white chocolate chips, semi sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
• Peanut Butter – We recommend using peanut butter but feel free to use other nut butters.
• Additions – Feel free to add in other ingredients to the puppy chow. Add in chopped nuts, pretzels, festive sprinkles, and mini peanut butter cups.

How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe

Step 1 – In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1 cup of red candy melts, ¼ cup of peanut butter and ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Step 2 – Microwave on high for 30 second. Stir and cook in 15 second intervals until melted and smooth. My microwave took about 60 seconds to fully melt chocolate. You can also stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 3 – Meanwhile, pour 4 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal and quickly stir to coat.

Step 4 – In a one gallon ziplock bag, pour the 1 cup confectioner powder. Then pour the coated cereal into the gallon bag. Seal close and shake to coat the cereal.

Step 5 – Pour onto parchment paper lined baking sheet and allow to cool. Repeat the entire process with the green candy melts.

Step 6 – Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once the red and the green puppy chow are cooled, sprinkle the Christmas M&Ms over the top and stir to combine the red and the green.

Puppy Chow Recipe Tips

• Melting Candy Melts – We like to melt candy melts in the microwave. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring after each time. This will prevent the candy from burning.
• Cool Puppy Chow – Before topping the puppy chow with the M&M’s and sprinkles make sure to allow the puppy chow to cool. This will prevent the M&M’s melting. We like to spread on a baking sheet to easily mix everything together.

Is There a Difference Between Puppy Chow and Muddy Buddies?

There is not a difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies. This popular snack has many names such as monkey munch, reindeer food recipe or muddy munch but it is still the same delicious snack.