Christmas Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
Chocolate peanut butter cereal tossed in powdered sugar with holiday mix-ins.
Updated: Nov 9, 2026
Why you'll like it
- Ready in about 30 min.
- Serves 16 — easy to halve or double.
- Easy level — everyday equipment only.
- Storage, freezing and reheating covered below.
This Christmas Puppy Chow recipe takes 30 minutes and serves 16. Puppy chow, also called muddy buddies, is crisp Chex cereal coated in chocolate and peanut butter then snowed with powdered sugar, and a Christmas batch with pretzels and red-green candies is the easiest party mix of the season.
Helpful guides
Instructions
Melt chocolate, peanut butter, and butter together in 20-second microwave bursts, stirring each time, until completely smooth. Stir in vanilla off the heat.
Pour over cereal in your largest bowl and fold gently with a spatula until every square glistens. Rough stirring crushes the cereal into dust.
Chill the coated cereal uncovered 10 minutes so the coating firms slightly; this is the secret to even sugar coverage instead of clumps.
Add 1 cup powdered sugar to a large zip bag with half the cereal plus another 1/2 cup sugar, seal, and shake gently. Repeat with remaining cereal and sugar.
Spread on parchment 15 minutes until set, then fold in pretzels, candies, and marshmallows so they stay crisp and colorful on the outside.
Troubleshooting — fixes, not repeats
- If coating looks dull and thick, chocolate overheated; melt slower next batch and stir more.
- If sugar clumps in spots, cereal went in warm; the brief chill prevents this.
- If pieces break, you stirred with a spoon; always fold with a wide spatula.
- If mix tastes too sweet, add 1 cup salted peanuts to balance.
Make it your way
- For a large dawat: Leftover crumbs top ice cream or yogurt since the sweet coating doubles as a crunchy sprinkle.
- For a white chocolate version, swap semisweet for white chips and add dried cranberries.
- For a peanut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and add extra pretzels.
- For classroom gifts, portion into small bags with a ribbon because single servings travel best.
Storage & reheating
Cool leftovers within 2 hours, then refrigerate in a covered container and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat only the portion you will eat until steaming hot throughout — poultry and reheated rice should reach 165°F (74°C).
FAQ
Why is it called puppy chow?
Nobody knows for sure; it looks a little like kibble but tastes like candy. Muddy buddies is the other common name. Start with the suggested amount, then adjust to suit your taste and equipment.
Rice or Corn Chex?
Rice Chex holds coating best and stays crisp longest. Corn Chex works but turns soggy sooner. Start with the suggested amount, then adjust to suit your taste and equipment.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes, use sunflower seed butter and skip peanut candies. Add pretzels and marshmallows for bulk. Start with the suggested amount, then adjust to suit your taste and equipment.