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Puppy Chow is a classic holiday treat that is always a crowd pleaser and a favorite party snack. It’s quick to make and only has four ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
It’s easy! There is no baking required. It can be made in the microwave or on the stove top.
It’s quick. It can be made in under ten minutes!! It takes longer to gather the ingredients then to make!
Only 4 Ingredients! All you need is Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate chips and powdered sugar.
What is in Puppy Chow?
It is a classic holiday treat and is also known by several other names. Maybe you know it as Muddy Buddies, Monkey Munch, Muddy Munch or Reindeer Chow.
Muddy Buddies is actually the official name of the recipe used by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal.
It is also called “puppy chow” because of its resemblance real puppy kibble. But please, don’t feed this to your pets!
Ingredients
- Rice Chex Cereal. You can also use rice chex cereal if you prefer.
- Peanut Butter. I use creamy peanut butter.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips.
- Butter
- Powdered Sugar. Also known as confectioners’ sugar.
How Do You Make Puppy Chow?
- Place cereal in a large bowl.
- In a microwave-safe bowl combine peanut butter, chocolate chips and butter.
- Cook peanut butter chocolate mixture in microwave until melted. Cook in 30-second intervals and stir a few times.
- Pour melted chocolate mixture over cereal and gently stir to totally coat cereal.
- Place powdered sugar in a large zip-top bag and add in coated cereal. Shake gently to coat with sugar.
- Spread mixture onto a large piece of wax paper and allow it to set up.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Puppy Chow
- The trick to perfect muddy buddies is making sure the cereal gets nice and coated with the melted peanut butter/chocolate mixture.
- Don’t over stir because you don’t want to break up the cereal pieces, so stir gently.
- Make sure you have enough powdered sugar. Shake gently but make sure every piece of cereal gets coated with the sugar.
- Don’t try and sneak some while wearing black because everyone will know what you’ve been doing thanks to all that powdered sugar
Puppy Chow Variations:
- Cookie Butter. Use 1/2 cup of cookie butter and 1/4 cup of cinnamon chips instead of peanut butter and chocolate chips.
- S’mores. Add in some pieces of graham cracker, and mini marshmallows..
- Instead of semisweet chocolate chips, use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips.
- Add-ins: Dress up your puppy chow by adding in marshmallows, peanuts, almonds, pretzels, M&M’s, Reese’s pieces, or your favorite candy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will puppy chow last?
It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
I’m allergic to peanut butter, what else can I use?
Switch out the peanut butter for your favorite nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter
Can I freeze puppy chow?
Yes! Stored in an airtight, freezer safe container or freezer bag you can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. It’s the perfect make ahead holiday treat.
This is the perfect treat for holiday gift giving. Package it up nice and cute and your neighbors will love you!
Check out more of my favorite holiday treats:
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Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
- 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp butter salted
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place cereal in a large bowl.
- In a microwave safe bowl combine peanut butter, chips and butter. Cook in microwave until melted. Stir a few times.
- Pour melted mixture over cereal and gently stir to totally coat cereal.
- Place powdered sugar in a large zippered plastic bag and add in coated cereal. Toss to coat with sugar.
- Spread puppy chow onto a large piece of wax paper and allow it to set up. Store in an airtight container. Will last a few days if you are lucky!
Tips & Notes:
- The trick to great Puppy Chow is making sure the cereal gets nice and coated with the melted peanut butter/chocolate mixture.
- Don’t over stir because you don’t want to break up the cereal pieces, so stir gently.
- Make sure you have enough powdered sugar. Shake gently but make sure every piece of cereal gets coated with the sugar.
- Don’t try and sneak Puppy Chow while wearing black because everyone will know what you’ve been doing thanks to all that powdered sugar
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Karen Rowe says
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