Name: Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¾ cup creamy peanut butter; ⅓ cup butter; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 9 cups rice Chex cereal; 3 cups confectioners sugar; 1 cup holiday M&M’s

There’s something downright magical about the sweet, crunchy, chocolatey joy of this **Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe**—it’s like holiday cheer you can eat by the handful. I love how simple it is to whip up, yet it completely elevates any festive gathering or cozy night in.

A large white bowl is filled with many small, square cereal pieces coated in white powder, giving them a snowy look. Scattered evenly on top and around the cereal are bright red and green candy-coated chocolates, adding colorful spots to the white base. To the right, a smaller white bowl holds more of these red and green chocolates, with some spilling out onto the wood-textured table. At the bottom, a small light wooden scoop is filled with the same red and green candies. A green cloth with white dots lies on the left side under the bowl, and the whole scene rests on a wooden table with light brown grain lines. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe on a whim during a holiday party, and it instantly became a tradition. It’s so much fun to make (and eat) because it hits that perfect sweet-and-salty balance with a festive twist that’s hard to resist.

Super Quick & Easy: You can have this puppy chow ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute treats.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Easy enough for kids to help with, and they love eating the colorful holiday M&M’s mixed in.
Perfect Holiday Gift: It makes a fantastic homemade gift when packed in festive bags or jars.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing the festive charm.

A large white bowl filled with small square cereal pieces covered in white powder with tiny dark specs, mixed with bright red and green candy-coated chocolates scattered evenly on top. Next to the bowl on a wooden surface, there is a small white bowl holding dark chocolate chips and a light wooden spoon resting inside it. In the background, a glass jar of milk is partly visible. The setting is on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe combines classic, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend to create a truly addictive treat. Each ingredient plays a role in the flavor and texture that you’ll fall in love with again and again.

Flat lay of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small white ceramic bowl, smooth creamy peanut butter in a small white ceramic bowl, a thick slab of pale yellow butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, nine cups of crisp Rice Chex cereal spread neatly on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white confectioners sugar, and a handful of colorful holiday M&M’s scattered naturally on a white ceramic plate, each ingredient fresh and natural, balanced symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts smoothly and adds that rich chocolate flavor without being overly sweet.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds a silky texture and salty, nutty goodness that balances the chocolate perfectly.
Butter: Helps the chocolate and peanut butter mixture bind evenly and gives a luscious mouthfeel.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, subtle background flavor that brightens the chocolate mixture.
Rice Chex cereal: Lightweight, crunchy, and perfect for coating with the chocolate mixture without breaking.
Confectioners sugar: Ensures every bite is coated in a sweet dusting that adds that signature Puppy Chow texture.
Holiday M&M’s: These festive candies add color, fun holiday vibes, and a little burst of candy crunch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m always tweaking my Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe depending on mood or occasion—sometimes I add peppermint bits for that extra holiday crunch or swap peanut butter for almond butter to mix things up. Don’t hesitate to tailor it to your taste buds!

Variation: One year, I added crushed candy canes, which gave a fun minty crunch that everyone adored.
Nut-free option: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to make it safe for nut allergies without losing that creamy texture.
Extra chocolatey: Stir in mini chocolate chips after coating for a double dose of chocolate goodness.
Spiced up: Try a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for subtle holiday spices that elevate the flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe

Step 1: Melt Together the Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter

Start by adding your semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter into a large, microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until everything melts beautifully together. This gradual approach keeps the mixture smooth and prevents burning—trust me, rushing this step can ruin the texture.

Step 2: Stir in Vanilla and Add the Cereal

Once your chocolate and peanut butter are silky and combined, stir in the vanilla extract. Then, gently add the Rice Chex cereal, folding it carefully to coat each piece without smashing them. I like to use a big spoon or spatula and take my time—it’s oddly satisfying!

Step 3: Powder It Up in a Bag

Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag, pour in the confectioners sugar, seal tightly, and shake lovingly until every piece is dusted. If your bag is on the smaller size, do this in batches to avoid spills. This step is where the magic happens—the sugar adds that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth powdery finish.

Step 4: Mix in the Holiday M&M’s and Serve

Finally, pour the coated cereal into a bowl and fold in the holiday M&M’s. The festive colors make it look party-ready instantly. Now, grab a handful and enjoy that perfect sweet-and-salty crunch.

Top Tip

After making this Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few key tips that make all the difference between good and *amazing* Puppy Chow. These little tricks keep the texture just right and make cleanup easier too.

Gentle Tossing: Always mix the cereal gently after adding the chocolate mixture to avoid breaking those delicate Chex.
Gradual Melting: Microwave the chocolate-peanut butter mix in short intervals to prevent scorching and keep the texture glossy smooth.
Shake it Well: Don’t skimp on the shaking step with the confectioners sugar — it’s what gives Puppy Chow that iconic, irresistible coating.
Try Chilling: Pop your finished Puppy Chow in the fridge for a bit to firm up — I personally love it cold because it’s even crunchier and more refreshing.

How to Serve Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe

Christmas Puppy Chow - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with this one—holiday M&M’s are all the garnish I need to make it feel festive. But if you want to jazz it up, sprinkle a bit of crushed peppermint candy or even mini marshmallows on top for extra holiday cheer.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Puppy Chow pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled cider to balance all the sweetness with warmth. I’ve also brought it alongside cheese and charcuterie boards at parties—it’s a crowd-pleaser that complements savory bites beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love packaging this recipe in clear treat bags tied with red and green ribbons—everyone loves taking some home. You can also serve it in festive bowls with tiny scoops for guests to make their own mix-and-match snack bags.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature, and it usually stays fresh for up to 5 days. If you want it a bit firmer, refrigerating it for up to a week works great too—personally, I love mine chilled straight from the fridge.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well! Just portion the Puppy Chow into freezer bags and seal tightly to avoid moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature. It retains its texture perfectly as long as it’s tightly sealed.

Reheating

This snack is best enjoyed as is—no reheating needed. If you prefer it a bit softer, you can leave it out for 15 minutes to lose the chill or very briefly warm the chocolate coating in the microwave, but be careful not to melt the sugar coating completely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cereal for this Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is ideal for its lightness and shape that holds the coating well, you can experiment with other cereals like cornflakes or wheat Chex. Just be sure to choose a sturdy cereal that won’t get soggy or break apart easily.

Is Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe safe for dogs?

No, this recipe is not safe for dogs because it contains chocolate and peanut butter, which can be harmful to pets. It’s meant as a human treat only, so keep it out of your pup’s reach.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make this Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get that rich, chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness.

How long will this Christmas Puppy Chow last?

Stored in an airtight container, the Christmas Puppy Chow will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature and up to one week refrigerated. The texture and flavor are best enjoyed fresh, but refrigeration can help extend its shelf life without losing crunch.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday snacks because it’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re sharing it with family, gifting it to friends, or sneaking handfuls by the fire, it’s a festive treat you’ll want to revisit year after year. Give it a try—I bet it’ll become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire too!