Puppy Chow is a classic holiday recipe, that's gluten free too! Chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar combine to make a crunchy, irresistible treat.

Puppy Chow in a dessert dish

Today’s post is not so much a new/innovative recipe as it a PSA/reminder. Let’s talk about Puppy Chow, friends. It exists, it’s delicious, and you should make it. NOW!

What is Puppy Chow?

Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a popular snack in the Midwest that’s fun to make and eat all year long, but especially around the holidays. Something about clusters of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar covered-Rice Chex looking like delectable little snow balls or something like that.

Seriously though, nothing screams Christmas or the holidays more to me than Puppy Chow. Not even sugar cookies, and that’s really saying something! Best of all, this recipe is SO EASY. Just 15 minutes from ingredients to eating — you can’t beat that!

Overhead photo of dish of puppy chow

How Long Does Puppy Chow Last?

The unofficial answer is: minutes?! The official answer is up t0 5 days if stored in an airtight container or Ziplock bag. Promise it won’t hang around for long, though.

Does Puppy Chow Need to Be Refrigerated?

Puppy Chow does not need to be refrigerated which means it’s great for giving as an edible holiday gift. I like to package scoops of Puppy Chow in clear treat bags with a pretty ribbon, or in a holiday tin which you can get from the Target $1 aisle or even the Dollar Store.

Inexpensive, easy, and WAY better than giving someone a boring old candle for the holidays.

Before we go on, I feel like it has to be said – Puppy Chow is NOT for puppies nor any other animal. More for us humans!

Up close photo of Gluten Free Puppy Chow

How to Make Puppy Chow

Start by pouring Rice Chex into a very large bowl – the biggest you’ve got!

front and back photo of chex mix cereal

Next microwave semisweet chocolate chips, smooth peanut butter, butter or vegan butter, and vanilla then stire until melted and smooth.

spoonful of chocolate chips in pyrex measuring cup, peanut butter on chocolate, butter on top of peanut butter and chocolate, spoonful of vanilla on top of mixture

Pour the chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the cereal then use a spatula to fold the ingredients to coat.

cereal mixture in bowl

Next add powdered sugar to two large Ziplock bags then divide the Rice Chex mixture between the two bags.

bag of powdered sugar and cereal mixture in bag of sugar

Gently shake to coat the Rice Chex in the powdered sugar then spread the Puppy Chow onto wax paper to let it cool. Couldn’t be easier nor more tasty. UGH, so good! I hope you love this festive, simple, and scrumptious holiday treat – enjoy!

Gluten-Free Puppy Chow in a bag

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Puppy Chow

5 from 2 votes

by Kristin Porter

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 9
Puppy Chow is a classic holiday recipe, that's gluten free too! Chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar combine to make a crunchy, irresistible treat.

Ingredients

  • 9 cups Rice Chex
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup butter , regular or vegan
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions 

  • Divide powdered sugar between two, gallon-size Ziplock bags then set aside. Place two sheets of overlapping wax paper on the countertop. Pour cereal into a very large bowl then set aside.
  • Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a large, microwave-safe bowl then microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Keep microwaving then stirring in 20 second increments until the mixture is smooth. Drizzle over the cereal then fold with a spatula until the cereal is completely coated.
  • Divide the mixture between the two powdered sugar bags then gently shake until the cereal is completely coated. Pour the Puppy Chow out onto the sheets of wax paper to cool then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 321mg, Potassium: 191mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 658IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 123mg, Iron: 9mg

Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.

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62 Comments

  1. Rebecca Hodges says:

    5 stars
    We love this year round, but we shake it in a paper grocery sack instead of zip lock bags, it is easier to get everything coated. Then we transfer to zip lock bags.

    1. Kristin Porter says:

      Glad you can give this recipe your own spin, Rebecca! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!

  2. Addison Cutler says:

    5 stars
    It is sooooooooooooo good I recommend that you make this recipe cause you will think it is the best thing ever!!!!!