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.
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!
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!
How to Make Puppy Chow
Start by pouring Rice Chex into a very large bowl – the biggest you’ve got!
Next microwave semisweet chocolate chips, smooth peanut butter, butter or vegan butter, and vanilla then stire until melted and smooth.
Pour the chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the cereal then use a spatula to fold the ingredients to coat.
Next add powdered sugar to two large Ziplock bags then divide the Rice Chex mixture between the two bags.
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!
More Gluten Free Holiday Treats
- Chocolate Peppermint Covered Pretzels
- Christmas Crunch
- Buckeyes
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark
- Gluten Free Kiss Cookies
- Gluten Free Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
- 10 Gluten Free Christmas Cookies and Treats
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
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
i am using this for a bake sale, do you think i should make a double batch? Should i put them in jars or bags?
Hi! I wanted to make this recipe and mail it to my daughter for Valentines Day. Some recipes I found say to store in the fridge but yours does not!? What do you think? Thanks!! Betsy
I don’t store mine in the fridge and have never had a problem!
OMG, I thought I was the only one who makes puppy chow every Christmas and only at Christmas. It is too lethal to make it all year and this way everyone looks forward to it at Christmas. My husband’s coworkers call it crack.
I love it yummy
haha nice! love the recipe! during xmas especially me and my dawgs (get it?) love to feast on puppy chow!! nom nom! haha merry christmas everyone!!!!!! :-)
Ahhh I love Puppy Chow! The clumps of pieces are the best! I’ve always made this with Crispix, and to me, when it’s made with Chex it’s not quite as good, but it’s still delicious. I just found your blog and I love it!
THE BEST!
I feel like I need to start this tradition right now.
puppy chow! omg, i love that stuff! i try to avoid it because i can’t stop eating it! lol. i think i need to make some now!
My daughter has already been requesting this! Thanks for the recipe!
I loved making this as a kid! We always made huge batches for our big family and dumped all ingredients in a paper grocery back to shake it all up. Good stuff!
How have I never had (or heard of) puppy chow before?! Looks delish!
This ALWAYS makes an appearance at holidays and throughout the year. My daughter calls it “puppies”.