Chocolate-Peppermint Puppy Chow (for humans!) is such a treat. Crunchy, sweet, and pepperminty, this holiday snack will fly out of the bowl.
“So good! We used chocolate peppermint candy canes and it was a total hit. My middle kiddo is allergic to dairy and peanuts, so finding a puppy chow recipe she could actually have was awesome!”
If you have time to whip up just one more thing this holiday season, make it Chocolate-Peppermint Puppy Chow (for humans).
That’s right, no pups were harmed in the making of this irresistibly-delicious, chocolate-peppermint treat that tastes exactly like Thin Mints – YES!
What is Puppy Chow?
Puppy Chow is a holiday staple in the Midwest and is traditionally made with Rice Chex, peanut butter, butter, and chocolate. As an even more festive touch, I decided to swap the peanut butter with peppermint.
This special holiday treat is gluten-free, nut free, and vegan yet you would never, ever guess. It is SO delicious!
What’s Inside
For this chocolate-peppermint version of Puppy Chow I swapped regular Rice Chex for Chocolate Rice Chex, then coated the cereal in a mixture of melted chocolate, coconut oil, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes, and THEN coated it all in powdered sugar.
If you have to eat gluten free and miss eating Thin Mints – GET READY – because Chocolate-Peppermint Puppy Chow is a dead ringer for the Girl Scout cookie favorite. I’m telling you, the flavor is identical, and it’s even got that irresistible crispy-crunchy thing going on.
You better believe I will have this recipe on standby when the girl scouts come a knockin’ next year!
Try Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossoms
How to Make This Recipe
Start by crushing candy canes to get 1/2 cup crushed candy canes. I add the candy to a ziplock bag, place it on a towel, then have at it with a meat mallet.
I like to do this on a kitchen towel in case the bag rips from the candy shards. That way it goes on the towel vs the countertop and is easier to clean up. Set the candy aside.
Next melt semi-sweet chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life brand which are free from the Top 8 food allergens) with coconut or vegetable oil in a large bowl in the microwave until smooth, then stir in peppermint extract. I use Watkins brand, which is gluten-free.
Add Chocolate Rice Chex cereal plus the candy canes then gently fold using a large spatula until the cereal is evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
Split the cereal between 2 gallon-size Ziplock bags containing powdered sugar then seal and gently toss to coat the cereal in the powdered sugar.
Pour the Chocolate-Peppermint Puppy Chow onto parchment or wax paper then let cool for an hour or so before packaging up (or scarfing!!)
This snack recipe is a hit for handmade holiday gifting, or as a hostess gift. Spoon into a treat bag or mason jar then tie with a bow. I can’t think of anything better. Enjoy, enjoy!
More Gluten Free Holiday Treats
- Gluten Free Scotcheroos
- Gluten Free Shortbread
- 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
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-1/2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, or regular sized, Enjoy Life recommended
- 3 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 12.8 oz box Chocolate Chex Cereal, 8 cups
- 6 candy canes, crushed, 1/2 cup
Directions
- Divide powdered sugar between two gallon-size Ziplock bags then set aside. Tear off two large pieces of parchment or wax paper then place slightly overlapping onto the counter.
- Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds then stir and continue microwaving in 30 second increments, stirring between increments, until chocolate is smooth. Add peppermint extract then stir to combine.
- Add cereal and crushed candy canes then fold gently to coat cereal in chocolate. Divide cereal between Ziplock bags then seal, taking care NOT to squeeze the air out of the bags. Gently toss the cereal around to coat in powdered sugar then pour out onto parchment or wax paper. Let cool until chocolate is set then package in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can also freeze Puppy Chow if you make it ahead of passing it out.
- Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow makes great gifts to give in pretty bags tied with a ribbon!
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
This looks very yummy. Quick question: I normally do not cook with coconut oil, can you substitute vegetable oil without changing the texture?
Hi Luci! You can use vegetable oil — I’d reduce the amount to 1 Tablespoon. I hope that helps!
Highly recommended! Easy to make and so festive for this time of year.
We were a bit short on coconut oil so I subbed the rest for almond butter. Can’t taste the almond butter and it still set up well.
So, so glad you loved this reicpe, Beth! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
How have I lived for sixty years and not heard of this stuff! OMG! So tasty & SO easy!
Thanks for a great recipe.
Woo!! So glad you found out about the magic of puppy chow!
I made this puppy chow for my two celiac daughters in law who love it as does a few sons who are wolfing it down as well. Yummy for all.
Woo! Glad it’s a hit with the whole family!!
What a great idea. Thank you for sharing this with us. Merry Christmas to y’all
I was afraid the mint would be too strong so I only used 1/4 teaspoon. It was amazing but I’ll be trying it with the full amount next time – definitely was not overpowering! Thank you for this recipe!
Yeah!! I always think that too, then end up wishing I’d added even *more* than the called for amount!
This was so good! All of the crunchy-sweetness of traditional puppy chow, but with a twist. The peppermint wasn’t overwhelming either. In my opinion, it’s best when the peppermint is super finely chopped, but delicious no matter what. A new holiday staple in our house! ?
Perfect December treat!
What can you use as a substitute for coconut oil?
I am going to experiment with substituting a smaller amount of vegetable oil or vegan butter for the coconut oil. (We are tree nut free, and temporarily dairy free.)
If one doesn’t need to eat gluten free do you think Andes chocolate mint candy would work well in place of the chocolate and peppermint extract?