Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s both nostalgic and bursting with holiday spirit, then you’ve got to try my Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe. This isn’t just any puppy chow — it’s the ultimate Christmas treat that’s crunchy, chocolaty, peanut buttery, and sprinkled with fun festive sugar that makes every bite feel special. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those pre-made mixes. Let me walk you through everything you need to know so your batch comes out perfectly every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe is really in how the ingredients come together. The combination of crunchy cereal with the smooth, melty chocolate and peanut butter coating is unbeatable. Plus, those festive sanding sugars add that cheerful shimmer that makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

• Chex Cereal: Use rice or corn Chex for the best crunch and coating adhesion.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They provide that rich chocolate flavor without being overly sweet.
• Smooth Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter blends smoothly, ensuring every bite is luscious.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the chocolate and peanut butter melt seamlessly together.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash brightens the flavor and adds warmth.
• Powdered Sugar: The classic coating that gives that signature sweet dusting.
• Festive Sanding Sugar: Adds sparkle, fun texture, and holiday cheer.

Variations

I love how versatile this Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe is — you can easily swap out ingredients or add extra touches to make it your own. Experimenting with flavors is half the fun!

• Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped peanut butter for sunflower seed butter before, and it’s just as creamy and delicious, making it safe for peanut allergy sufferers.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the melted chocolate mixture gives this snack a surprising but delightful twist—my husband couldn’t get enough.
• White Chocolate Swap: I once tried white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, and the sweetness paired beautifully with the festive sugar for a fun variation.
• Mix-Ins: Consider tossing in mini marshmallows, M&Ms, or even crushed peppermint candies for an extra holiday flair and texture.

How to Make Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Cereal Ready

Start by measuring out 9 cups of Chex cereal into a really large mixing bowl. I always use a bowl bigger than I think I need because once you add the chocolate mixture, everything needs room to be folded gently without crushing the cereal. It’s such a simple step but gives you more fluffy puppy chow in the end!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Butter

On medium heat, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure they melt into one glossy, smooth mixture. When it’s completely melted, remove your pan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes—that little rest helps coat the cereal without melting or breaking it.

Step 3: Gently Coat the Cereal

Now, pour the chocolate mixture over your cereal in thirds. This is my secret for evenly coating without making a big sticky mess. Fold the cereal with a spatula gently after each addition, taking care not to crush those little pieces. You want every bite to be perfectly coated but still crisp.

Step 4: Add the Sugars

Combine 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup festive sanding sugar in a large, airtight plastic bag or big bowl. Add the cereal mixture in batches, shaking or tossing gently to completely cover every piece in that snowy, sparkly sugar. Then spread it out on a wax paper-lined rimmed baking sheet to settle.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Pop the baking sheet in the fridge for about an hour to let everything firm up. When you pull it out, you’ll have that irresistible, crunchy, sweet, and festive puppy chow that’s ready to be enjoyed or gifted. Store at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.

How to Serve Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle an extra pinch of sanding sugar right before serving to add that wintery sparkle, and sometimes a little mini candy cane crush for festive pops of mint flavor. It’s those little garnishes that make a big impression at holiday parties!

Side Dishes

Puppy chow is such a crave-worthy snack, I often pair it with hot cocoa or spiced cider. It also works sweetly alongside holiday cookies or a cheese board for a fun dessert mix.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this in festive mason jars tied with a ribbon for gifts or individual snack bags with colorful holiday stickers. I’ve also layered puppy chow in clear glass bowls with candy canes or peppermint sticks poking out—always a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps its crunch for about a week, making it easy to enjoy bites over multiple days without losing that fresh, crispy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen puppy chow in zip-top bags a few times, and it freezes beautifully. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes—no microwaving needed—and it tastes like freshly made.

Reheating

Since this is a snack mix, reheating isn’t necessary. But if the chocolate hardens after freezing, letting it sit out or briefly warming it (no more than a few seconds in the microwave) softens the coating without making it sticky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Chocolate Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe is one of those joyful treats I make every year because it brings back warm, cozy memories and never fails to bring smiles around the house. I love how quick it is yet so memorable — perfect for holiday gift baskets or a fun snack to leave out for Santa. Give it a whirl, and I swear you’ll add it to your holiday traditions too!

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