Whether you know it as puppy chow or muddy buddies, we can all agree that this Chex mix-based treat is absolutely delicious and addictive. If you’re wondering what in the world we’re talking about, don’t worry, it’s got nothing to do with mud or pet food; puppy chow is a simple sweet that spruces up a box of Chex mix cereal, typically by adding melted chocolate chips, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Everything gets shaken together until the cereal is completely coated, and while it doesn’t look like the most appetizing thing right off the bat, it tastes amazing, and you’ll devour the bowl in no time.
Now that’s traditional puppy chow, and while this recipe uses the classic version as a jumping-off point, it takes a turn with some unexpected flavors that we were thrilled with when we tasted the finished result. Snickerdoodle puppy chow! Instead of chocolate and peanut butter as the main flavors, we used the same cinnamon sugar dusting on top of snickerdoodle cookies as our guiding star for this snack. You still need a binding agent – thank you, white chocolate chips – and then it’s just a matter of perfecting the ratio of cinnamon to sugar in order to strike the perfect snickerdoodle-flavored balance.
Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little while to work the cinnamon sugar mixture and powdered sugar into the chocolate-covered Chex mix, keep shaking, it’ll get there! One thing to note: you can skip the vanilla extract if you want to avoid the white chocolate seizing up. We put it in for the flavor, knowing that the chocolate would loosen up again when we kept stirring, but it’s still just as tasty without it, so it’s up to you. Even if you’re die-hard fans of the traditional version, give this a shot and see what you think; it’s sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, and the cinnamon really gives it a nice warmth…we’re totally hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Snickerdoodle Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The combination of cinnamon and sugar with the crunch of Chex cereal makes for a snack that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, and the recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow, even if you’re not a seasoned chef.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Large Ziploc bag
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
Ingredients
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup mint M&Ms
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, add Rice Chex and set aside.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 25-second increments, stirring well between heating. Be careful not to overheat. When it looks like most of the chips are melted, just keep stirring instead of heating more. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint as well as the butter (if desired).
- Pour the mixture over Chex and stir to combine and evenly coat the cereal. Chill in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer the chocolate Chex mixture to a large Ziploc bag and add powdered sugar. Shake well to coat.
- Transfer back to a bowl and allow it to continue to cool until ready to serve.
- Toss in the M&Ms and extra chocolate chips if desired.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Success
You can use a double boiler method to melt the chocolate instead of the microwave if you prefer. If you want, you can use just the peppermint extract and omit the vanilla in this Christmas Chex Mix. The combination of the two extracts works well, though.
Additional Tips or Variations
This makes for a great gift in holiday jars or mason jars with a big bow on top! This recipe can also be adapted for St. Patrick’s Day by adding green and white M&Ms instead. If there isn’t a special holiday around the corner, regular M&Ms are great as well!
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 206mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 6mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Do I have to use mint M&Ms?
No, you can substitute with any type of M&Ms or leave them out altogether.
How long does this puppy chow last?
It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and eating this Snickerdoodle Puppy Chow as much as we do! It’s a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences with us in the comments below!