The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delightful treats that bring warmth and joy to your home. One such festive favorite is Christmas Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies.
This delicious snack is not only easy to make but also a great addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying the holidays with family, this sweet and crunchy treat is sure to be a hit.
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What is Christmas Puppy Chow?
Christmas Puppy Chow is a scrumptious snack mix made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It gets its festive twist with the addition of holiday-themed candies or sprinkles, making it a colorful and irresistible treat. Despite its name, this snack is for humans only, so be sure to keep it out of reach of your furry friends!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Christmas Puppy Chow, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup of creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of holiday-themed candies (such as red and green M&Ms)
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow
Step 1 In the microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave the mixture on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2 Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 3 Transfer the coated cereal into the large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated with sugar. This step can be a fun activity for kids, as they enjoy giving the bag a good shake!
Step 4 Pour the sugar-coated cereal into a serving bowl. Add the holiday-themed candies and sprinkles, stirring gently to combine. This is where you can get creative with your choice of candies and sprinkles to match your holiday décor.
Step 5 Allow the puppy chow to sit for a few minutes, letting the chocolate mixture firm up slightly. Once set, your Christmas Puppy Chow is ready to serve!
Tips for the Perfect Puppy Chow
- Storage: Store your Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings.
- Allergy-Friendly Option: For those with peanut allergies, consider using almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute. Ensure that the other ingredients are also allergen-free.
- Creative Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. Try using white chocolate instead of semi-sweet, or add pretzels for a salty-sweet combination.
Share the Holiday Spirit
Christmas Puppy Chow is more than just a tasty treat; it’s an opportunity to share holiday cheer with loved ones. Package it in festive bags or jars and give it as a homemade gift to friends, neighbors, or coworkers. This personal touch adds a heartwarming element to your holiday gifting.
In conclusion, Christmas Puppy Chow is a delightful and versatile snack that embodies the spirit of the season. With its easy preparation and festive flair, it’s a must-have for holiday celebrations. So gather your ingredients, invite family and friends, and enjoy making this delicious treat together. Happy holidays and happy snacking!
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Christmas Puppy Chow
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 1 min
Total Time: 6 min
Yield: 8 1x
Category: Easy
Method: Microwave
Cuisine: American
Description
Creating Christmas Puppy Chow is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of this delightful treat:
9 cups of Rice Chex cereal
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup of creamy peanut butter
¼ cup of unsalted butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 ½ cups of powdered sugar
1 cup of holiday-themed candies (such as red and green M&Ms)
Festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In the microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave the mixture on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal into the large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated with sugar. This step can be a fun activity for kids, as they enjoy giving the bag a good shake!
- Pour the sugar-coated cereal into a serving bowl. Add the holiday-themed candies and sprinkles, stirring gently to combine. This is where you can get creative with your choice of candies and sprinkles to match your holiday décor.
- Allow the puppy chow to sit for a few minutes, letting the chocolate mixture firm up slightly. Once set, your Christmas Puppy Chow is ready to serve!
Notes
Package it in festive bags or jars and give it as a homemade gift to friends, neighbors, or coworkers
