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    Home » Recipes » Baking & Desserts

    Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow)

    Published: Dec 16, 2022 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Christmas muddy buddies on a baking sheet.
    Christmas muddy buddies on a baking sheet.

    Celebrate the Christmas season with this delicious Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (aka Puppy Chow or Reindeer Chow)! Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-bake recipe is the perfect sweet snack to bring cheer to any gathering. The combination of melted chocolate and powdered sugar creates a delightful balance of flavor that will have everyone begging for more!

    Christmas Muddy Buddies spread out on a baking sheet, with Christmas greenery in the background. this …

    Christmas is the perfect time for traditions and special family recipes. And one of my all-time favorite recipes to make for my family is this Christmas Puppy Chow recipe.

    It's a tasty combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Everyone loves this recipe, and it doesn't last long.

    This recipe makes a big batch. I've been known to hide it in the freezer to make it last longer. 🙂

    This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas baking recipes. I always serve it at holiday parties alongside my other snack mix, Smoked Chex Mix.

    Want more Christmas baking ideas for your next holiday party? Check out Old Fashioned Ginger Snap Cookies, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Air Fryer Sugar Cookies, Christmas Crack, and Easy Christmas Fudge.

    Another favorite are these Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Christmas Trees!

    And if you want something low-carb after indulging in Christmas treats, try my Easy 3-Ingredient Keto Chocolate Mousse!

    Jump to:
    • 💗 Why you will love this easy recipe
    • 📋 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
    • 🥣 How to make puppy chow
    • 💭 Expert Tips
    • 🧾 Recipe FAQ's
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 More Christmas cookies you will love
    • 📋 Recipe

    💗 Why you will love this easy recipe

    • It requires only simple ingredients which you can easily find at your local grocery store.
    • It's super easy to make! Literally, anyone can make this in 10 minutes – no baking or cooking experience necessary! This means that even if you’re short on time, you can still whip up a batch for your family and friends.
    • It has an amazing combination of flavors – sweet chocolatey goodness paired with crunchy cereal plus a hint of peanut butter! It is so good!
    • With its festive red and green M&Ms, this treat will look great at a Christmas party!
    • Feel free to customize the ingredients however you want. Whether you want more chocolate chips or less powdered sugar – it's totally up to you!
    • Muddy buddies make great gifts! Add it to a mason jar, wrap it with a bow, and give it away!
    • Muddy buddies are the perfect holiday treat to munch on!

    📋 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

    This festive holiday treat is made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

    The ingredients for Christmas Muddy Buddies recipe measured out and placed on a white countertop.
    • Rice Chex. I used gluten-free Rice Chex, but you could use your favorite Chex cereal.
    • Chocolate chips. I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you could use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chocolate chips, or a combination!
    • Peanut butter. I used smooth peanut butter, which gives it a velvety consistency. I haven't tried it with crunchy peanut butter, but I bet it would be delicious!
    • Christmas m&ms. I used red and green M&Ms. You could also use mini marshmallows, pretzels, or peanuts!

    See the full printable recipe card for quantities and a full list of ingredients.

    🥣 How to make puppy chow

    Step 1: Pour the entire box of Rice Chex (about 9-10 cups) into a large mixing bowl.

    Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.

    Step 2: Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Do this by heating them in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals in the microwave and stirring until smooth; or melt them in the air fryer on the reheat setting, also in 30-second intervals; or melt them in a medium saucepan on the stove over low-medium heat, constantly stirring until smooth and velvety.

    Peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips in a glass bowl.
    Peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter melted in the glass bowl.

    Step 3: Add vanilla extract and stir until combined.

    Step 4: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Chex. Working quickly, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon, being careful not to break up the cereal.

    The melted chocolate mixture poured over the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
    The cereal covered in the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture in a large bowl.

    Step 5: Add ¾ cup of powdered sugar to a large Ziploc bag. Add half of the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag, along with half of the M&Ms. Seal the bag. Shake until the cereal is coated. You can also use a large bowl instead of a large plastic bag.

    Chocolate coated Chex cereal inside a large plastic bag.
    Chex cereal in a large plastic bag, covered with a layer of powdered sugar.

    Step 6: Transfer the cereal to a large cookie sheet covered in wax paper or parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining Chex mixture, powdered sugar, and M&M's.

    The puppy chow holiday treat placed on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.

    Step 7: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. I actually like to store it in a Ziplock bag and keep it in my freezer. Anytime I feel like a sweet treat, I grab a handful and chow down!

    Step 8: Enjoy!

    The puppy chow on a large baking sheet, with Christmas greenery in the background.

    💭 Expert Tips

    • Melt the chocolate slowly and stir it often so it doesn't burn.
    • Quickly mix the melted chocolate mixture into the cereal. Use a large spoon or spatula and scoop up from the bottom.
    • Store in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. This makes it easy to grab a bag whenever you want one! 🙂

    🧾 Recipe FAQ's

    Can muddy buddies be frozen?

    Yes, muddy buddies can be frozen. To freeze, place the treats in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour. Once frozen, transfer the treats to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, eat them cold, or let them thaw at room temperature.

    Do muddy buddies go bad?

    Yes, they can. It is best to store Muddy Buddies at room temperature for 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    How far in advance can you make muddy buddies?

    Muddy buddies can be made up to a week ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to seven days. If you want to make them further in advance, you can freeze them for up to three months.

    Are Muddy Buddies the same as Puppy Chow?

    Yes, Muddy Buddies and Puppy Chow are the same thing. They are both snacks made with Chex cereal, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.

    Why is Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) called Puppy Chow?

    It's called Puppy Chow because it resembles the chow that puppies eat. The snack was originally created in the 1950s as a way to use up stale cereal and has since become a popular treat for people of all ages.

    The muddy buddy mixture placed on a large baking sheet, with Christmas greenery in the background.

    👩🏻‍🍳 More Christmas cookies you will love

    • Old Fashioned Ginger Snap Cookies Recipe
    • Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Recipe with Cake Mix
    • Christmas Crack Recipe With Graham Crackers (Graham Cracker Toffee)
    • Easy Air Fryer Sugar Cookies Recipe

    If you like this post on this Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe, please take a moment to rate the recipe 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and leave a comment below with your thoughts!

    📋 Recipe

    Christmas Muddy Buddies spread out on a baking sheet, with Christmas greenery in the background.

    Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow)

    Celebrate the Christmas season with this delicious Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (aka Puppy Chow or Reindeer Chow)! Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-bake recipe is the perfect sweet snack to bring cheer to any gathering. The combination of melted chocolate and powdered sugar creates a delightful balance of flavor that will have everyone begging for more!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 30 servings
    Calories: 200kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
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    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl large
    • Wooden spoon
    • Baking Sheet
    • Ziploc bags

    Ingredients

    • 9-10 cups Rice Chex cereal 1 box
    • 1½ cups chocolate chips
    • ¾ cup peanut butter
    • ¼ cup butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1½ cups powdered sugar
    • ¾ cup mini Christmas M&Ms red and green

    Instructions

    • Step 1: Pour the entire box of Rice Chex (about 9 cups) into a large mixing bowl.
    • Step 2: Melt the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter. Either do this by heating it in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments in the microwave and stirring until smooth. You can also melt it in the air fryer on the reheat setting at 360 degrees F for 3 minutes, stirring at 30-second intervals. You can also melt it in a medium saucepan on the stove over low-medium heat, constantly stirring until smooth and velvety.
    • Step 3: Add vanilla extract and stir until combined.
    • Step 4: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex. Working quickly, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon, being careful not to break up the cereal.
    • Step 5: Add ¾ cup of powdered sugar to a large Ziploc bag. Add half of the Chex mixture to the bag, along with half of the M&Ms. Zip up the bag and shake it gently to coat all of the cereal.
    • Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a large baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining Chex mixture, powdered sugar, and M&Ms.
    • Step 7: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. I actually like to store it in a Ziplock bag and keep it in my freezer. Anytime I feel like a sweet treat, I grab a handful and chow down!
    • Step 8: Enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.
    Expert Tips:
    • Melt the chocolate slowly and stir it often so it doesn't burn.
    • Quickly mix the melted chocolate mixture into the cereal. Use a large spoon or spatula and scoop up from the bottom.
    • Store in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. This makes it easy to grab a bag whenever you want one! 🙂

    Nutrition

    Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 224IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 3mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

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    I'm a passionate home cook who loves creating easy and delicious recipes for busy families! My goal is to help you make tasty meals quickly so you can spend more time on what matters most-- family!

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