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    Home » Recipes » Baking & Desserts

    Valentines Puppy Chow Recipe

    Published: Feb 8, 2023 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    This easy Valentine's Puppy Chow recipe takes only minutes to make but will put a smile on everyone's face! Let your loved ones know how much they mean to you with this irresistibly sweet and crunchy snack! It makes an adorable Valentine's Day treat!

    Valentine's puppy chow made with pink m and m's and white chocolate chips in a white serving dish, with a tray of puppy chow in the background. this …

    Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your whole family how much you care than with this homemade Valentine's Puppy Chow!

    It is the perfect blend of sweet and salty and makes the perfect treat for Valentine's parties.

    This recipe is so easy, your kids can even help make it.

    For a sweet Christmas treat, try my Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe. I make this on repeat through the holiday season!

    Jump to:
    • 💗 Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • 📋 Ingredient Notes
    • 🥣 Step-By-Step Instructions
    • 💭Expert Tips
    • 🧾 Recipe FAQs
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 More Sweet Treats You'll Love
    • 📋 Recipe

    💗 Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • This is an easy recipe made with simple ingredients.
    • This is a no-bake recipe, so it is extremely quick to make.
    • This is a fun recipe that kids can help with.
    • The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar is irresistible.
    • This sweet treat is great for birthday parties, Valentines Day parties, or movie nights!
    • Wrap up a serving in pretty cellophane and give it away as a Valentine's treat!
    • Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a delicious treat made with love!

    📋 Ingredient Notes

    The ingredients for this recipe are easy to find at your local grocery store.

    The ingredients for Valentine's puppy chow measured out and placed on a white countertop.
    • Rice Chex. I used gluten-free Rice Chex cereal, but you could use your favorite Chex cereal.
    • Semi-sweet chocolate chips. I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you could use milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet 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!
    • Pretzels. I used mini pretzels, but you could also use pretzel sticks, or leave them out if you don't want them.
    • Valentine's M&M's and white chocolate chips. I used pink, red, and white M&Ms (Cupid's Mix) and white chocolate chips. You could also use mini marshmallows, peanuts, or Valentine's sprinkles. Also, feel free to use different colors of M&Ms or candy such as conversation hearts.

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

    🥣 Step-By-Step Instructions

    Step 1: Add the pretzels to a large mixing bowl and the entire box of Rice Chex (about 9-10 cups). Set aside.

    The pretzels and Chex cereal in a large stainless steel 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 medium-low heat, constantly stirring until smooth and velvety.

    Step 3: Add vanilla extract and stir until combined.

    Peanut butter, butter, and semi-sweet chocolate chips added to a saucepan.
    Peanut butter, butter, and semi-sweet chocolate chips melted in a saucepan and stirred until smooth.

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

    The melted peanut butter mixture poured on top of the Chex and pretzels in the mixing bowl.
    The melted peanut butter mixture mixed toghether with the Chex and pretzels in the mixing 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 and half the white chocolate chips. Seal the bag. Shake until the cereal is coated. You can also use a large bowl instead of a large plastic bag.

    The icing sugar added to a plastic bag with the chocolate mixture covered Chex cereal and pretzels.
    The Valentine's M&Ms and white chocolate chips added to the icing sugar and Chex mixture in a plastic bag.

    Step 6: Transfer the puppy chow mix to a large baking sheet covered in wax paper or parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining Chex mixture, powdered sugar, M&M's, and white chocolate chips.

    The prepared puppy chow on a baking sheet.

    Step 7: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. I 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 prepared puppy chow in a white serving bowl, with a baking sheet full of it in the background.

    💭Expert Tips

    • Use dark chocolate chips with peanut butter for maximum flavor.
    • It makes the perfect Valentine's Day treat.
    • Make sure to only mix half of the mixture with the powdered sugar at a time.
    • Cover each piece in powdered sugar evenly for balanced sweetness.
    • For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or mini marshmallows.
    • Use two large baking sheets, and spread the puppy chow snack mix in a single layer.
    • For best results, let the mixture chill in the fridge or freezer before serving.
    • Store a Ziploc bag full of Chex mix puppy chow in the freezer - it tastes great chilled!

    🧾 Recipe FAQs

    Why is it called puppy chow?

    The origin of this delicious snack dates back to World War II. The snack was served to soldiers in the Army, who jokingly referred to it as "Puppy Chow" because it reminded them of dog food.

    Is Muddy Buddy the same as puppy chow?

    Yes, Muddy Buddy is essentially the same as Puppy Chow. It is also known by the names of Reindeer Chow and Monkey Mix.

    Can you freeze puppy chow?

    Yes, you can freeze Puppy Chow. Place it in an airtight container or in a Ziploc bag. Place it in the freezer and grab a handful whenever you want a snack!

    Can puppy chow snacks spoil?

    Yes, Puppy Chow snacks can spoil if not properly stored. To avoid this, it is recommended that the mix be kept in an air-tight container or Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    Valentine's puppy chow made with pink m and m's and white chocolate chips in a white serving dish, with a tray of puppy chow in the background.

    👩🏻‍🍳 More Sweet Treats You'll Love

    • Refreshing watermelon salad in a white serving bowl, topped with a fresh basil leaf, with sliced lime beside it.
      Easy Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta and Honey Glaze
    • Pineapple chicken stir fry in a white bowl, topped with sliced green onion and sesame seeds, with chopsticks
      Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
    • Homemade Irish soda bread baked in a cast iron skillet.
      Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe Without Buttermilk
    • A creamy shamrock protein shake in a tall glass, topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.
      Easy Shamrock Protein Shake Recipe (Healthy Smoothie)

    If you like this post on this Valentine's Day Puppy Chow Recipe, please take a moment to rate the recipe 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and leave a comment below with your thoughts!

    📋 Recipe

    Valentine's puppy chow made with pink m and m's and white chocolate chips in a white serving dish, with a tray of puppy chow in the background.

    Valentines Puppy Chow Recipe

    This easy Valentine's Puppy Chow recipe takes only minutes to make but will put a smile on everyone's face! Let your loved ones know how much they mean to you with this irresistibly sweet and crunchy snack! It makes an adorable Valentine's Day treat!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 3 minutes
    Servings: 30 servings
    Calories: 246kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Large mixing bowl
    • Wooden spoon
    • Baking Sheet
    • Ziploc bags

    Ingredients

    • 9-10 cups Rice Chex Cereal 1 box
    • 2 cups mini pretzels
    • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • ¾ cup peanut butter
    • ¼ cup butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1½ cups powdered sugar
    • ¾ cup Valentine M&Ms
    • ¾ cup white chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • Step 1: Add the pretzels to a large mixing bowl, along with the entire box of Rice Chex (about 9-10 cups). Set aside.
    • 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 medium-low heat, constantly stirring until smooth and velvety.
    • Step 3: Add vanilla extract and stir until combined.
    • Step 4: Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal mixture. 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 chocolate-coated cereal to the bag, along with half of the M&Ms and half the white chocolate chips. Seal the bag. Shake until the cereal is coated. You can also use a large bowl instead of a large plastic bag.
    • Step 6: Transfer the puppy chow mix to a large baking sheet covered in wax paper or parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining Chex mixture, powdered sugar, M&M's, and white chocolate chips.
    • Step 7: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. I 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:
    • Use dark chocolate chips with peanut butter for maximum flavor.
    • It makes the perfect Valentine's Day treat
    • Make sure to only mix half of the mixture with the powdered sugar at a time.
    • Cover each piece in powdered sugar evenly for balanced sweetness.
    • For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or mini marshmallows.
    • Use two large baking sheets, and spread the puppy chow snack mix in a single layer.
    • For best results, let the mixture chill in the fridge or freezer before serving.
    • Store a Ziploc bag full of Chex mix puppy chow in the freezer - it tastes great chilled!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 4mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

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    Hi, I'm Jeri!

    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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