Puppy Chow is an easy no-bake treat made with crunchy Chex cereal coated in chocolate and peanut butter, then tossed in powdered sugar. It takes only about 15 minutes and always disappears fast at parties, movie nights, holidays, and family gatherings.
We have been making this recipe for as long as we can remember. My sisters and I even used to make and sell Puppy Chow at boutiques when we were younger, and now it is still one of those simple treats we make for our own families.
Whether you call it Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, or Muddy Munch, this classic chocolate peanut butter snack is always a hit. For more easy no-bake treats, try our Puppy Chow Popcorn, White Trash and Sweet Chex Mix.
Why You’ll Love It + Why It Works:
- Ready in 15 Minutes. This no-bake treat comes together quickly with just six simple ingredients.
- A Family Favorite. We have made Puppy Chow since we were kids, and my sisters and I even used to sell it at boutiques when we were younger.
- Low Heat Keeps It Smooth. Gently melting the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter keeps the coating smooth instead of scorched.
- Gentle Mixing Keeps It Crunchy. Folding the chocolate mixture into the cereal helps coat every piece without crushing it.
- Shaking Gives an Even Coating. Tossing the cereal with powdered sugar in a large bag covers the pieces evenly while keeping cleanup simple.
Puppy Chow Ingredients
- Rice or Corn Chex cereal (9 cups): Light, crisp squares with pockets that hold the chocolate peanut butter coating. Rice Chex and Corn Chex are gluten-free, but always check all ingredient labels if making the entire recipe gluten-free.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts smooth for a balanced chocolate flavor that sets nicely. Or use milk chocolate, dark chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): Adds peanut butter flavor and helps the chocolate coating cling to the cereal. We prefer regular creamy peanut butter for the smoothest coating. Almond butter or seed butter can also be used, but the texture may vary.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup): Loosens the mixture to a pourable glaze and adds buttery flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the chocolate and peanut butter with warm aroma.
- Powdered sugar (1½ cups): Coats the cereal so pieces do not stick, giving that classic snowy finish.
- Add-ins (optional): M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, mini marshmallows, pretzels, peanuts, or seasonal candies. Stir them in after the Puppy Chow has cooled.
How to Make Puppy Chow
PREP. Place 9 cups cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
SAUCE. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the 1 cup chocolate chips, ½ cup peanut butter, and 1/3 cup butter by combining and cooking these until smooth (stirring frequently). Remove from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
COAT. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir with a spatula until evenly coated. Transfer the coated cereal to a 2-gallon zip-top bag. Add 1½ cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until every piece is well coated.
SERVE. Spread the Puppy Chow in a single layer on waxed or parchment paper and let it cool completely before serving or storing. This helps the chocolate set and keeps the cereal crisp and less clumpy.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Melt It Gently. Keep the heat low and stir often so the chocolate mixture melts smoothly without scorching.
- Microwave in Short Bursts. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals and stir between each one until smooth.
- Stir Gently. Fold the chocolate mixture into the cereal so the pieces stay whole and crunchy.
- Use a Big Bag. A 2-gallon zip-top bag gives the cereal room to move so the powdered sugar coats it evenly.
- Cool Completely. Spread the Puppy Chow in a single layer before storing so it stays crisp and does not clump together.
- Add Candy Last. Stir in M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, pretzels, or seasonal candy after the Puppy Chow has cooled.
Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex Cereal, rice or corn
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place 9 cups cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Cook, stirring frequently, until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir with a spatula until evenly coated. Transfer the coated cereal to a 2-gallon zip-top bag. Add 1½ cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until every piece is well coated.
- Spread the Puppy Chow in a single layer on waxed or parchment paper and let it cool completely before serving or storing. This helps the chocolate set and keeps the cereal crisp and less clumpy.
Notes
- S’mores: Prepare puppy chow as directed, then mix in 4 cups Golden Grahams and 2 cups mini marshmallows.
- Cookies and cream: Add about 8 crushed Oreos to the bag along with the powdered sugar.
- Holiday: Add 1 cup of holiday M&M’s or other holiday-colored candies to the mix.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQ
Make sure the cereal cools completely before storing it. Trapping warmth in an airtight container can soften the cereal.
Add the powdered sugar while the chocolate coating is still slightly warm and tacky, then shake until every piece is covered.
Yes. Use another creamy nut or seed butter, keeping in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Yes. Cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Place cooled puppy chow in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw before eating.
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This recipe was first shared in November 2011.
Since this “puppy chow” contains chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, it is for human consumption only.
Family favorite year round! So easy to make and everyone enjoys. Have experimented with other flavors of Chex mix cereal. Really like Cinnamon Chex Mix.
These are a favorite at our house! We have them all year long, not just at Christmas
This is my daughters favorite sweet treat! It is so easy to make and perfect for sending to her in the mail while she is away at college. Love that it only needs simple ingredients I usually have in my pantry.
Great recipe. I will definitely be trying the s’mores variation next time!