Christmas Muddy Buddies – Puppy Chow – easy, no bake holiday treat that’s always a hit! Chocolate and peanut butter coated Chex cereal dusted with powdered sugar and studded with holiday M&M’s makes the perfect holiday sweet snack.

You may have already tried something like these Christmas Muddy Buddies by another name:

Puppy Chow
Christmas Puppy Chow
Reindeer Chow
Christmas Reindeer Chow

or even Christmas Crack – because it’s practically addictive! Once you start eating, you can’t stop! My version is studded with red and green M&M’s – the ideal treat this time of year.

Why I love this recipe:

It’s not just me – my family loves Puppy Chow too!

Red and green M&M’s adds flavor and makes the class treat festive!

This recipe is super easy and a great one to get kids into the kitchen.

Ingredients needed for Christmas Muddy Buddies:

semisweet chocolate chips
peanut butter (you’ll want to use creamy peanut butter)
butter
vanilla
rice Chex cereal (if you prefer you can use corn Chex mix cereal)
powdered sugar
holiday (red/green) M&M’s
cookie sheet
parchment or wax paper

How to make this Christmas Muddy Buddies (puppy chow):

Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper then set aside.

Place the chocolate chips, cup of peanut butter and butter in a medium size microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for one minute (uncovered) to melt the chocolate chips then stir.

If needed, microwave another 30 seconds only until the chocolate peanut butter mixture is smooth and creamy then fold in the vanilla.

Add the cereal to a large mixing bowl then pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the top. Gently stir to evenly coat the cereal being careful not to crush the cereal.

Transfer the coated cereal to a large Ziploc bag then sprinkle the powered sugar over the top. Seal the bag and gently shake until the cereal is well coated.

Spread the mix onto the baking sheet then let it sit on then counter until it’s cool and the chocolate is set.

Add M&M’s, toss to coat then store until you’re ready to eat.

How to store Christmas Muddy Buddies:

Cool muddy buddies to room temperature then store in an airtight container on the counter up to one week.

Depending on the temp in your house, you may need to store in the fridge.

Subs and variations to this recipe:

Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
Substitute corn or even chocolate Chex cereal.
Use plain, peanut or peanut butter M&M’s. You can even add mini peanut butter cups instead of M&M’s.
Add candy hearts for a Valentine’s treat.

More easy holiday sweets:

Grinch Cookies – easy cookie recipe from CAKE MIX! Kids of all ages love these soft bright green cookies with a candy heart.

Snowball Christmas Cookies – buttery, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth cookies rolled in powdered sugar. This holiday classic is a must-make.

Cake Mix Sprinkle Cookies – another easy CAKE MIX cookie recipe with just 4 INGREDIENTS! Add red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday treat or customize for any holiday!

Delicious, festive and fun to make. I’ll be making some to kick off the holiday season. Set a batch of Holiday Puppy Chow out at your Christmas party and watch it disappear!

Enjoy!