Christmas Muddy Buddies – Puppy Chow – easy, no bake holiday treat! Chocolate and peanut butter coated Chex cereal dusted with a powdered sugar blizard and studded with holiday M&M’s.
You may have already tried something like these Christmas Muddy Buddies by another name:
- Puppy Chow
- Christmas Puppy Chow
- Reindeer Chow
- Christmas Reindeer Chow
- Christmas Crack
– because it’s practically addictive! Once you start eating, you can’t stop!
Lightly crisp with perfect marriage flavors – chocolate and peanut butter finshed off with a blizzard of powdered sugar.
I studded mine with red and green M&M’s – deliciously adorable and practically an edible decoration.
Why I love this recipe:
It’s not just me – my family loves Puppy Chow too. The flavor combo is irresistible.
Red and green M&M’s adds flavor and makes the classic treat festive!
Super easy and a great snack to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients needed for Christmas Muddy Buddies:
- semisweet chocolate chips
- creamy peanut butter
- butter
- vanilla
- rice Chex cereal (can swap corn Chex cereal)
- powdered sugar
- holiday (red/green) M&M’s
- baking 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 it aside.
Place chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a medium size microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for one minute (uncovered) then give it a good stir.
If needed, microwave another 30 seconds – just until the chocolate peanut butter mixture is smooth and creamy then stir in the vanilla.
Add the cereal to a large mixing bowl then pour the chocolate mixture over the top. Gently stir to evenly coat the cereal being careful not to crush it.
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. Work in batches dividing the chocolate if you don’t have a bag big enough for it.
Spread the mix onto the baking sheet and let it sit on then counter until it’s cool and the chocolate is set then add M&M’s.
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!
Christmas Muddy Buddies
Equipment
- large cookie/baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter creamy
- 1/4 cup butter sliced in pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal can use corn Chex
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups holiday M&M's (red/green)
- parchment or wax paper
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper then set aside.
- Place the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a medium size microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high one minute (uncovered) to melt the chocolate chips, then stir. If necessary return the bowl to the micro for another 30 seconds until smooth and creamy then fold in the vanilla. Don't overheat!
- 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 into 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 cool and set the chocolate. Add M&M's tossing to coat then store in an airtight container until you’re ready to eat.
Notes
- White chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
- Corn or even chocolate Chex cereal.
- Swap in peanut or peanut butter M&M's or even mini peanut butter cups.
- Candy heartsValentine's Day.
Bernie – You’re killing me with this chow! My holiday favorite.
Bette
Hahaha – I get it! This stuff is so addictive – thanks Bette!