Your New Favorite Holiday Tradition is Here!
Hey there, friend! Olivia here, waving at you from my wonderfully messy kitchen. Can you smell that? It’s not the scent of sugar cookies or a roasting turkey just yet, but something equally magical and utterly irresistible. It’s the smell of chocolate and peanut butter melding together, about to transform a simple cereal into a holiday legend. I’m talking about Christmas Puppy Chow, or as I love to call it, Reindeer Chow!
If you’ve never experienced the pure, unadulterated joy of Puppy Chow, you are in for the treat of a lifetime. This no-bake wonder is the ultimate party snack, the perfect last-minute gift, and the secret weapon for anyone who needs a little burst of sugary, crunchy joy during the busy holiday season. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone—from the littlest elf to the most distinguished grandpa—light up with excitement.
And the best part? You don’t need any fancy chef skills or hours of free time. In about 15 minutes, with a microwave and a big bowl, you can create a treat that feels like a warm, festive hug. It’s a foolproof recipe that I turn to year after year when I need to feed a crowd, fill a gift bag with something homemade, or simply satisfy my own craving for something sweet, salty, and spectacularly festive. So, tie on your favorite (probably flour-dusted) apron, and let’s make some magic together!
A Messy Bowl of Christmas Memories
This recipe takes me right back to my grandma’s linoleum-floored kitchen. I couldn’t have been more than eight years old, standing on a wobbly step-stool, my hands covered in a thick layer of powdered sugar that made me look like a tiny, flour-dusted ghost. My grandma, a woman who believed joy was best measured in cups and teaspoons, was teaching me how to make her “famous” Puppy Chow for the first time.
I remember the sheer wonder of watching the chocolate and peanut butter melt into a glossy river in her big yellow mixing bowl. I remember her handing me the bag—a brown paper one, because zip-top bags were a luxury back then—and the two of us shaking it with all our might, giggling as the powdered sugar snowed down over the cereal. We made a colossal mess. There was powdered sugar on the counter, on the floor, and definitely in my hair. But when we finally poured that glorious, sweet rubble into a bowl and added the colorful M&Ms, it felt like we had created treasure.
That messy, joyful afternoon is baked into this recipe for me. Every time I make Reindeer Chow, I’m not just making a snack; I’m honoring that tradition of togetherness, of finding magic in the simple act of creating something delicious with someone you love. It’s a reminder that the best holiday memories aren’t always perfect—they’re often a little messy, and that’s what makes them perfect.
Gathering Your Reindeer Chow Ingredients
One of the things I adore about this recipe is its beautiful simplicity. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now! Here’s everything you’ll need, along with a few of my chef-y insights to help you understand the “why” behind each one.
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal: This is our blank canvas! Rice Chex is light, crispy, and has all those lovely nooks and crannies to hold onto our chocolate coating. Chef’s Insight: I don’t recommend substituting with Corn Chex or Wheat Chex here, as they have a much stronger flavor that can overpower the delicate chocolate-peanut butter balance.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The rich, chocolatey foundation. Substitution Tip: Feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a deeper, less sweet flavor, or milk chocolate if that’s your family’s preference. Just avoid chocolate that’s already sweetened with things like candy coatings, as it can seize up when melting.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: This is our glue and our flavor powerhouse! It adds a salty, nutty depth that makes the chocolate sing. Substitution Tip: For a nut-free version, SunButter (made from sunflower seeds) works amazingly well and gives a similar color and texture.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: A little fat helps create a smooth, pourable coating that clings to the cereal. Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness. Chef’s Insight: If you only have salted butter, that’s totally fine! Just know your final product will have a slightly saltier kick.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The secret weapon! Vanilla rounds out all the flavors and adds a warm, aromatic note that makes the whole thing taste more homemade. Don’t skip it!
- 1½ cups powdered sugar: This is what gives Puppy Chow its iconic, snowy, “chow” look. It creates a sweet shell around each piece. Chef’s Hack: Sift your powdered sugar if it’s lumpy for the most even coating.
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms: The festive confetti! They add a brilliant pop of color and a little chocolate crunch. Fun Twist: Use the peanut butter or caramel M&Ms for an extra flavor surprise!
- ½ cup mini pretzels, broken into pieces: This is my personal addition. The salty crunch is a game-changer and cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (optional): Because more is more when it comes to Christmas! They add extra sparkle and fun.
Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready? This comes together so fast, so have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. We’re about to create some holiday wizardry!
- Create the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Elixir. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Pop it in the microwave and heat on high for 30 seconds. Take it out and give it a good stir. It won’t look melted yet, and that’s okay! We’re being gentle. Heat for another 30 seconds, stir again. You’ll see it starting to get smooth. Chef’s Hack: The key here is patience! Microwaving in short bursts and stirring well in between prevents the chocolate from burning or seizing. It should only take 60-90 seconds total to become a gorgeous, glossy, stir-able sauce.
- Wake it up with Vanilla. Once your chocolate mixture is smooth and lump-free, stir in that teaspoon of vanilla extract. You’ll get this wonderful aromatic puff of steam—that’s the smell of victory! The vanilla really wakes up the other flavors, so make sure it’s fully incorporated.
- The Gentle Coating Ceremony. Now, gently pour the 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into the bowl. Using a large silicone spatula, fold the cereal into the chocolate sauce. Be patient and kind here—you want to coat every single piece without turning them into crumbs. Chef’s Tip: I like to lift from the bottom and fold over the top, almost like I’m folding egg whites. This technique is much gentler than stirring aggressively.
- The Great Powdered Sugar Shake! This is the fun part! Carefully transfer your coated cereal into a large, gallon-sized zip-top bag. Alternatively, you can use a large container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag (double-check that seal, trust me!), and shake, shake, shake! Shake it like a Polaroid picture, shake it like you’re trying to win a prize at the fair! You want every piece to be beautifully coated in that snowy white sugar.
- Let it Cool and Set. Dump the contents of the bag out onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it into an even layer. This allows the chocolate to set and prevents the whole thing from clumping into one giant block. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes. Chef’s Hack: If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to speed up the process.
- The Grand Finale: Add the Festive Bits! Once the mixture is completely cool and the coating is set, transfer it to a large serving bowl. Now, stir in the colorful M&Ms, the broken pretzel pieces, and your festive sprinkles. Adding them at the end ensures they stay crunchy and vibrant and don’t get stained by the powdered sugar.
- Store with Love. Your Christmas Puppy Chow is ready to devour! Keep any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay perfectly fresh and crunchy for up to a week.
How to Serve Your Reindeer Chow
Presentation is part of the fun! I love serving this in a big, rustic wooden bowl that lets all the colorful M&Ms and sprinkles shine. For a party, you can set out little festive bowls or mugs so guests can help themselves. But my absolute favorite way to share the joy is by packaging it up in clear cellophane bags, tying them with a pretty ribbon, and handing them out as edible gifts to neighbors, teachers, and friends. It’s a little bag of holiday cheer that says, “I made this just for you.”
Get Creative: Fun Recipe Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic, feel free to play with the formula! Here are a few of my favorite twists:
- White Christmas Chow: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips. Use Christmas-colored M&Ms and maybe even some dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
- Peppermint Bark Chow: Use dark chocolate chips and add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract with the vanilla. Stir in crushed candy canes at the end instead of sprinkles.
- Elf Trail Mix Chow: Make it even more snack-like by adding ½ cup of holiday-shaped marshmallows and ½ cup of peanuts or almonds along with the M&Ms.
- Double Pretzel Crunch: For the salty-sweet lovers, double the amount of pretzels! The extra saltiness is absolutely addictive.
- Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free: Use certified gluten-free Chex and pretzels. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative (like coconut oil) and use dairy-free chocolate chips. It works like a charm!
Olivia’s Chef Notes & Kitchen Stories
This recipe has been on quite a journey with me. The first time I made it for a holiday party as an adult, I was so proud. I brought it in a beautiful glass jar, beaming as my friends dug in. What I didn’t realize was that I had added the M&Ms while the mixture was still warm. Let’s just say my beautiful red and green candies turned into a lovely, but slightly murky, shade of brown. The flavor was still there, but the festive flair was… not. We all had a good laugh about my “camouflage chow,” and it taught me a valuable lesson: patience and timing are everything!
Over the years, I’ve added the pretzels for that salty crunch, and I’ve become a zealot about letting the base cool completely. This recipe is forgiving and fun, but it also rewards a little care. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. The best family traditions often start with a happy accident in the kitchen.
Your Questions, Answered!
Over the years, I’ve gotten a few repeat questions about this recipe. Here are the answers to help you troubleshoot like a pro!
Q: My chocolate mixture seized up and got clumpy! What did I do wrong and can I fix it?
A: This usually happens if the chocolate gets too hot or a tiny bit of steam/water gets into the bowl. Don’t panic! Try stirring in a teaspoon of very hot (but not boiling) water, one teaspoon at a time, and stirring vigorously. Sometimes this can bring it back to a smooth state. If that doesn’t work, you can also try adding a tiny bit more melted butter or peanut butter to loosen it up.
Q: Can I make this without a microwave?
A: Absolutely! You can melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (this is called a double boiler). Make sure the bottom of the bowl isn’t touching the water. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth.
Q: My Puppy Chow got soft and lost its crunch after a couple of days. Why?
A> This is almost always a moisture issue! Make sure the mixture is 100% cooled to room temperature before you put it in an airtight container. If you seal it while it’s even slightly warm, the steam will get trapped and make everything soft. Also, double-check that your container is truly airtight.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: You can, but I’d recommend making two separate batches for the coating and shaking steps. If you try to coat 18 cups of cereal in one bowl and one bag, it’s very difficult to get everything evenly covered without creating a mountain of crumbs. Doing two batches ensures perfect, non-crumbly results.
Christmas Puppy Chow (Reindeer Chow)
Description
Christmas Puppy Chow (Reindeer Chow)
A no-bake, chocolate-peanut butter holiday treat with a snowy powdered sugar coating and festive mix-ins.
Perfect for parties, gifts, or cozy holiday snacking.
Ingredients
-
9 cups Rice Chex cereal
-
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark/milk chocolate)
-
½ cup creamy peanut butter (or SunButter for nut-free)
-
¼ cup unsalted butter (or salted if needed)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1½ cups powdered sugar
-
1 cup red & green M&Ms
-
½ cup mini pretzels, broken
-
½ cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
-
Melt Chocolate & Peanut Butter:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy (about 60–90 sec). -
Add Vanilla:
Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated. -
Coat Cereal:
Gently fold the 9 cups of Rice Chex into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture with a spatula, coating each piece evenly. -
Powdered Sugar Shake:
Transfer coated cereal to a large gallon-sized zip-top bag or container. Add powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake until every piece is coated. -
Cool & Set:
Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it set for 15–20 minutes at room temperature. -
Add Mix-Ins:
Once cooled, stir in M&Ms, broken pretzels, and optional sprinkles. -
Serve & Store:
Serve in a large bowl or package in gift bags. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
-
White Christmas Chow: Use white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
-
Peppermint Bark Chow: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
-
Elf Trail Mix Chow: Add holiday-shaped marshmallows and nuts.
-
Double Pretzel Crunch: Use extra pretzels for more salty-sweet goodness.
-
Nutrition
- Calories: 230cal Per Serving
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Nutritional Information*
*Please note: This is an approximate estimate calculated using an online nutrition tool. Values can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Per Serving (approx. 1/2 cup): Calories: 230 | Total Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 105mg | Total Carbohydrates: 30g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 18g | Protein: 3g
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12
Sweet, crunchy, and full of Christmas spirit—this recipe is an easy crowd-pleaser that brings joy in every single bite. I can’t wait for you to make it and create your own delicious memories. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!
With love and a sprinkle of powdered sugar,
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Snack
And there you have it—the secret to creating not just a treat, but a memory. This Christmas Puppy Chow is a reminder that the greatest holiday magic isn’t found in perfection, but in the joyful, powdered-sugar-dusted moments we share. It’s the recipe you’ll turn to when you need a quick dose of festive spirit, a homemade gift from the heart, or a simple project to connect with the ones you love.
I hope this recipe finds its way into your kitchen and becomes a cherished part of your holiday hustle and bustle, bringing with it the same messy, wonderful joy it’s brought to mine for years.
Now, I’d love to see your creations! What fun variations did you try? Tag me in your photos so I can see your beautiful, festive bowls. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, love, and countless delicious moments.
