Christmas Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, are a festive and irresistible treat perfect for the holiday season. This version features a peppermint twist and colorful sprinkles that make it both delicious and fun to serve. Easy to make and great for sharing with friends and family, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 tablespoons nonpareil sprinkles
- 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, add the Chex cereal. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, microwave the white chocolate chips for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Step 3: Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal and gently stir to fully coat the cereal without breaking it. Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon-size plastic bag.
- Step 4: Add the nonpareil sprinkles to the bag and seal it. Shake gently to distribute the sprinkles evenly over the cereal.
- Step 5: Add the confectioner’s sugar to the bag, seal again, and shake until the cereal is evenly coated. Some sugar and sprinkles may not stick, which is normal.
- Step 6: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and spread the cereal mixture in a single layer. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Step 7: Store the finished muddy buddies in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a chocolatey twist, substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips.
- Use peppermint candy cane pieces instead of sprinkles for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the confectioner’s sugar to 1/3 cup.
- Make mini gift bags for holiday gifting using cellophane and ribbons.
Storage
Store the Christmas Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your home is warm, refrigeration can help keep the chocolate from melting but may cause the cereal to lose some crunch. To refresh, allow the treats to sit at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor. Just melt and use them the same way in the recipe.
How do I keep the cereal from getting soggy?
Coating the cereal quickly and allowing the chocolate to harden in the refrigerator helps keep it crisp. Store the finished mix in an airtight container to avoid moisture exposure.
PrintChristmas Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas Muddy Buddies, a delightful twist on classic Puppy Chow. Crunchy Chex cereal is coated with smooth white chocolate infused with peppermint extract, then dusted with confectioner’s sugar and colorful nonpareil sprinkles for a sweet, minty treat perfect for holiday snacking and gifting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cups (serves 8-10) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 tablespoons nonpareil sprinkles
- 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: In a large bowl, add the Chex cereal and set it aside, ensuring the bowl is big enough to mix the cereal with the chocolate coating later.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in additional 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract to infuse the chocolate with festive flavor.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate over the reserved cereal. Gently stir carefully to coat all the cereal pieces well without breaking them. Once coated, transfer the mixture into a large gallon-size plastic bag.
- Add Sprinkles: Add the nonpareil sprinkles to the bag and seal tightly. Shake the bag thoroughly to distribute the sprinkles evenly over the chocolate-coated cereal.
- Coat with Sugar: Add the confectioner’s sugar to the bag. Seal it again and shake vigorously to dust the cereal pieces with the sugar, ensuring an even, sweet coating. Note that not all sugar and sprinkles will stick, which is normal.
- Set the Candy: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Pour the coated cereal mixture onto the sheet in a single layer. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes or until the chocolate hardens completely.
- Serve and Store: Once set, transfer the Christmas Muddy Buddies to an airtight container. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve, keeping the mix fresh and crunchy.
Notes
- Use white chocolate melting wafers for easier melting without seizing.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add additional peppermint extract to taste.
- Shake gently when coating with sugar to prevent breaking the cereal pieces.
- This recipe can be customized with red and green sprinkles to intensify the holiday theme.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Keywords: Christmas Muddy Buddies, Puppy Chow, holiday snack, peppermint white chocolate, festive treat, easy holiday recipe
