Christmas 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.
- Author: Emma
- 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
- 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
- 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