The recipe for Christmas Puppy Chow was passed down to me from a dear friend who, just like me, loves keeping things straightforward in the kitchen. When you combine crunchy snacks with an irresistible sweet coating, you simply can’t go wrong. Growing up, my kids loved picking out their favorite parts – be it the mini pretzel pieces or their much-adored brightly colored M&Ms. And let’s not overlook the powdered sugar coating; it acts as the magical dust that ties it all together.
Whenever the kids begged for a winter vacation snack, this was the go-to treat. I vividly recall the squeals of delight as they discovered each bite’s unique mix. What makes it special is not just its taste, but how it brings everyone together – whether it’s assembling the mix or waiting impatiently for the sweet aromas to fill the air while it chills. Even now, as they turn the mixing spoons themselves, it reminds me of how we shared these joyous moments, not to mention a few sticky fingers.
And it isn’t just during the holidays that this treat finds its way onto our table. It’s perfect for cozy family movie nights, where everyone’s snuggled up together under blankets. The fun part about Christmas Puppy Chow is that there’s room for creativity. We’ve had moments where I’ve handed over the reins to the kids, allowing them to add their own twist, perhaps by incorporating new candies or sprinkling their favorite nuts.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, I believe this recipe offers such delightful versatility that it’s bound to become part of your treasured family traditions. Let’s dive into how you can make this sugary masterpiece yourself. Trust me; it’s as heartwarming to make as it is delicious to eat!
How to Make Christmas Puppy Chow
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Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
- 1 ½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups mini pretzels, broken
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms
Directions:
- Begin by placing the Rice Chex and broken pretzels in a large bowl.
- Next, melt the chocolate chips together with the creamy peanut butter using a stove or microwave; keep mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour this chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the prepared bowl of cereal and pretzels. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure they’re all well coated.
- Transfer the bowl into the refrigerator and allow the mixture to slightly firm up for about 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, place half a cup of powdered sugar in a new large bowl. Add half of your chilled cereal mixture on top.
- Follow with another half-cup of powdered sugar. Add the remaining cereal mixture and finish with the rest of the powdered sugar, tossing until completely coated.
- Chill the combined mix again in the fridge for an additional 30–60 minutes until it solidifies.
- Once set, incrementally add any extra powdered sugar to reach your desired coating thickness.
- Finish by folding in the mini peanut butter cups and red and green M&Ms. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Storing Suggestion:
Christmas Puppy Chow should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll remain fresh and crispy for about 5 to 7 days. To maintain its delightful crunch, ensure the container’s lid is tightly sealed after each use.
Cooking Tips:
If you’re out of creamy peanut butter, substituting with almond butter adds a twist yet keeps the umami. Consider using dark chocolate to balance sweetness if you find it overpowering. Above all, melt the chocolate mixture carefully on low, preventing any burning.
Serving Suggestions:
This delightful snack pairs wonderfully with homemade hot cocoa or spiced tea. For added holiday flair, serve in festive-themed bowls or ramekins. Garnish with some extra M&Ms atop for a splash of color at your holiday gatherings.
Ingredient Substitutions:
Switch the Rice Chex with cornflakes or any cereal of choice for variety. For pretzel alternatives, try salted mixed nuts. Replace M&Ms with another candy that offers colorful flair, or add sunflower seeds to incorporate another texture.
Seasonal Variations:
Incorporate seasonal candies to adapt this treat, like pastel chocolates for Easter or themed candies for Halloween. During summers, swap in fresh berries for a light twist or freeze-dried fruits for a festive variation you’d swear was crafted just for you.
FAQs:
What if my chocolate mixture is too thick?
If your chocolate-peanut butter mixture becomes too thick, try adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter to thin it out. Stir it in gently over low heat to avoid scorching. This addition helps to create a smoother mixture that coats the cereal evenly.
Can I make Christmas Puppy Chow ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container. This will help free up your schedule for other holiday preparations, and the treat will taste just as fresh!
Is there a way to make a healthier version?
You can certainly try a healthier version by using natural peanut butter, dark chocolate, and reducing the powdered sugar to your taste. Consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to keep the festivity while cutting down on the more sugary elements.
Why must the mix be chilled in stages?
Chilling in stages helps the mixture to set and the powdered sugar to adhere better, ensuring even coating. It allows the chocolate-peanut butter blend to thicken gradually, preventing the dessert from becoming one sticky mess.
What can I do if my Puppy Chow gets soggy?
If it becomes soggy, spread the mix on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a few more minutes. Alternatively, refrigerate it without covering to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Ensure your airtight container is really sealed properly for future batches.
What can I include to spice things up?
You could add a pinch of sea salt or cinnamon for an extra punch of flavor, enhancing the sweet and savory profile. Experimenting with different types of nuts or seeds can also provide a crunchy variation while keeping it tasty.
Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups
- 1 ½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups mini pretzels, broken
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&Ms
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal and pretzel pieces.
- Melt the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter together over low heat on the stovetop, or microwave in short intervals until smooth.
- Pour the smooth chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels, stirring gently to coat everything well.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until it just starts to firm up.
- After chilling, transfer the mixture into a new large bowl. Add ½ cup of powdered sugar to the bottom, then layer in half of your cereal mixture, followed by another ½ cup of powdered sugar.
- Top with the remaining mixture and sprinkle the last bit of powdered sugar over it. Carefully mix until the cereal is well coated.
- Place back in the fridge for another 30-60 minutes until set.
- Once set, sprinkle more powdered sugar gradually until the desired coating is achieved.
- Finally, fold in the M&Ms and mini peanut butter cups until well mixed.
- Serve in a festive bowl and enjoy right away or store in an airtight container for about 5-7 days at room temperature.
