Puppy Chow – 4 Ingredient Recipe
Puppy Chow (also called Muddy Buddies) is one of my favorite holiday recipes. This recipe is made using only four ingredients and it takes less than ten minutes to make. Try this beloved treat. All you need is Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips (or peanut butter) and powdered sugar.
Did you grow up calling this recipe Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies? I think it may be a regional thing. I grew up saying Puppy Chow in Missouri.
Related: Royal Icing Sugar Cookies, Oreo Truffles, Popcorn Balls, Peanut Butter Fudge, Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
Puppy Chow Ingredients
- Chex Cereal You can use rice Chex cereal or corn Chex- we typically use corn.
- Chocolate chips we typically use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Chips or peanut butter
- Powdered sugar also called confectioner’s sugar
You can absolutely use creamy peanut butter instead of peanut butter baking chips, but I tend to use chips as I usually have them on hand (we bake a lot at our house).
How to make Puppy Chow
In a large bowl, add the cereal. Set aside.
In a medium size bowl, add the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips (or peanut butter). Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate peanut butter mixture is melted. You can also do this over low heat on the stove top.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir to combine. You want to get all the pieces coated in chocolate.
Pour the cereal mix into a large paper bag (like a paper grocery bag) and add the powdered sugar. Close, and shake so everything gets dusted in sugar.
I like to use the corn Chex cereal, but you can use the rice kind or wheat or even mix them.
Why use a paper bag? Most recipes will tell you to mix this in a large (gallon size) ziplock bag, but for this recipe you will need at least two of those bags (or done in two batches), so I like to reuse a paper grocery bag instead. Just make sure if you are reusing something that it is clean and free of debris.
This is a recipe I often make with kids and the big, brown grocery bag works better for them as well. It’s just fun!
Tips & Additions
- Add Candy I love adding Buncha Crunch any time of year.
- Christmas or Seasonal Variation M&Ms are also a great addition and you can buy seasonal colors, like pastels in Spring or red and green for Christmas.
- Autumn Variation Reese’s pieces is always a great addition but the colors are also great for autumn.I love adding candy corn to this puppy chow recipe right around Halloween.
- Add Salt Flaky sea salt can be added at the same time as the powdered sugar to add a little depth of flavor. I love the combination of chocolate and salt! My favorite flaky sea salt for this as well as to top cookies (among other things) is Maldon Sea Salt Flakes.
- How to Freeze You can also freeze a batch of puppy chow after making and store it. It is freezer-safe for at least 2 months.
- Where to Serve This is a great recipe for bringing to a party, movie night or holiday gathering. It also makes a great gift idea for friends and neighbors.
- Alternative Ingredients Some recipes call for a bit of vanilla extract or unsalted butter. You may also substitute peanut butter for almond butter or any other type of nut butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Muddy Buddies made of?
Chex cereal (corn or rice), chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and powdered sugar.
What is the difference between Puppy Chow and Muddy Buddies?
This treat is called Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies depending on the region. There is no distinction between the two recipes, it is just one recipe that goes by two names. It is also sometimes called Muddy Munch, Reindeer Chow or Puppy Food.
How long does Puppy Chow last?
Storing in an airtight container this recipe lasts at room temperature for about one week.
More Treat Recipes
Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 6 oz.
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
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In a very large bowl, add the cereal.
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In a medium size bowl, add the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips (or peanut butter).
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Melt in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
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Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir to combine. You want to get all the pieces coated in chocolate.
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Pour the cereal mix into a large paper bag (like a grocery bag) and add the powdered sugar and chocolate candies.
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Close, and shake so everything gets dusted in sugar.
Notes
You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter if you prefer.
If you don’t want to melt the chips in the microwave you can also do this over low heat on the stove top.
