If you’re looking for the ultimate festive snack, White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow is where it’s at! This sweet, crunchy treat takes classic puppy chow (also known as muddy buddies) and gives it a wintery twist with creamy white chocolate, crushed peppermint, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re making it for a holiday party, gifting it in cute jars, or just treating yourself, this is one snack you won’t be able to stop munching on!
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Why You’ll Love White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow
Festive & Fun: The perfect holiday treat with a pepperminty crunch and snowy sugar coating.
No-Bake & Super Easy: Only a few ingredients and no oven required—just melt, mix, and shake!
Perfect for Gifting: Package it up in holiday tins or bags for an adorable edible gift.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh for days, making it great for holiday prep.
Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults love this sweet, crunchy goodness!
Ingredients in White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow
Here’s why each ingredient makes this snack extra delicious:
Rice Cereal: The base of this treat—light, crispy, and perfect for holding all that white chocolate and powdered sugar.
White Chocolate Chips: Creamy and smooth, creating the sweet, dreamy coating.
Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way for that perfect holiday flavor.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Adds a festive crunch and extra pepperminty goodness.
Powdered Sugar: The finishing touch for that classic puppy chow texture.
Butter: Helps create a smooth, even white chocolate coating.
How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the rice cereal and gently stir until every piece is well-coated.
Add the Peppermint Crunch: Sprinkle in the crushed peppermint candies and give it another stir to distribute evenly.
Shake with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake until everything is fully coated.
Cool & Serve: Spread the puppy chow onto a baking sheet to set before serving. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container!
How to Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow
Holiday Snack Board: Add to a festive snack platter with chocolate-covered pretzels, peppermint bark, and spiced nuts.
Gift in Jars: Package in cute jars or treat bags tied with ribbons for the perfect edible gift.
Movie Night Treat: The ultimate cozy snack for holiday movie marathons.
Hot Cocoa Topping: Sprinkle a handful over a mug of hot chocolate for extra pepperminty fun.
Additional Tips
Avoid Soggy Cereal: Let the coated cereal cool before adding powdered sugar to keep it crisp.
Mix in Extras: Try adding mini marshmallows, holiday sprinkles, or even crushed Oreos for extra fun.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free white chocolate and swap butter for coconut oil.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different cereal?
A1: Yes! Corn cereal or any other similar crispy cereal works well.
Q2: Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white?
A2: Absolutely! The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Q4: Can I freeze puppy chow?
A4: Yes! Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months, then let it thaw before serving.
Q5: What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
A5: Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor.
Q6: Can I make this without peppermint?
A6: Yes! Just leave out the peppermint extract and crushed candies for a classic white chocolate version.
Q7: How do I prevent the chocolate from clumping?
A7: Stir well and melt the chocolate slowly to keep it smooth and pourable.
Q8: Can I make a bigger batch?
A8: Of course! Just double or triple the ingredients and mix in a large bowl or bag.
Q9: Can I use candy canes instead of peppermint candies?
A9: Yes! Crushed candy canes work perfectly in this recipe.
Q10: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A10: Most rice cereals are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure!
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow is the ultimate holiday treat—easy, festive, and completely addictive. Whether you’re making it for a party, gifting it to friends, or sneaking handfuls straight from the container (no judgment!), it’s sure to be a hit.
Print
White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow is a festive and irresistible holiday treat! A sweet and salty mix of Chex cereal, crunchy pretzels, creamy white chocolate, and refreshing peppermint—perfect for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
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5 cups Chex cereal
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2 cups white chocolate chips
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1 cup pretzels, roughly chopped
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1 cup peppermint pieces
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1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
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Prepare the Mix:
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In a gallon-sized bag, add Chex cereal and chopped pretzels.
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Melt the Chocolate:
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In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until fully melted.
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Coat the Cereal:
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Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal and pretzels.
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Seal the bag and gently shake to evenly coat.
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Add the Powdered Sugar:
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Open the bag and add powdered sugar.
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Seal tightly and shake until fully coated.
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Add the Peppermint Pieces:
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Mix in peppermint pieces and any other add-ins.
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Serve & Enjoy:
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Pour into a large bowl and serve!
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Notes
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Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
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Extra Flavor: Add crushed candy canes or mini marshmallows for a fun twist!
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Make-Ahead: Perfect for holiday parties and gifting in cute jars or bags.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg