Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (2024)

Published: by Jeri Walker · Leave a Comment

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Celebrate the Christmas season with this delicious Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (aka Puppy Chow or Reindeer Chow)! Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-bake recipe is the perfect sweet snack to bring cheer to any gathering. The combination of melted chocolate and powdered sugar creates a delightful balance of flavor that will have everyone begging for more!

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Christmas is the perfect time for special family recipes. And one of my all-time favorite Christmas baking recipes for my family is this Christmas Puppy Chow recipe. This recipe makes a big batch. I've been known to hide it in the freezer to make it last longer. 🙂

Make these Puppy Chow Cookies for the same great flavor but in cookie form!

Want more Christmas baking ideas for your next holiday party? Check out Smoked Chex Mix, Old Fashioned Ginger Snap Cookies, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Air Fryer Sugar Cookies, Christmas Crack, 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge, and Easy Christmas Fudge.

Another favorite is these Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Christmas Trees! For Valentine's Day, I like to make this Valentine's Puppy Chow! And if you want something low-carb after indulging in Christmas treats, try my Easy 3-Ingredient Keto Chocolate Mousse!

Jump to:
  • 💗 Why you will love this easy recipe
  • 📋 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
  • 🥣 How to make puppy chow
  • 💭 Expert Tips
  • 🧾 Recipe FAQ's
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 More Christmas cookies you will love
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

💗 Why you will love this easy recipe

  • It requires only simple ingredients which you can easily find at your local grocery store.
  • It's super easy to make! Literally, anyone can make this in 10 minutes – no baking or cooking experience necessary! This means that even if you’re short on time, you can still whip up a batch for your family and friends.
  • It has an amazing combination of flavors – sweet chocolatey goodness paired with crunchy cereal plus a hint of peanut butter! It is so good!
  • With its festive red and green M&Ms, this treat will look great at a Christmas party!
  • Feel free to customize the ingredients however you want. Whether you want more chocolate chips or less powdered sugar – it's totally up to you!
  • Muddy buddies make great gifts! Add it to a mason jar, wrap it with a bow, and give it away!
  • Muddy buddies are the perfect holiday treat to munch on!

📋 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

This festive holiday treat is made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (2)
  • Rice Chex. I used gluten-free Rice Chex, but you could use your favorite Chex cereal.
  • Chocolate chips. I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you could use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chocolate chips, or a combination!
  • Peanut butter. I used smooth peanut butter, which gives it a velvety consistency. I haven't tried it with crunchy peanut butter, but I bet it would be delicious!
  • Christmas m&ms. I used red and green M&Ms. You could also use mini marshmallows, pretzels, or peanuts!

See the full printable recipe card for quantities and a full list of ingredients.

🥣 How to make puppy chow

Step 1: Pour the entire box of Rice Chex (about 9-10 cups) into a large mixing bowl.

Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (3)

Step 2: Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Do this by heating them in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals in the microwave and stirring until smooth; or melt them in the air fryer on the reheat setting, also in 30-second intervals; or melt them in a medium saucepan on the stove over low-medium heat, constantly stirring until smooth and velvety.

Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (4)
Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (5)

Step 3: Add vanilla extract and stir until combined.

Step 4: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Chex. Working quickly, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon, being careful not to break up the cereal.

Step 5: Add ¾ cup of powdered sugar to a large Ziploc bag. Add half of the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag, along with half of the M&Ms. Seal the bag. Shake until the cereal is coated. You can also use a large bowl instead of a large plastic bag.

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Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (9)

Step 6: Transfer the cereal to a large cookie sheet covered in wax paper or parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining Chex mixture, powdered sugar, and M&M's.

Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (10)

Step 7: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. I actually like to store it in a Ziplock bag and keep it in my freezer. Anytime I feel like a sweet treat, I grab a handful and chow down!

Step 8: Enjoy!

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💭 Expert Tips

  • Melt the chocolate slowly and stir it often so it doesn't burn.
  • Quickly mix the melted chocolate mixture into the cereal. Use a large spoon or spatula and scoop up from the bottom.
  • Store in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. This makes it easy to grab a bag whenever you want one! 🙂

🧾 Recipe FAQ's

Can muddy buddies be frozen?

Yes, muddy buddies can be frozen. To freeze, place the treats in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour. Once frozen, transfer the treats to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, eat them cold, or let them thaw at room temperature.

Do muddy buddies go bad?

Yes, they can. It is best to store Muddy Buddies at room temperature for 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How far in advance can you make muddy buddies?

Muddy buddies can be made up to a week ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to seven days. If you want to make them further in advance, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Are Muddy Buddies the same as Puppy Chow?

Yes, Muddy Buddies and Puppy Chow are the same thing. They are both snacks made with Chex cereal, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.

Why is Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) called Puppy Chow?

It's called Puppy Chow because it resembles the chow that puppies eat. The snack was originally created in the 1950s as a way to use up stale cereal and has since become a popular treat for people of all ages.

Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (12)

👩🏻‍🍳 More Christmas cookies you will love

  • Old Fashioned Ginger Snap Cookies Recipe
  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Recipe with Cake Mix
  • Christmas Crack Recipe With Graham Crackers (Graham Cracker Toffee)
  • Easy Air Fryer Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ifyou like this post onthis Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe,please take a moment to rate the recipe 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and leave a comment below with your thoughts!

📖 Recipe

Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (17)

Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow)

Jeri Walker

Celebrate the Christmas season with this delicious Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (aka Puppy Chow or Reindeer Chow)! Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-bake recipe is the perfect sweet snack to bring cheer to any gathering. The combination of melted chocolate and powdered sugar creates a delightful balance of flavor that will have everyone begging for more!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 30 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl large

  • Wooden spoon

  • Baking Sheet

  • Ziploc bags

Ingredients

  • 9-10 cups Rice Chex cereal 1 box
  • cups chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup mini Christmas M&Ms red and green

Instructions

  • Step 1: Pour the entire box of Rice Chex (about 9 cups) into a large mixing bowl.

  • Step 2: Melt the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter. Either do this by heating it in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments in the microwave and stirring until smooth. You can also melt it in the air fryer on the reheat setting at 360 degrees F for 3 minutes, stirring at 30-second intervals. You can also melt it in a medium saucepan on the stove over low-medium heat, constantly stirring until smooth and velvety.

  • Step 3: Add vanilla extract and stir until combined.

  • Step 4: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex. Working quickly, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon, being careful not to break up the cereal.

  • Step 5: Add ¾ cup of powdered sugar to a large Ziploc bag. Add half of the Chex mixture to the bag, along with half of the M&Ms. Zip up the bag and shake it gently to coat all of the cereal.

  • Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a large baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining Chex mixture, powdered sugar, and M&Ms.

  • Step 7: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. I actually like to store it in a Ziplock bag and keep it in my freezer. Anytime I feel like a sweet treat, I grab a handful and chow down!

  • Step 8: Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.

Expert Tips:

  • Melt the chocolate slowly and stir it often so it doesn't burn.
  • Quickly mix the melted chocolate mixture into the cereal. Use a large spoon or spatula and scoop up from the bottom.
  • Store in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. This makes it easy to grab a bag whenever you want one! 🙂

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 111mgPotassium: 51mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 224IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 3mg

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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About Jeri Walker

With over 40 years of cooking experience, Jeri Walker is a self-taught cook who has a passion for creating simple and delicious recipes using everyday ingredients. Jeri's commitment to excellence means only the best recipes make it onto the blog – so when you make a recipe from Winding Creek Ranch, it's guaranteed to be a success.

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Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies? ›

Muddy Buddies is actually the official name of the recipe marketed by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal. Names like “puppy chow” and others have become layman's terms for homemade versions like this one.

What came first puppy chow or muddy buddies? ›

In 2002 General Mills developed Muddy Buddies, the same recipe as Puppy Chow. But it can't be said that General Mills invented the recipe since Midwesterners recall seeing it and eating it long before the early 2000s.

What is puppy chow made of? ›

Puppy Chow Recipe. Chex cereal is coated in a mixture of butter, peanut butter, and chocolate — then tossed in powdered sugar — for the very best salty-sweet party snack.

What are muddy buddies made of? ›

“Muddy buddies” (a.k.a. puppy chow) is the name for a homemade candy or snack that's main ingredients include cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.

Why is it called puppy chow? ›

Its brown kibble-like appearance harkens back to the chow of the Purina company, and the name wasn't subtle, people called it Puppy Chow, knowing well that the dog food company manufactured that cereal. While party mix was a little more universally known for many decades, Puppy Chow was a neat quirk of the Midwest.

Does Muddy Buddies go bad? ›

Muddy buddies will stay fresh for up to 1 week stored in an air-tight container at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

What is puppy chow called in the South? ›

This quick, no-bake puppy snack mix will also answer to other names such as Muddy Buddies, Muddy Munch, Monkey Munch, or Reindeer Chow. Think of it as sweet chocolate and peanut butter Chex mix.

Why is puppy chow hard to find? ›

Why is there a pet food shortage? If pet food aisles seem sparse, it's likely due to supply chain issues. A familiar issue lately for stores and consumers (especially over the past few years), supply chain issues have affected almost everything you can think of.

Is puppy chow a Midwest thing? ›

Puppy chow is a party staple in the Midwest, but not everywhere else. Puppy chow — a snack mix made of Chex cereal covered in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar — is often a fixture at parties. People outside of the Midwest have often never heard of it, and they don't know what they're missing.

Who invented muddy buddies? ›

The history behind Muddy Buddies: “Multiple Midwesterners happily shared stories of the prevalence of puppy chow going back to the '60s, but General Mills, the owner and producer of the Chex cereal brand since 1996, says that the Muddy Buddies recipe was developed in 2002.

Does puppy chow go bad? ›

Easy answer: yes, your sack of dry dog food will go stale much faster if you leave it open. Unopened dry dog food tends to have a shelf life of around 12-18 months, but once you open it, you should aim to use it up in about 6 weeks. After that, it will start to go stale.

Who makes puppy chow? ›

Puppy Chow, a brand of dog food marketed by Nestlé Purina PetCare. Food suitable for puppies (see puppy nutrition and dog food) Puppy chow (snack), a sweet snack for human consumption.

Are Muddy Buddies a Midwest thing? ›

Puppy chow, also known as monkey munch, muddy buddies, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag, is the name for a homemade candy made in the United States, primarily in the Midwestern States.

Why is my puppy chow soggy? ›

Without giving the 'chow time to cool, all that scalding-hot fat will continue to absorb the powdered sugar, making it too sweet and a bit soggy inside . Spread the stuff out on a sheet pan and let it rest for 20ish minutes before tossing the mix in powdered sugar.

What is a muddy buddy clothing? ›

Features. Tuffo Muddy Buddy Rain Suit keeps your child clean and dry, indoors and outdoors. Unique waterproof suit with hood provides full-body coverage and protection. Lightweight with reinforced extra-heavyweight nylon for seat and knees.

What is another name for puppy chow dessert? ›

Puppy chow (snack)
Alternative namesMonkey Munch, Muddy Buddies, Muddy Munch, Reindeer Chow, Doggy Bag
CourseCandy
Place of originUnited States
Main ingredientsChocolate, peanut butter, cereal, powdered sugar
Food energy (per serving)20 kcal (84 kJ)
1 more row

What is the difference between puppy chow and regular dog food? ›

Puppy food also has more amino acids, fat, and minerals than adult dog food. Some brands even add extra omega-3 fatty acids to puppy food to help with brain and eye development. On top of all of this, large-breed puppies have additional special needs.

Is puppy chow better than dog chow? ›

Puppy food does have slightly higher levels of calcium and phosphorous when compared to most adult dog foods. Puppy food also has a higher fat and protein content, meaning there are more calories per bite than the adult version of the same brand.

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