Christmas Puppy Chow with M&Ms
This Christmas Puppy Chow with M&Ms is not just a snack; it’s a holiday tradition. With its sweet, crunchy texture and hint of gingerbread spice, it’s the perfect treat to bring holiday cheer to any gathering. Whether you call it Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, or Reindeer Chow, one thing’s for sure — everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 12 oz Plain Rice Chex Cereal
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Gingerbread Spice
- Holiday M&Ms (measured with your heart)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chocolate chips and peanut butter, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Remove from heat.
- Place the Rice Chex cereal in a very large mixing bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal in three stages, gently folding to coat the cereal without crushing it. Continue until all the cereal is coated.
- In a large ziplock bag, combine half of the powdered sugar and half of the gingerbread spice. Seal and shake to mix.
- Using a serving spoon, add half of the cereal mixture to the bag. Seal and shake until all the pieces are coated with the powdered sugar mixture. Gently break up any large clumps inside the bag.
- Spread the coated cereal on a cookie sheet in a single layer to cool and set.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cereal mixture and the rest of the powdered sugar and gingerbread spice.
- Add holiday M&Ms to the cooled Puppy Chow for a festive touch.
Notes
*A version of this recipe appeared in my holiday cookbook - The Ultimate Gingerbread Cookbook!
How Do I Keep My Puppy Chow From Getting Soggy?
One of the keys to making the best Puppy Chow recipe is ensuring it stays perfectly crisp and not soggy. Here are some tips:- Use Fresh Cereal: Stale cereal will absorb moisture more easily, leading to soggy results. Make sure your Rice Chex is fresh.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate Mixture: If the chocolate and peanut butter mixture is too hot when poured over the cereal, it can cause the cereal to soften. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing.
- Work in Batches: Coat the cereal with the chocolate mixture and powdered sugar in small amounts to ensure an even coating without oversaturating.
- Allow Cooling Time: Spread the coated cereal out in a single layer on a baking sheet to let it cool completely before storing. This step helps the coating set and keeps the texture crisp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Puppy Chow turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:- Skipping the Cooling Step: If you skip spreading the coated cereal out to cool, the chocolate mixture may not set properly, leading to clumps.
- Using Too Much Chocolate: While it’s tempting to add extra chocolate, it can make the mix too heavy and difficult to coat evenly with powdered sugar.
- Not Working in Batches: Coating the cereal in smaller amounts ensures an even distribution of the chocolate mixture and powdered sugar.
- Overmixing: Be gentle when folding the chocolate mixture into the cereal to avoid breaking the delicate pieces.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is key to keeping your Puppy Chow fresh and delicious. Follow these tips:- Use an Airtight Container: This helps prevent the snack from absorbing moisture and losing its crisp texture.
- Store at Room Temperature: Keep your Puppy Chow in a cool, dry place for up to one week.