If you are looking for an easy holiday treat that disappears within minutes, this Peppermint Puppy Chow is the perfect recipe to make. Crispy Chex cereal is coated in melted white chocolate, tossed with powdered sugar, and finished with crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch. It is sweet, minty, and incredibly addictive.
Whether you are making holiday snack mixes for a Christmas party, packaging treats for gifts, or simply looking for something fun to enjoy while watching your favorite holiday movies, this peppermint version of classic puppy chow is always a crowd favorite. Best of all, it comes together in about 15 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Puppy Chow is a snack mix made of Chex cereal, peanut butter, melted chocolate, and powdered sugar. It can easily be transformed into any flavor you like and if you love peppermint you will love this Puppy Chow flavor.
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Why This Works
- Quick and easy to make with minimal prep.
- Uses only a few pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and edible gifts.
- Sweet peppermint flavor pairs perfectly with creamy white chocolate.
- No baking required.
- Easy to customize with sprinkles, candies, or different cereals.
- Stays fresh for several days, making it great for preparing ahead.
What Ingredients do I need?
- Candy Canes - Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds festive color, crunch, and extra peppermint flavor.
- Chex Mix - The light, crispy texture holds up well under the white chocolate coating while staying crunchy.
- Almond Bark - Instead of the regular peanut butter and chocolate chips that is used, I used melted almond bark. White chocolate chips or white melting wafers: Melt smoothly and create the sweet coating that helps everything stick together.
- Powdered Sugar - Gives puppy chow its classic snowy coating while balancing the sweetness.
How to make Peppermint Puppy Chow
To crush candy canes, place in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Use the flat side of a meat mallet (or a rolling pan) to pound into small pieces. Measure out ¼ cup of these crushed candy canes into a food processor and pulse until a fine powder is formed. Set aside.
Pour Chex cereal in very large bowl/container with a tight-fitting lid. Melt white chocolate according to package directions. Immediately pour melted white chocolate over Chex and gently stir until all cereal is coated. Fold in 1 cup crushed candy canes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and remaining ¼ cup candy cane powder over Chex mixture. Cover bowl with lid and gently shake and turn bowl until all ingredients are coated in powdered sugar. Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container.
*If you don't have a large bowl with a lid, you may combine the Chex, melted white chocolate, and crushed candy canes in a large bowl as directed. Then immediately transfer the Chex mixture to a large plastic bag that already has the powdered sugar and candy cane powder measured into it; seal and shake.
Pro Tips for Puppy Chow
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the smoothest coating.
- Avoid adding too much peppermint extract because it can easily overpower the other flavors.
- Allow the white chocolate to cool slightly before mixing with the cereal to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Shake the cereal while it is still slightly warm so the powdered sugar sticks evenly.
- Crush the candy canes into small pieces instead of powder so they add a pleasant crunch.
- For an extra festive look, mix in red and green holiday sprinkles after the puppy chow has cooled.
Storage
Store Peppermint Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or zip top bag for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Keep it away from heat or direct sunlight since white chocolate softens easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this puppy chow in festive bowls for holiday parties or movie nights.
Package it in decorative treat bags or holiday tins for homemade Christmas gifts.
Add it to a dessert charcuterie board alongside cookies, brownies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and fudge.
Include it as part of a holiday snack table with popcorn, nuts, and candies.
It also makes a fun addition to cookie exchanges when you want something different from traditional cookies.
Other Recipes to Try
- Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Milky Way Ice Cream Pie
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots
- Trisha Yearwood’s Charleston Cheese Dip
- Baked French Toast
- Sour Cream Noodle Bake
If you’ve tried this Peppermint Puppy Chow recipe or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out. Snap a picture and upload it Pinterest.
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Peppermint Puppy Chow
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Puppy Chow is a snack mix made of Chex cereal, peanut butter, melted chocolate, and powdered sugar. It can easily be transformed into any flavor you like and if you love peppermint you will love this Puppy Chow flavor.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups crushed candy canes (approximately 7½ ounces, or 50 mini candy canes), divided (I used peppermint baking chips)
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 10 ounces almond bark
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- To crush candy canes, place in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Use the flat side of a meat mallet (or a rolling pan) to pound into small pieces. Measure out ¼ cup of these crushed candy canes into a food processor and pulse until a fine powder is formed. Set aside.
- Pour Chex cereal in very large bowl/container with a tight-fitting lid. Melt white chocolate according to package directions. Immediately pour melted white chocolate over Chex and gently stir until all cereal is coated. Fold in 1 cup crushed candy canes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and remaining ¼ cup candy cane powder over Chex mixture. Cover bowl with lid and gently shake and turn bowl until all ingredients are coated in powdered sugar. Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container.
- *If you don't have a large bowl with a lid, you may combine the Chex, melted white chocolate, and crushed candy canes in a large bowl as directed. Then immediately transfer the Chex mixture to a large plastic bag that already has the powdered sugar and candy cane powder measured into it; seal and shake.
Jenna says
Sorry but this is not a Weight Watcher recipe. All my recipes on this site will have the points plus already listed on them.
Kristie says
How big is a serving and how many PointsPlus? Looks delicious!
Jenna says
I love it!
Ashley says
You're welcome! Great recipe to use it for 🙂
Baby June says
That looks delicious! I also like the wooden background, very cute 🙂