Festive Christmas Puppy Chow with Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Sprinkles Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that screams holiday cheer, you’ve got to try this Festive Christmas Puppy Chow with Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Sprinkles recipe. It’s one of those snack mixes that’s impossible to stop munching on once you start—a perfect mix of crunchy, chocolatey, and just the right punch of peanut butter. I always make a big batch for holiday parties, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

What makes this Festive Christmas Puppy Chow so special is the sprinkle of festive sanding sugar that gives it that extra sparkle and holiday vibe. It’s quick to throw together, doesn’t need baking, and works beautifully as a last-minute gift or a fun addition to any holiday dessert table. Plus, it’s ridiculously adaptable to whatever candy or nuts you have on hand, which means you can make it your own and still nail that festive flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in perfect harmony—the Chex cereal gives you that light crunch, the chocolate and peanut butter create that irresistible gooey coating, and the sanding sugar adds a festive, colorful finish. When you shop, look for smooth peanut butter for the best coating and get festive sprinkles or sanding sugar to make it pop visually.

• Chex cereal: Rice or corn works great; it’s the crunchy base that holds all the goodness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts nicely and balances sweetness without being overpowering.
• Smooth peanut butter: Helps bind the chocolate to the cereal and gives that classic flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps melt everything together smoothly.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds depth to the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Coats the mix for that sweet, powdery finish.
• Festive sanding sugar: The final touch that makes this treat perfect for Christmas celebrations.

Variations

One of the best things about this Festive Christmas Puppy Chow with Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Sprinkles recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often switch it up by adding nuts or swapping out the sprinkles for colored mini M&Ms, depending on what mood I’m in or who I’m sharing with.

• Nut-free variation: Omit nuts or peanut butter and use sunflower butter for allergy-friendly options.
• White chocolate twist: Replace semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chips for a different but equally festive flavor.
• Spiced version: Add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm holiday note; I tried this once, and it was a hit with friends!
• Extra festive: Toss in red and green M&Ms or mini marshmallows to amp up the Christmas colors and textures.

How to Make Festive Christmas Puppy Chow with Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Melt your chocolate, peanut butter, and butter together

Start by melting the chocolate chips, smooth peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. I usually do this in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each round so it doesn’t burn. The goal is a smooth, glossy mixture that you can easily drizzle over the cereal. If you prefer, a double boiler works wonderfully too and gives you more control over the melting.

Step 2: Add vanilla and combine with cereal

Once the chocolate mixture is silky smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. Then pour the mixture over your Chex cereal in a large bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold it together so every piece gets coated but stays crunchy. I find this step is easier if you use a big enough bowl so you can really toss it around without spilling.

Step 3: Dust with powdered sugar and festive sanding sugar

Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a big container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal it, and shake vigorously until every piece is well covered. This is where that fun sanding sugar comes in—once you’re done with the powdered sugar, sprinkle the sanding sugar over the mix and toss it gently to add that festive crunch and sparkle. This extra step makes it look as good as it tastes—trust me, it’s worth it!

How to Serve Festive Christmas Puppy Chow with Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra sanding sugars or mini holiday-themed candies on top before serving to amp up the presentation and festive vibe. Sometimes, I even throw a few peppermint candy canes nearby for guests who want a peppermint crunch alongside.

Side Dishes

This treat pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider. During family gatherings, I serve it alongside other finger foods like cheese boards or holiday cookies, creating a lovely mix of flavors and textures for snacking throughout the day.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love putting this puppy chow in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon or in large mason jars with holiday tags. You can also serve it in a big holiday-themed bowl surrounded by pine branches or ornaments for a striking centerpiece that invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Festive Christmas Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature, and it stays crunchy and fresh for up to a week. Just make sure to store it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.

Freezing

If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze the puppy chow in a sealed freezer bag. When I’ve done this, it keeps well for a couple of months. Just thaw it at room temperature before serving, and it tastes just as delicious as the day I made it.

Reheating

This recipe doesn’t really require reheating since it’s a cold snack. If the chocolate loses some of its shine after storage, just give it a gentle mix to redistribute the coating before serving. You can also warm it gently for 10 seconds in the microwave if you want that gooey texture back.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Puppy Chow with Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Sprinkles recipe has become a holiday staple in my house because it’s so simple yet delivers that perfect holiday sweetness and festive look. I know when you try it, it’ll quickly become your go-to treat to share with family and friends during the busy season. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for every holiday gathering or just cozy nights snuggled on the couch.

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