Puppy chow (aka muddy buddies) is a peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar treat that looks like puppy food but tastes like heaven!
Our classic puppy chow recipe is so easy to make and even easier to eat (nom nom nom). And if you love the original, definitely try this hot cocoa puppy chow next!
Puppy Chow
Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
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Puppy Chow Ingredients
- Cereal – We use rice Chex cereal, but you can use any version of Chex or off-brand Chex.
- Chocolate chips – We typically use semi-sweet. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate are also delicious.
- Peanut butter – Stick with creamy peanut butter for this recipe.
- Butter – Salted.
- Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla or paste.
- Sugar – Powdered. Also sometimes called confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar.
How do you make puppy chow? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, melt together the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter . Add the vanilla and stir until well mixed.
⭐ Next, pour cereal into a large bowl. Gently stir the chocolate mixture with the cereal until the cereal is evenly coated.
⭐ Then, divide the cereal mixture and add powdered sugar to each of the bags equally. Seal and shake until the powdered sugar has completely coated the cereal.
⭐ Finally, spread the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to set. (We don’t recommend using waxed paper).
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can you make puppy chow ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe will stay good, if kept at room temperature stored in an airtight container, for up to a week. (But good luck not eating it faster than that!). They make a great holiday gift.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate, butter, and peanut butter for puppy chow?
My mother-in-law will tell you to use a double broiler (and she’s probably right), but honestly, I prefer to use the microwave on high in 15 – 30 second increments (lessen the time the more warm/melted it gets, and stir well in-between zaps).
Is the butter really necessary in muddy buddies?
YES! But also, no. When I’m in a pinch, want these fast, and don’t have all the ingredients, I’ve definitely made them with just peanut butter and chocolate. And they’re super yummy. But. BUT, they’re next level yummy if you include the butter and vanilla.
So, don’t skip it.
Leftovers and storage
How long does puppy chow last?
In my house? Maybe an afternoon. Kidding, I know what you meant! These will keep at room temperature in a sealed container for up to a week. I do not suggest refrigeration.
Can you freeze puppy chow (muddy buddies)?
For sure! Freeze in an airtight container for 2 – 3 months. When fully defrosted you will probably want to dust them with a little extra powdered sugar to bring them back to their former glory.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
What is puppy chow?
Puppy chow is a dessert snack made with Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar.
It’s called puppy chow because it looks an awful lot like dog food. Fun fact, Chex was originally made by Ralston Purina, the maker of Purina dog food!
According to Wikipedia, puppy chow is also called muddy buddies, monkey munch, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag. Although, I’ve personally only heard the first two.
Is puppy chow a midwest thing?
I believe it is! This Florida girl had never heard of puppy chow or muddy buddies until my midwestern raised mother in law served it one Christmas. Now it’s a staple in our house.
Is puppy chow gluten free?
This recipe, as written, is gluten free. Please always double check each ingredient that you add to a recipe to be sure.
Can I substitute something else for the peanut butter in muddy buddies?
The peanut butter can be swapped for any nut butter or nut butter substitute (or even cookie butter or nutella!).
How many cups are in a box of Chex cereal?
A 12 ounce box of rice Chex contains roughly 11 cups of cereal.
Is puppy chow safe for dogs?
NO! Please do not feed this to your animals, it is meant for human consumption only.
What to eat with muddy buddies (serving suggestions)
Oh, this is definitely a holiday treat in our home so it’s often served alongside a mug of peppermint mocha and some fresh baked sugar cookies. If you’re looking for something savory, try our roasted rack of pork with fig glaze. Yum!
More fun dessert recipes
- Italian cream soda recipe
- Authentic watergate salad
- Sweet cream cheese danish
- Homemade cake balls
- See all our easy dessert recipes
Other peanut butter recipes to try
- Monster cookie bars
- Peanut butter blossoms
- Peanut butter lasagna
- No bake peanut butter balls
- See all our yummy recipes made with peanut butter!
Tools we love
- Reusable gallon zip bags – These are great if you hate the idea of using a storage bag just for the few minutes it takes to cover everything with powdered sugar.
- Baking sheets – If I only ever convince you to buy one thing, it should probably be this. Love mine.
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How to Make Puppy Chow
Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 12 ounce box of Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Melt together the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter either on the stovetop or in the microwave in the 30 second increments. Add the vanilla and stir until well mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate mixture with the cereal until it is well coated. I like to use my hands for this part.
- Divide the cereal mixture and the powdered sugar between two gallon storage bags. Seal and shake until the powdered sugar has completely coated the cereal.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to set.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Love cooking wiht Chex? Try this garlic parmesan chex mix next!
Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
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Beth says
Definitely going to make this soon! My teens are going to be all over this! Going to the store now to get the ingredients. So excited!
Stephanie says
Thanks for this easy, tasty recipe. It has become a family favorite that is requested very often.
Natalie says
Puppy chow is one of our favorite treats & one of the easiest things to make! It’s gone just as fast, as it is to make it!
Arlin PATTERSON says
I have had this snack many years ago at a party, never knew how to make it. Thanks for posting this recipe, I am making it today at the wife’s request.
April Woods says
you’re welcome!
Lisa Gigliotti says
I am making this for my twin nieces for Christmas. And then putting it in a lock and lock I got off Qvc. Thanks for this recipe.
Robin Bober says
My family absolutely loves this!!! We use Crispix cereal instead of Rice Chex. It has bigger cereal pieces. I put the cereal in a really big bowl (Tupperware Thatsabowl) and the powdered sugar in a 2-gallon ziplock baggie. After coating the cereal with the chocolate, allow it to cool; if the chocolate is too warm, it will soak up more of the powdered sugar. When cool, put the cereal into the baggie and seal it well. Gently toss the baggie between your hands to coat. Add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired coverage. Enjoy!!!