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Crunchy Chex cereal covered in a candy cane white chocolate and coated in powdered sugar makes this irresistible Peppermint Puppy Chow. Sprinkle this sweet treat with holiday sprinkles for a delicious Christmas snack.
Christmas Muddy Buddies
Lighting a fire and cozying up to a Christmas Hallmark movie with a bowl filled to the brim of peppermint puppy chow sounds like a dreamy way to spend an evening. In reality, though I made this delicious and practically irresistible batch of peppermint puppy chow, or Christmas Muddy Buddies, and ate my way through it as the day went on. By evening that big bowl was no more than a handful and I was scouring the pantry to see if I had enough ingredients for another batch.
There are so many delicious ways to prepare puppy chow or muddy buddies and I’d say all versions are right. I do love a good peppermint flavor though during the holidays and this recipe covers that craving.
Ingredients in Peppermint Puppy Chow
During the holidays the below ingredients are standard staples in my house whether I’m making toffee bark or a delicious Chex mix, I know my salty or sweet cravings will kick in.
- Rice Chex Cereal
- Almond Bark or White Chocolate Melts
- Candy Canes
- Powdered Sugar
How to Make Peppermint Puppy Chow
- Melt: place the cereal into a very large bowl. Over medium heat melt, the almond bark or chocolate melts until smooth.
- Crush: using either of these methods crush the candy canes.
- Combine: pour the melted chocolate over the cereal and fold it in covering the cereal as you work. Add the crushed candy canes to the bowl and continue to toss.
- Shake: place the mixture into a gallon-sized Ziplock bag and add the powdered sugar and sprinkles if using. Gently shake the bag, turning it over and over, so it coats the mixture evenly.
Ingredients in Christmas Muddy Buddies. Melt the chocolate and toss with the cereal. Crush the candy canes. Toss into the warm melted chocolate and cereal mixture. Place it all into a Ziplock bag and add powdered sugar. Add sprinkles and toss to coat.
How to crush candy canes
For this recipe, you’ll need about 15 candy canes, more or less depending on your preference for more or less candy cane flavor. Below are two simple ways to crush the candy canes.
- Blender Method: This method delivers a more intense flavor because of how it grinds up the candy canes. Unwrap the candy canes and place them into a blender. Use the lightest setting to crush them. They’ll break up very quickly and you don’t want to pulse them too long because they’ll turn into dust.
- Ziplock Bag and Rolling Pin Method: With this method, you’ll have more candy cane chunks so more crunch. Place the candy canes in a Ziplock or sealable bag and seal. Using a rolling pin or a cooking mallet break the candy canes into pieces by hitting the bag. Go slowly and hit gently so the candy canes don’t puncture the bag. They will a little, but not enough to break the bag altogether.
How to Store Peppermint Puppy Chow
This delicious and fun treat lasts up to 2 weeks! It can be stored at room temperature in an air-tight container or Ziplock bag.
What white chocolate is best?
My favorite melting white chocolate is these wafers here because it has a delicious and smooth white chocolate flavor, but almond bark, which I recommend for this recipe, works equally well. The almond bark melts quickly and is extremely smooth. It’s easy to use, which is why I recommend it for this recipe.
If you’d like more of a white chocolate flavor then I suggest using the melting wafers.
Can I use chocolate instead?
I get it! You’re more of a peppermint mocha fan and I hear you. Yes, you can absolutely swap the almond bark for chocolate chips or melting chocolate. Make sure it’s a chocolate that melts easily though such as these melting wafers.
Do I have to use powdered sugar?
Absolutely not! This is entirely up to you, but it brings the traditional muddy buddy texture and flavor if you use it. Just omit those steps if you don’t plan on using it.
Additional Add-ins
The peppermint candy cane flavor in this peppermint puppy chow is pretty strong, however, you can always add some more. Below are some delicious options to add to your mixture.
- Mini Marshmallows
- Christmas Sprinkles
- Chocolate Chips
Give this Puppy Chow as a Homemade Gift
This peppermint puppy chow looks delightfully decadent when placed in a cellophane bag and tied with a ribbon. It makes for a welcome edible gift and lasts for up to 2 weeks. Take it to your next cookie exchange instead of going through the hassle of preparing cookies!
Consider making these infused olive oils for another homemade gift.
Peppermint Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- 2 cups Almond Bark or white vanilla melting wafers
- 1¾ cup Crushed Candy Canes about 15 candy canes
- 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Place the rice Chex into a very large bowl.
- Chop or break the almond bark into pieces and pour into a medium-sized saucepan (if using melting wafers then just place it into the pan). Set over medium heat and stir frequently until completely melted and smooth. Pour the melted bark over the cereal, stirring and folding it until the cereal is completely coated.
- Fold in the crushed candy canes.
- Pour the warm coated cereal into a gallon-size Ziplock bag or a large sealable container. Add the powdered sugar and seal the bag or container. Gently shake the bag to coat the mixture evenly. If using sprinkles add them to the bag and toss with the powdered sugar.
- Discard any additional powdered sugar.
