This peppermint bark puppy chow (a.k.a. muddy buddies) turns plain Chex into a sweet-minty, chocolate-peanut butter snack dusted with powdered sugar and crushed candy canes. Mix on the stovetop, pour in stages for even coverage, then shake in peppermint sugar and chill for crisp, giftable clusters.
Recipe Essentials
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this peppermint bark puppy chow. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Rice Chex cereal – This cereal is the base of the puppy chow. Be gentle when mixing it with the chocolate so that the pieces don’t break up too much. Feel free to use other varities of Chex cereal too like the corn!
- Semi sweet chocolate chips
- Smooth peanut butter
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Peppermint candy
Mix Things Up!
There are plenty of ways for you to make this peppermint bark puppy chow your own. Here are a few ideas.
- White Chocolate Peppermint: Sub out the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips instead. If you do this, omit the vanilla- it will seize the chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate: Use bittersweet chips and a pinch of espresso powder to get that dark chocolate flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Fold in mini pretzels or crushed chocolate sandwich cookies to add a fun crunch and twist and get sweet and salty.
- M&Ms or Other Candy- Toss with holiday mini M&Ms or another candy for a festive color blast.
Test Kitchen Tips
I’ve tested this peppermint puppy chow so that I can provide you with the best tips for success!
- Work in stages – To make sure you have even coverage and fewer crushed pieces, work in smaller batches instead of all at once.
- The finer the peppermint the better – Very fine peppermint blends better and helps to avoid sticky spots.
- Chill for a faster set – If room is warm, chill briefly between coating rounds to set faster. I actually like mine cold, so you can also store it there.
- Add ins – For bigger bark vibes, stir in mini white chocolate chips after coating (once cool).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes- different names for the same chocolate-peanut butter, sugar-coated Chex snack.
Absolutely- crush very fine for best adhesion and even flavor.
Puppy chow can become soggy if it’s stored before it has cooled. Let the cereal cool to room temperature before transferring it to a container.
More Fun Peppermint Recipes
We all love eggnog and gingerbread, but peppermint is another of my favorite Christmas flavors!
Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 cups plain Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup peppermint candy , crushed*
Instructions
- Measure the 9 cups plain Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl (bigger than you think you need). Set aside.
- Over medium heat, melt and combine the 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter and 1/4 cup butter, stirring constantly.
- When fully melted, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over Chex cereal in 3 stages, folding as you go. Toss gently to coat all pieces.
- Combine the 2 cups powdered sugar and crushed 1 cup peppermint candy in a large, airtight plastic bag, shake to combine.
- While still tacky, add the covered Chex cereal in stages, tossing to cover and then removing to a parchment paper lined rimmed baking sheet.
- Spread in a single layer and chill for an hour to set. Remove. Keep at room temperature or chilled.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
