This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a delightfully sweet and salty snack that will leave everyone craving more. It features Chex cereal pieces coated in a lush mixture of butter, peanut butter, and chocolate, and then generously dusted with powdered sugar. This small batch, no-bake recipe is simple to prepare and perfectly portioned for a delightful snack. While this version introduces a unique twist with white chocolate chips, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
If you’re on the hunt for more fast and simple small batch delights, you’re in luck! Check out our delightful Oreo Balls, buttery Shortbread Bites, colorful M&M Cookies, creamy Peanut Butter Fudge, and rich Rum Balls. Each one is a treat that’s easy to whip up and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No oven needed! This recipe is all about mixing and tossing – perfect for a quick snack.
- Pantry Staples: Uses common ingredients likely already in your kitchen.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with various add-ins or chocolate types.
- Perfect Portion: Ideal for when you want a small, satisfying treat.
- Delicious Balance: Offers a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures.
Origin And Names Of Puppy Chow
Puppy Chow, a delightful snack known for its resemblance to dog kibble, is believed to have its roots in the Midwest. This tasty treat is also famously known as Muddy Buddies, a name given by General Mills, the company behind the original chocolate-covered cereal treat. Aside from these two popular names, it’s also referred to as Muddy Munch, Monkey Munch, and Reindeer Chow. No matter the name, the recipe remains a beloved favorite, known for its crunchy texture and sweet coating.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this Puppy Chow recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Rice Cereal: Use Chex cereal or a similar generic brand. While Rice Chex is a common choice, varieties like corn or wheat Chex work equally well.
- Chocolate Chips: White chocolate chips are my go-to for a creamy, sweet twist, but feel free to switch it up with dark chocolate or semi-sweet chips for a deeper chocolate flavor. If you have extra chocolate chips, consider using them in a small batch of Strawberry Scones or Peppermint Bark.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is ideal for a smooth, rich consistency. Avoid natural peanut butter due to oil separation. For those with peanut allergies, other nut or seed butters are excellent alternatives. Use leftover peanut butter to make a small batch of Peanut Butter Balls, Peanut Butter Blossoms, or Peanut Butter Pie!
- Butter: Both salted and unsalted butter are suitable, letting you control the snack’s saltiness according to your taste.
- Powdered Sugar: Known also as confectioners’ sugar, this is key for achieving Puppy Chow’s classic white-dusted appearance.
For more detailed instructions and measurements, be sure to scroll down to the full Puppy Chow recipe at the bottom of this post. This overview not only informs you about the ingredients and their roles but also guides you on customization options.
Recipe Variations
Customize your Puppy Chow with these fun twists:
- M&M Mix-In: Add colorful M&Ms for extra sweetness and color.
- Pretzel Twist: Include pretzel pieces for an added salty crunch.
- Oreo Delight: Crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream version.
- Extra Chocolate: More chocolate chips for chocolate lovers.
- Nutty Variation: Mix in your favorite nuts for added texture and flavor.
How To Make Puppy Chow
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this small batch Puppy Chow recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Place the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high in 30 seconds intervals, mixing in between until the chocolate has completely melted. Stir until smooth
- Add the cereal to the bowl and stir until the cereal is fully coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a gallon-sized resealable bag.
Pro Tip: Alternatively, you can keep the cereal in the bowl and stir in the powdered sugar but I find it easier to seal the ziplock bag and shake the ingredients together rather than stirring the ingredients together in the bowl.
- Pour the powdered sugar into the bag, seal the top, and shake until the cereal is fully coated with the powdered sugar.
- Transfer to a bowl and enjoy.
Pro Tip: The chocolate will not be completely firm but is still great to eat at this point. If you’d like to let the chocolate harden a bit before eating, spread the Puppy Chow out on a rimmed baking sheet or large plate and place it in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips
- Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section before beginning. Next, gather your ingredients so everything is close at hand.
- Use fresh ingredients. Stale cereal or old chocolate can affect the flavor and texture of the Puppy Chow.
- Shake the bag vigorously. When shaking the mixture in the plastic bag it’s important to shake it vigorously. This will help to evenly coat the cereal and prevent the sugar from clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Puppy Chow as a go-to snack for various occasions:
- Movie Nights: A perfect companion for your favorite films.
- Kids’ Parties: A hit with the younger crowd and easy for them to enjoy.
- Holiday Treat: Add festive sprinkles for a seasonal touch.
- Gift-Giving: Package it nicely for a homemade gift.
- Study Sessions: A great pick-me-up for long study hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this snack mix can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
For peanut butter-free Puppy Chow, use another type of nut butter or seed butter like cashew butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter.
Yes. To make a dairy-free Puppy Chow, use vegan chocolate chips or vegan white chocolate chips and margarine or vegan butter instead of butter.
Absolutely! As written, this recipe yields a wonderful amount of Puppy Chow for one or two people. If you’d like to make a larger batch, just double the ingredient amounts.
To ensure Puppy Chow retains its optimal flavor, consume it within 1 to 2 days of preparation. To keep Puppy Chow from going stale, store it in an airtight container, which can preserve its freshness for up to a week.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch Puppy Chow recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this small batch Puppy Chow recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Puppy Chow
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high in 30 seconds intervals, mixing in between, until the chocolate has completely melted. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cereal to the bowl and stir until the cereal is fully coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a gallon-sized resealable bag.Pro Tip: Alternatively, you can keep the cereal in the bowl and stir in the powdered sugar but I find it easier to seal the ziplock bag and shake the ingredients together rather than stirring the ingredients together in the bowl.
- Pour the powdered sugar into the bag, seal the top, and shake until the cereal is fully coated with the powdered sugar.
- Transfer to a bowl and enjoy.Pro Tip: The chocolate will not be completely firm but is still great to eat at this point. If you'd like to let the chocolate harden a bit before eating, spread the Puppy Chow out on a rimmed baking sheet or large plate and place it in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section before beginning. Next, gather your ingredients so everything is close at hand.
- Use fresh ingredients. Stale cereal or old chocolate can affect the flavor and texture of the Puppy Chow.
- Shake the bag vigorously. When shaking the mixture in the plastic bag it’s important to shake it vigorously. This will help to evenly coat the cereal and prevent the sugar from clumping.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
This is the perfect serving of puppy chow!
Great recipe.
Thank you.