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This small batch Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy snack made with cereal, white chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It’s quick to make and perfect for one or two people.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Needed: Just melt, mix, and shake – ready in minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely have on hand.
- Easy to Customize: Switch up the chocolate or add your favorite mix-ins.
- Small Batch: Just the right amount for one or two servings.
- Great Texture: Sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite.
I’ve loved this recipe since the first time I tasted it. Whether you call it Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, or Reindeer Chow, it’s the kind of snack that disappears faster than you expect. The sweet, crunchy coating pulls you in, and before you know it, you’re reaching for another handful. It’s simple, nostalgic, and always a hit.
Looking for more quick and easy small batch treats? Try our single serving Oreo balls, small batch shortbread bites, small batch M&M Cookies, easy peanut butter fudge, and a small batch of rum balls. Each one is simple, sweet, and perfectly portioned.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch puppy chow recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Rice Cereal: Use Rice Chex or a similar brand. Corn or Wheat Chex also work well.
- Chocolate Chips: White chocolate chips add a sweet, creamy flavor. For a richer taste, use dark or semi-sweet chips. Extra chips? Use them in small batch strawberry scones or small batch peppermint bark.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. Avoid natural peanut butter due to oil separation. For allergies, substitute with another nut or seed butter. Leftovers? Make a small batch of peanut butter balls, single serving peanut butter blossoms, or our recipe for peanut butter pie for one.
- Butter: Use salted or unsalted butter based on your preference.
- Powdered Sugar: This gives the snack its classic sweet coating.
Recipe Variations
Try these simple additions to change up the flavor and texture:
- M&Ms: Stir in for extra sweetness and color.
- Pretzels: Add crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
- Oreos: Mix in crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream version.
- Nuts: Add your favorite chopped nuts for texture and flavor.
How To Make Puppy Chow
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this quick puppy chow recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Add the cereal and stir gently until fully coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a gallon-sized resealable bag.
Note: You’ll add the powdered sugar in the next step, but using a sealed bag makes it easier to coat the cereal evenly without the mess of stirring it in a bowl.
- Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it, and shake until the cereal is well coated.
- Pour into a bowl and enjoy.
Pro Tip: The chocolate will still be soft but ready to eat. For firmer pieces, spread the Puppy Chow on a rimmed baking sheet or plate and chill in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips
- Read First: Review the full recipe and Ingredient Notes before starting.
- Prep Ahead: Gather all ingredients before you begin.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Stale cereal or old chocolate can affect taste and texture.
- Shake Well: Shake the bag vigorously to evenly coat the cereal and avoid clumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Puppy Chow is a no-bake snack made with cereal coated in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It’s also known as Muddy Buddies.
The name comes from its appearance, which looks similar to dog kibble, though it’s completely safe and intended for humans.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
About 10 minutes from start to finish.
Yes, just double each ingredient and follow the same steps.
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:
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
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Add the cereal and stir gently until fully coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a gallon-sized resealable bag.Note: You’ll add the powdered sugar in the next step, but using a sealed bag makes it easier to coat the cereal evenly without the mess of stirring it in a bowl.
- Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it, and shake until the cereal is well coated.
- Pour into a bowl and enjoy.Note: The chocolate will still be soft but ready to eat. For firmer pieces, spread the Puppy Chow on a rimmed baking sheet or plate and chill in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Read First: Review the full recipe and Ingredient Notes before starting.
- Prep Ahead: Gather all ingredients before you begin.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Stale cereal or old chocolate can affect taste and texture.
- Shake Well: Shake the bag vigorously to evenly coat the cereal and avoid clumps.
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.