Puppy Chow Recipe {Muddy Buddies} (2024)

HomeRecipe ListDessertsPuppy Chow Recipe {Muddy Buddies}

Posted by Aimee 3 comments
Published: Dec 16, 2021 Last Updated: Nov 3, 2023

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Easy and delicious, this addictive, sweet Puppy Chow recipe is perfect for all holidays! The classic Muddy Buddies…with the option to add in holiday colored candies!

Everyone loves easy desserts. Whip up some fancy Chocolate Dipped Oreos in minutes. Or dunk your grahams and make these delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Graham Crackers!

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What is Puppy Chow?

I believe it truly depends on the region you live, but in some areas people call this recipe Muddy Buddies…however I grew up calling it Puppy Chow!

Regardless of the name, it’s an addictive sweet treat, for adults and children.

NOT FOR PETS. I have to put that disclaimer because if you follow me on social media you will see inevitably there is one person who says I’m a terrible person for feeding chocolate to dogs.

Perfect for parties, you can change up the color and flavor of this Puppy Chow Recipe with just a few simple swaps!

  • Easy, no bake treat.
  • Serves a crowd, or bag it up for goodie bags.
  • Stays fresh for up to one week, can be made in advance for parties!
  • Add festive candies for the holidays!

If you love today’s recipe you’ve got to try our Snickerdoodle puppy chow and our peppermint puppy chow too!

How to Make Puppy Chow

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  • In a double boiler, or microwave, melt chocolate chips with butter. When melted, mix in peanut butter.
  • Measure out the rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. Pour melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir until evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar and mix until combined and cereal is coated evenly.

PRO TIP: You can also add the cereal to a ziploc bag after adding the chocolate peanut butter. Add the powdered sugar to the bag, zip closed, and shake!

  • Once fully coated, add in any festive touches, if desired. Mini marshmallows, marshmallow bits, and chocolate candies. Add sprinkles for a festive touch of color.
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Recipe FAQs

Can I use a double boiler to melt chocolate?

Yes. To use a double boiler, add about an inch of water to the bottom. Set over high until until it comes to a boil, the turn heat down to medium-low. Set a metal mixing bowl on top of the sauce pan and add in chocolate and butter (to the empty pan on top). Stir until completely melted and smooth, this takes a couple minutes. Remove from heat.

How long does puppy chow last?

Puppy Chow stays fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

I’m allergic to peanuts, what can I use instead in puppy chow?

You can substitute other seed butters, nut butters, etc for the peanut butter. You can also use Biscoff, which is nut free too!

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Substitutions

Original Muddy Buddies. 1 cup of milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet or dark chocolate) and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Melt smooth and continue directions.

Peanut Butter Puppy Chow. Swap out the chocolate morsels for peanut butter morsels. Fold in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter.

Candies. Use any color or variety of flavored M&M’S for a unique treat. Add holiday sprinkles!

Peppermint Puppy Chow. Uses Andes Mints and candy canes!

Thin Mint Puppy Chow. No Girl Scout cookies needed for this recipe!

  • Can I use a different cereal? Absolutely! Crispex, Golden Grahams and Cinnamon Toast Crunch all work great. Chex is unique though in it’s ability to “house” the chocolate filling inside!
  • What kind of chocolate is best? We love using semi-sweet chocolate, but milk and dark chocolate work great too! Use a quality brand for best results. And always buy fresh!
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More Easy Dessert Recipes

  • Rice Krispie Treats
  • Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
  • Chocolate Cheesecake
  • No Bake Cookies
  • Avalanche Cookies
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
  • Bunny Chow

Puppy Chow Recipe

5 from 5 votes

By: Aimee

Easy and delicious, this addictive, sweet Puppy Chow recipe is perfect for all holidays! The classic Muddy Buddies…with the option to add in holiday colored candies!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • In a double boiler, or microwave, melt chocolate chips with butter.When melted, stir in peanut butter until combined.

  • Measure out the rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. Pour melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir until evenly coated.

  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar and mix until combined and cereal is coated evenly.

  • Allow to set, about one hour.

Notes

  • You can also add the cereal to a ziploc bag after adding the chocolate. Add the powdered sugar to the bag, zip closed, and shake!
  • Store in airtight container for up to one week.
  • For a spring/ Easter version, add 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup marshmallow bits, and 1 cup pastel colored chocolate candies.
  • Can I use a different cereal? Absolutely! Crispex, Golden Grahams and Cinnamon Toast Crunch all work great. Chex is unique though in it's ability to "house" the chocolate filling inside!
  • What kind of chocolate is best? We love using semi-sweet chocolate, but milk and dark chocolate work great too! Use a quality brand for best results. And always buy fresh!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup, Calories: 168kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 98mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 16g

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Sweet, addicting Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies Recipe.

Puppy Chow Recipe {Muddy Buddies} (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between puppy chow and Muddy Buddies? ›

There's sort of an ongoing debate about the name of this chocolate-covered cereal treat. Some people call it puppy chow, while others know it by different names: muddy munch, monkey munch, or muddy buddies. Muddy Buddies is actually the official name of the recipe marketed by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal.

What came first, puppy chow or Muddy Buddies? ›

In 2002 General Mills developed Muddy Buddies, the same recipe as Puppy Chow. But it can't be said that General Mills invented the recipe since Midwesterners recall seeing it and eating it long before the early 2000s.

How do I keep my puppy chow from getting soggy? ›

Cool completely on a baking sheet until firm before packing into an airtight container. This step of cooling and drying is essential for puppy chow that will stay crisp, not soggy.

What is puppy chow made of? ›

What Is Puppy Chow? “Puppy chow” (a.k.a. muddy buddies) is the name for a homemade candy or snack that's made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. General Mills sells their own version of the popular treat, but it's easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

Why is puppy chow hard to find? ›

If pet food aisles seem sparse, it's likely due to supply chain issues. A familiar issue lately for stores and consumers (especially over the past few years), supply chain issues have affected almost everything you can think of. In this case, these supply chain issues are significantly impacting smaller stores.

Is puppy chow only a Midwest thing? ›

Puppy chow is a party staple in the Midwest, but not everywhere else. Puppy chow — a snack mix made of Chex cereal covered in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar — is often a fixture at parties. People outside of the Midwest have often never heard of it, and they don't know what they're missing.

Why are my Muddy Buddies clumpy? ›

If you add the powdered sugar while the mixture is still warm it will soak right in and won't help separate the chunks at all. Making sure your mixture is slightly cooled will mean you can use less powdered sugar in the end.

Do you mix puppy chow with water? ›

Is it Okay to Mix Water Directly into the Dog Food Bag? No, it's not advisable. Adding water directly to the bag can cause the entire batch to become mouldy or ferment. Always separate the portion you plan to soak and add water in a bowl.

Can puppy chow cause diarrhea? ›

A dog's food can cause diarrhoea for many reasons. One common cause is food sensitivities or allergies. Just like humans, dogs can develop adverse reactions to certain ingredients, such as grains, proteins, or artificial additives.

Can dogs eat muddy buddies? ›

Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies) is a great last-minute snack that can be completely ready in under 10 minutes! Loaded with plenty of peanut butter and chocolate, this is a super crave-able snack. Please note that this recipe is for humans only and is not dog-friendly!

Is puppy chow a Southern thing? ›

Puppy chow, also known as monkey munch, muddy buddies, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag, is the name for a homemade candy made in the United States, primarily in the Midwestern States.

Why is puppy chow call puppy chow? ›

How Puppy Chow Got Its Name. Chex cereal, originally made by the Ralston Purina Company, debuted in grocery stores in 1937. Because the company referred to their dog food as “dog chow” and cat food as “cat chow,” they jokingly called their new cereal line “human chow,” according to Taste.

Why do some people call muddy buddies puppy chow? ›

Its brown kibble-like appearance harkens back to the chow of the Purina company, and the name wasn't subtle, people called it Puppy Chow, knowing well that the dog food company manufactured that cereal. While party mix was a little more universally known for many decades, Puppy Chow was a neat quirk of the Midwest.

When should I switch from puppy chow? ›

Most of the time, 10 to 12 months of age is a safe time frame. If you're unsure it's better to err on the side of caution and keep your pup on puppy food a little longer than needed. But don't overdo it: all those extra calories can lead to obesity if an adult dog eats puppy food for too long.

What is the difference between puppy chow and dog chow? ›

The difference between puppy and adult food

Since your puppy is growing, he needs more nutrients and calories than an adult dog. This is why puppy foods have a higher level of protein and fat to support growth, as well as nutrients like DHA, an omega fatty acid found in mother's milk.

What age is Purina Puppy Chow for? ›

Larger breeds may take longer to reach full maturity, so he may need puppy food for up to two years. In general, however, expect to make the transition to adult dog food between one and two years of age.

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