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Snickerdoodle Puppy Chow Recipe — Cinnamon Sugar Snack Mix

Muddy buddies or puppy chow—whatever you call it, this Snickerdoodle-inspired cinnamon Chex mix is always a crowd-pleaser. Ready in about 10 minutes, the combination of white chocolate, cinnamon and powdered sugar creates a crunchy, sweet treat you’ll turn to again and again.

Bowl of cinnamon chex mix with powdered sugar.

This recipe was originally published May 2017 and updated December 2021.

Whether you call it Chex mix, muddy buddies or puppy chow, this Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Chex Mix is a quick, delicious snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a powdered-sugar covered white chocolate treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Why you will love this cinnamon chex mix:

  • Only a few ingredients. Rice Chex, white chocolate or candy coating, cinnamon and powdered sugar are all you need. Optional mix-ins can be added if desired.
  • Quick prep. The recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare: melt the white chocolate, toss with cereal, then shake with powdered sugar.
  • Kid-friendly. Simple steps make this a fun recipe for children to help with—divide the mix into bags so multiple kids can shake and coat their portion.
  • Great flavor and texture. The warm cinnamon with creamy white chocolate and crunchy cereal creates a comforting, snackable treat.

What you will need:

  • White chocolate or vanilla candy coating: Use white chocolate chips, a white chocolate bar, or candy coating—any meltable white confection you enjoy. High-quality white chocolate melts more smoothly, but careful melting avoids issues.
  • Chex: Rice Chex works well here. You can swap in Cinnamon Toast Crunch if you prefer a nuttier cinnamon flavor, but classic rice Chex keeps the texture light.
  • Cinnamon: Split between the melted white chocolate and the powdered sugar for balanced flavor throughout.
  • Powdered sugar: Enough to thoroughly coat the cereal once it’s covered in chocolate.
Powdered sugar, white chocolate chips, cinnamon and Chex cereal on counter.

How to make Snickerdoodle Puppy Chow:

  • Measure and place the Chex cereal into a medium mixing bowl.
  • Melt the white chocolate in short bursts (about 25 seconds) at 50% power if using a microwave, stirring between intervals. Stop heating when most of the chocolate is melted, then stir until smooth to avoid overheating and seizing.
  • Stir 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon into the melted white chocolate.
  • Pour the cinnamon white chocolate over the Chex and gently fold to coat the cereal evenly. Clean hands can make this easier, or use a spatula to fold gently.
  • Combine the powdered sugar and remaining cinnamon in a gallon-sized zip-top bag, then add the coated cereal. Seal and toss until the cereal is evenly covered in powdered sugar.
  • Transfer the coated cereal to a serving bowl and let it cool for 15–30 minutes before serving. For faster setting, place the bowl in the refrigerator for 5–10 minutes.
White chocolate melted in a glass bowl with cinnamon stirred in and then poured over a bowl of chex cereal.
Plastic bag with powdered sugar, Chex added in and then final image of mixed cereal with powdered sugar.

Recipe Notes and Tips:

  • Don’t overheat the white chocolate. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize and thicken. Use a double boiler for gentle melting or microwave at 50% power in short intervals.
  • Storage: Store the finished mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 1–2 weeks, if it lasts that long.
  • Coat evenly. Make sure the cereal is well coated in chocolate so the powdered sugar adheres for a consistent flavor and texture.

Cinnamon Chex Mix Add-Ins and Variations:

  • Add 1–2 cups of Cinnamon Toast Crunch or another cinnamon cereal for extra flavor and color.
  • Stir in a handful of extra white chocolate chips just before serving for extra pockets of sweetness.
  • For a sweet-and-salty twist, mix in mini pretzels or salted nuts.
Snickerdoodle puppy chow in bowl with cinnamon stick and cereal beside it.

Other No Bake Treats:

  • Funfetti Rice Krispie Treats
  • No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
  • Homemade Bark Thins
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

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Snickerdoodle Puppy Chow

By: Lorie Yarro
Muddy buddies or puppy chow? This cinnamon Chex mix is a quick, white chocolate and powdered sugar treat that’s perfect for snacking.
Cinnamon puppy chow chex mix in white bowl.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Chex cereal (or 4 cups Chex + 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
  • 12 oz white chocolate chips (or white candy coating)
  • 3 tsp cinnamon, divided
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Pour the cereal into a medium bowl.
  • Melt white chocolate in 25 second increments at 50% power, stirring between intervals. When mostly melted, stop heating and stir until smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon.
  • Pour the cinnamon white chocolate over the cereal and stir until evenly coated.
  • Place powdered sugar and remaining cinnamon in a gallon-sized plastic bag. Add the coated cereal, seal, and toss until fully coated.
  • Transfer back to a bowl and allow to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Do not overheat white chocolate. Use a double boiler or microwave at reduced power to prevent seizing.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 weeks.
  • Coat well: Thorough coating ensures powdered sugar sticks and flavor is even.

Nutrition

Calories: 299 kcal, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 6 g, Sugar: 30 g

Nutrition information is an approximation.

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