Your favorite Chex mix gets a festive twist in this easy Mint Chocolate Christmas Puppy Chow (aka muddy buddies). It combines peppermint and dark chocolate for a holiday-worthy snack that takes about 10 minutes to prep and looks merry with red and green M&M’s.
Do you call it “puppy chow” or “muddy buddies”?
No matter the name, this Dark Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Puppy Chow is a simple, crowd-pleasing holiday snack. Pack it into jars as edible gifts, serve it on a party table, or enjoy it during a cozy movie night.
Mint and chocolate are a holiday favorite. If you enjoy that pairing, try other mint-chocolate treats from the same flavor family.
Why we love this Mint Chocolate Christmas Puppy Chow
Easy and quick. This no-bake snack is made by melting chocolate, stirring in peppermint, coating Chex cereal, tossing with powdered sugar, and folding in festive M&M’s. It’s that simple.
No baking required. That frees up the oven for other holiday baking and keeps the process fuss-free.
Perfect holiday flavor. Dark chocolate and peppermint create a classic seasonal taste that feels like December in every bite.
Bright, festive presentation. Red and green mint M&M’s add color and extra mint flavor, making this an easy, visually appealing holiday treat.
Ingredient notes
- Chex cereal: Use rice Chex or a similar rice cereal; no need for brand name. The classic rice variety works best.
- Dark chocolate chips: Chips or chunks both work. If you prefer, substitute semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate—any chocolate that melts smoothly will do.
- Peppermint extract: Use sparingly—about 1/2 teaspoon is a good starting point. Add more if you want a stronger mint flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Confectioners’ sugar gives the mix its snowy coating and sweetness.
- Mint M&Ms: Holiday mint M&Ms add both color and a minty pop, but regular M&Ms or other candies are fine too.
How to make this Christmas Puppy Chow
Step 1: Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20–25 second increments, stirring between each interval. When most chips are melted, stop heating and stir until smooth. Stir in peppermint extract (and a little vanilla if using).
Step 2: Place Chex cereal in a large bowl and pour the melted chocolate over it. Stir gently to coat the cereal evenly. Optionally chill for 5–10 minutes to set the coating slightly.
Step 3: Stir to ensure the cereal is fully coated. Chilling briefly can help the coating firm up, but it’s optional.
Step 4: Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable bag and add the powdered sugar.
Step 5: Shake the bag to coat every piece of cereal in powdered sugar.
Step 6: Transfer the puppy chow back to a serving bowl and fold in mint M&M’s and any extra chocolate chips if desired. Let cool completely before serving.
Recipe tips
Don’t overheat the chocolate. Heat in short increments and stir frequently. If chocolate overheats it can seize and become grainy and unusable.
Double boiler option. If you prefer, melt the chocolate using a double boiler instead of a microwave.
Adjust extracts to taste. You can omit vanilla and use only peppermint if you want a more pronounced mint flavor.
Make it seasonal other times of year. Swap the M&M colors to match other holidays or use classic M&Ms for a year-round snack.
Optional add-ins
Customize this puppy chow with additional mix-ins for variety and texture:
- Pretzels for a sweet-and-salty contrast
- Mini peanut butter cups (omit peppermint if adding peanut butter candies)
- Crushed Oreos or mint Oreos (add before powdered sugar for best coating)
- Festive sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows
- Broken candy cane pieces
Storage
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks, though it usually disappears long before then.
Other Christmas recipes
Christmas
Christmas Golden Oreo Balls
Christmas
Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Christmas
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas
White Chocolate Dipped Nutella Ritz Crackers Cookies
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to the newsletter and follow on social channels for more recipes.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup mint M&Ms
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place Rice Chex in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20–25 second increments, stirring between intervals. When mostly melted, stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla (if using) and peppermint extract.
- Pour the chocolate over the Chex and stir gently to coat. Chill briefly if desired.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable bag and add powdered sugar. Shake to coat evenly.
- Return to a bowl, fold in mint M&M’s and any extra chips, and allow to cool completely before serving.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
Chocolate care: Heat gently and stop microwaving when most chips are melted—stir to finish. Overheating can cause chocolate to seize.
Melting alternative: Use a double boiler if preferred.
Flavor swaps: Omit vanilla if you want a stronger peppermint flavor, or change M&M colors for other occasions.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 12 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Shop this post:
Mixing bowls
Silicone spatulas
Measuring cup