This Valentine’s Puppy Chow is a festive, sweet, and crunchy treat that’s perfect for sharing! Also known as Muddy Buddies, this irresistible snack combines chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar with a holiday twist. Whether you’re making it for a party, a gift, or just a cozy night in, this easy recipe is a fun way to spread the love.
This chocolatey treat is perfect to gift with some chocolate cookies. Are you a puppy chow lover? Try some matcha puppy chow!
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💞 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy & No-Bake – No oven required! Just melt, mix, and shake for a quick and effortless treat.
- Perfectly Sweet & Crunchy – A delicious balance of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crispy cereal coated in powdered sugar.
- Festive & Fun – The Valentine’s Day sprinkles add a colorful, holiday-inspired touch that makes this snack extra special.
- Great for Sharing – Whether you're packing it up as a gift, bringing it to a party, or enjoying it at home, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit dietary needs or get creative with different flavors and add-ins!
🍴Ingredients
- 1 (12-oz.) box corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (more or less as needed)
- 1 cup Valentine's Day sprinkles (more or less as needed)
See recipe card for quantities.
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Melt the chocolate mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Coat the cereal
Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Powdered sugar magic
Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or a big mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag (or toss gently in the bowl), and shake until all the cereal is covered. Mix in the Valentine’s Day sprinkles for a colorful, festive look!
Step 4: Cool
Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet or parchment paper to cool slightly. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at for up to a week. You can store it at room temperature, but I prefer to keep in the fridge for a good, chocolatey crunch!
Hint: For extra crunch, try using chunky peanut butter instead of smooth! It adds little bits of peanuts to every bite.
📋 Substitutions
- Peanut allergy? Use sunflower butter or almond butter as an alternative.
- Dairy-free? Swap out the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Less sugar? Reduce the powdered sugar to 1 ½ cups for a lighter coating.
♨ Variations
- Strawberry Sweetheart – Add freeze-dried strawberries for a fruity twist.
- White Chocolate Delight – Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate and mix in crushed freeze-dried raspberries.
- Extra Crunchy Love – Stir in pretzel pieces or crushed graham crackers for added texture.
🍴 Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Large zip-top bag or airtight container
🍲 Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. You can eat directly out of the fridge or freezer!
⭐ Top tip
For an even coating, shake the cereal and powdered sugar in batches. Overcrowding the bag can lead to uneven distribution.
💭 FAQ
Yes! You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to two months. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
To keep it crisp, make sure to completely coat the cereal in chocolate and then toss it thoroughly in powdered sugar. Let it cool completely before storing, and always keep it in an airtight container to avoid moisture.
Absolutely! While corn Chex works best for its neutral flavor and crunch, you can also use rice Chex, Crispix, or even popcorn for a fun variation. Just avoid cereals that are too dense or already coated in sugar, as they may not absorb the chocolate mixture as well.
There’s no real difference—Muddy Buddies and Puppy Chow are the same treat! The name varies depending on where you live. "Puppy Chow" is the traditional Midwestern term, while "Muddy Buddies" is the name branded by Chexwhen they released their official recipe. No matter what you call it, it's the same delicious mix of chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and crispy cereal!
💕 Related
Looking for other sweet recipes? Try these:
🍶 Pairing
This Valentine’s Day Puppy Chow pairs beautifully with a variety of festive drinks and treats to make your celebration extra special. For a cozy pairing, enjoy it with a warm cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or sip on strawberry milk for a nostalgic twist. If you prefer something bold, a fresh-brewed coffee or espresso balances the sweetness perfectly. For an extra indulgence, serve it alongside chocolate-covered strawberries, heart-shaped sugar cookies, or fudgy brownie bites. If you love a sweet-and-salty contrast, try pairing it with salted pretzels or buttery popcorn to enhance the flavors. However you enjoy it, this festive treat is sure to be a hit!
📚 Cookbook Pairings
Interested in baking cookbooks? Check these out!
Recipe
📖 Recipe
Valentine's Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 1 box Corn Chex cereal 12-oz, can use rice Chex
- 2 cups chocolate chips semi-sweet
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup butter salted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar more or less as needed
- 1 cup Valentine's Day sprinkles more or less as needed
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or a big mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag (or toss gently in the bowl), and shake until all the cereal is covered. Mix in the Valentine’s Day sprinkles for a colorful, festive look!
- Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet or parchment paper to cool slightly. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at for up to a week. You can store it at room temperature, but I prefer to keep in the fridge for a good, chocolatey crunch!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
This Valentine’s Day Puppy Chow is the perfect no-bake treat to share with your loved ones! It's crunchy, chocolatey, and packed with festive colors. Whether you're making it for a party, a gift, or a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Karina Goodley says
I think you'll love this puppy chow recipe!
Mr. Ed says
Made this and it was delicious!