If you’re searching for a Christmas snack that checks every box—sweet, crunchy, colorful, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously easy to make—then let me introduce you to your new holiday favorite: Christmas Red & Green Puppy Chow. It’s the kind of snack that instantly brightens up dessert boards, makes party guests come back for seconds (or thirds), and is just perfect for gifting in cute little bags or jars.
Whether you call it puppy chow or muddy buddies, this festive twist on a classic treat is everything you love about the original—only better, because now it’s dressed up for the holidays! We’re talking bold red and green candy coatings, powdered sugar snow, and that satisfying crunch you know and love.
This is the kind of no-fuss recipe you’ll want to make year after year. And the best part? It takes just 30 minutes, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and doesn’t require turning on your oven. Let’s get festive!
🎁 What Is Christmas Puppy Chow?
Christmas puppy chow (a.k.a. muddy buddies) is a holiday twist on the traditional snack made with Chex cereal, chocolate (or candy melts), and powdered sugar. It’s sweet, crunchy, and nearly impossible to stop eating.
This festive version uses red and green candy melts to create those bright, holiday-perfect colors you see in the bowl. Tossed with powdered sugar to mimic snow and layered in with white chocolate for an optional third batch, this treat becomes a visual (and edible) Christmas masterpiece. It’s simple, colorful, and perfect for all ages.
And don’t worry—despite the name, puppy chow is NOT for dogs. It’s a human treat (though we wouldn’t blame your pup for giving you those big eyes).
🎄 Why You’ll Love This Holiday Treat
Still deciding if it’s worth making? Trust us—it is. Here’s why this red & green puppy chow is the ultimate Christmas snack:
- No baking required – Just melt, mix, and shake.
- Highly customizable – Add sprinkles, peppermint, marshmallows, you name it.
- Perfect for gifting – It looks beautiful in clear bags or jars.
- Kid-approved – Let them help with shaking the bags and mixing the colors.
- Scales easily – Double or triple the recipe for parties, potlucks, and gift baskets.
Honestly, it might just be the easiest treat you make this season—and quite possibly the most addictive. Proceed with caution! 😉
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this treat exactly like the one in the image.
| Ingredient | Amount | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Chex Cereal | 9 cups (3 cups per color) | Base of the snack |
| Powdered Sugar | 1½ cups (½ cup per batch) | Gives the snowy coating |
| Red Candy Melts | 1 cup | For the red batch |
| Green Candy Melts | 1 cup | For the green batch |
| White Chocolate Chips | 1 cup (optional) | For a white “snowy” batch |
| Vegetable or Coconut Oil | 3 tbsp (1 per batch) | Helps smooth melting |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp (optional) | Adds flavor to white batch |
Substitutions:
No candy melts? Use white chocolate + gel food coloring.
No coconut oil? Use any neutral oil (vegetable, canola, etc.).
🛠️ Equipment Checklist
Make sure you’ve got these tools on hand before you get started:
- 3 Mixing bowls (one for each color batch)
- 3 Zip-top bags or large reusable bags
- Parchment paper or baking sheets
- Microwave-safe bowls for melting
- Spatulas or wooden spoons for stirring
- Airtight container or gift bags/jars for storage
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is broken into 3 simple color batches: red, green, and optional white. You can skip the white if you’d like, but it adds a lovely snowy touch to the final mix (and matches the photo perfectly).
❤️ Red Puppy Chow Batch
- Melt:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup red candy melts and 1 tbsp oil.
Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy (usually 1½ minutes). - Coat:
Pour the melted candy over 3 cups of Chex cereal in a large bowl.
Gently stir to coat every piece without breaking the cereal. - Sugar it up:
Add the coated cereal to a zip-top bag with ½ cup powdered sugar. Seal and shake until all pieces are evenly coated in white “snow.” - Dry:
Spread on a parchment-lined tray and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
💚 Green Puppy Chow Batch
Repeat the steps above using:
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1 tbsp oil
- 3 cups of Chex
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Let this batch dry completely before combining with others. You want crisp, non-sticky puppy chow!
🤍 Optional: White Puppy Chow Batch
For a “snowy” third color to really pop in your bowl:
- Melt:
Combine 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1 tbsp oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional). Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. - Coat:
Pour over 3 cups of Chex and stir gently to coat. - Powder:
Toss in a bag with ½ cup powdered sugar and shake until fully covered. - Dry:
Spread to dry and cool for 10–15 minutes.
🎉 Combine & Serve
Once all batches are completely dry, combine the red, green, and white puppy chow into a giant mixing bowl or festive serving dish.
And there you have it—your own holiday rainbow in a bowl! 🎄
🎨 Decorating & Gifting Ideas
This snack isn’t just tasty—it’s Instagram-worthy and perfect for holiday gifting. Try these ideas:
- Mason jars with twine and a custom tag: “Merry Munchies!”
- Cellophane bags tied with ribbon for party favors.
- Add mini candy canes, marshmallows, or red/green M&Ms for an extra festive mix.
- Include a printed recipe card for a personal touch.
🧊 Storage Tips
Once cooled and dried, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Want it to last longer?
- Fridge: 2 weeks
- Freezer: 1 month (thaw before serving)
Avoid heat and humidity—it melts the candy and ruins the crunch.
Print
🎄 Christmas Red & Green Puppy Chow
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Holiday Treats • No-Bake Snack • Christmas Dessert • Party Mix
Description
🎄 A vibrant, sweet, crunchy holiday treat that brings the magic of Christmas to every bite! ❤️💚 Perfect for dessert trays, parties, and festive gift bags. Kids and adults can’t resist this colorful holiday mix! ✨🐾
Ingredients
9 cups Rice Chex cereal (divided into 3 bowls → 3 cups each)
1½ cups powdered sugar (½ cup per color batch)
1 cup red candy melts
1 cup green candy melts
1 cup white chocolate chips (optional for white batch)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil (1 tbsp per color)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Melt the red candy melts with 1 tablespoon oil in the microwave until smooth and creamy. ⏱️ 1–2 minutes ❤️
Pour the melted red mixture over 3 cups of Chex cereal and gently stir to coat evenly. ⏱️ 1 minute
Add ½ cup powdered sugar to a large bag, place the coated cereal inside, and shake until fully covered. ⏱️ 1 minute
Spread the red batch on a parchment-lined tray to dry and set. ⏱️ 10 minutes
Repeat the same steps using green candy melts + 1 tablespoon oil for the green batch. ⏱️ 1–2 minutes melting + 1 minute coating + 1 minute shaking + 10 minutes drying 💚
(Optional) Melt white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon oil, coat the remaining 3 cups of cereal, shake with powdered sugar, and spread to dry. ⏱️ 1–2 minutes melting + 1 minute coating + 1 minute shaking + 10 minutes drying 🤍
Once all batches are set, gently mix the red, green, and white pieces together in a large bowl for a festive holiday blend. ⏱️ 1 minute 🎄
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week — it stays perfectly crunchy.
Add M&M’s, pretzels, or mini marshmallows for extra texture and color.
Use coconut oil if you want a smoother, shinier candy coating.
Perfect for gift bags, party bowls, and Christmas movie nights.
Easily double the recipe for large gatherings or holiday gifting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: ~160 kcal
🥄 Variations to Try
This base recipe is super versatile! Here are some fun twists:
- Peppermint Puppy Chow: Add peppermint extract or crushed candy canes.
- S’mores Puppy Chow: Mix in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Cookies & Cream: Use crushed Oreos and white candy melts.
- Hot Cocoa Mix: Dust with cocoa powder + powdered sugar.
The possibilities are endless—and all delicious.
You may also like :
Peanut Butter–Butterscotch Haystacks: The Ultimate No-Bake Sweet & Crunchy Treat 🍯
White Trash Sweet Snack Mix: A Festive No-Bake Treat Everyone Will Love
👨👩👧 A Fun Holiday Activity for Kids
Kids love this recipe! Here’s how to involve them:
- Let them pick colors or sprinkles.
- Give them the job of shaking the bags (favorite part!).
- Have a “decorating station” with bowls of mix-ins.
It’s a great way to teach them measuring, melting, and the joys of homemade snacks.
🎅 Make It a Holiday Tradition
Every family has those one or two recipes that just have to happen during the holidays. This Christmas Puppy Chow deserves a spot on your yearly must-make list.
Why? Because it’s:
- Incredibly easy
- Budget-friendly
- Fast to make
- Looks stunning
- And most importantly… it’s fun for everyone
You can even change the colors throughout the year for other holidays (Valentine’s, Halloween, 4th of July), making this a recipe you’ll use way beyond December.
📝 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, vibrant, festive treat that wins on every level—look no further. Christmas Red & Green Puppy Chow is the answer to boring cookie platters and overcomplicated desserts. It’s a no-bake, budget-friendly, smile-inducing snack that deserves a permanent spot on your holiday menu.
Bright. Cheery. Irresistible.
Just like Christmas should be.
So go ahead—grab your cereal, candy melts, and powdered sugar. Make some magic. ❄️✨
Similar recipes :
White Chocolate Christmas Chex Mix: The Ultimate Festive Treat
White Chocolate Christmas Puffcorn Munch – A Holiday Classic in the Making
❓FAQs
Q1: Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
You can, but it won’t give you the same bright red/green look. Candy melts are best for vibrant colors.
Q2: Is this gluten-free?
Yes—if you use gluten-free Rice Chex and check that your candy melts are gluten-free too.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well for up to a week at room temp in an airtight container.
Q4: Can I make this in large batches for parties?
Absolutely! Just scale up all ingredients. You can easily double or triple it.
Q5: Can I ship this treat?
Yes, but package it tightly in a hard container to avoid breaking the cereal and keep it fresh.
