Description

For those who haven’t yet discovered the joy of making Puppy Chow at home, here’s a quick and easy recipe to get you started:

Ingredients

Scale

9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety works best)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Cereal: Measure out the Chex cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal, using a spatula or spoon to gently toss and coat the cereal evenly.
Dust with Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake well until each piece is coated with sugar.
Cool and Enjoy: Spread the Puppy Chow out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper to cool. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.

Notes

Making Puppy Chow for the first time is a revelation in its ease and the joy it brings, much like rediscovering a cherished memory from childhood. It’s a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and its preparation is ripe for customization. You can add in variations such as using different types of cereal, adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla to the powdered sugar, or even mixing in some nuts or pretzels for extra crunch.