Indulge in the festive flavors of Holiday Peppermint Candy Cane Puppy Chow, a delightful snack that combines the crunch of Chex cereal with the sweetness of white chocolate and a refreshing peppermint twist. Start by lining a large surface with parchment paper. Melt white chocolate chips and shortening together until smooth, then mix in peppermint extract. Pour this mixture over Chex cereal and stir until evenly coated. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and candy canes onto the coated cereal and mix well. Spread the mixture on the prepared surface to cool and set. Once set, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this snack is sure to bring cheer to any celebration.
The Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow is a simple and delicious holiday treat that has become a staple in many households during the Christmas season. This snack, also known as Muddy Buddies in some regions, is perfect for Christmas Day or as a gift for family, friends, and neighbors. Its ease of preparation, delightful minty flavor, and festive appearance make it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
Ingredients
To make this delightful snack, you will need the following ingredients:
- 5 cups of Chex cereal: Typically, Rice Chex is used, but you can also experiment with other types of Chex cereal such as Corn Chex or even Chocolate Chex for a different twist.
- 10 ounces of white chocolate or white almond bark: Alternatively, you can use Andes Peppermint Baking Chips or vanilla candy coating for a slightly different flavor profile.
- 1 cup of powdered sugar: This is essential for coating the chocolate-covered cereal and giving it that sweet and crunchy texture.
- 1 cup of crushed candy canes: Approximately 6 candy canes crushed will give you the perfect amount of peppermint flavor and festive color.
Instructions
Prepare the Cereal
Begin by pouring the 5 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. This will be the base of your Peppermint Puppy Chow, so ensure the bowl is large enough to hold all the cereal comfortably.
Melt the Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate or white almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until fully melted. This process usually takes about 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power. If you prefer a different flavor, you can also melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil, though this will alter the overall taste and texture.
For those using Andes Peppermint Baking Chips or vanilla candy coating, combine these in the microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
Coat the Cereal
Once the chocolate is melted, pour it over the Chex cereal in the large mixing bowl. Mix until the cereal is fully coated with the melted chocolate. If you are using peppermint extract, stir it in after the chocolate is melted to ensure the peppermint flavor is evenly distributed.
Add Crushed Candy Canes
Fold in the crushed candy canes into the chocolate-covered cereal mixture. This step adds the festive and minty flavor that makes this snack so special. You can add about ¾ of the crushed candy canes at this stage and save the rest for sprinkling on top later.
Coat with Powdered Sugar
Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal mixture into a large zip-top bag or a container. Add the powdered sugar to the bag and seal it. Shake the bag vigorously until the cereal is evenly coated with powdered sugar. This step can be a bit messy, so it’s a good idea to wear an apron and have some parchment paper handy to catch any stray sugar.
Storage
Pour the coated cereal mixture onto a large baking sheet or parchment paper. Allow the mixture to air dry completely before serving or storing. This step is crucial as it helps the chocolate to harden, making the snack easier to handle and store.
Store the Peppermint Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for longer periods. Ensuring the container is tightly sealed will keep the snack fresh and prevent it from going stale.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amazing Minty Flavor
The Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow boasts a strong and delightful minty flavor thanks to the peppermint chocolate and crushed candy canes. This flavor is perfect for the holiday season and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Easy to Make
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. It is a super easy snack to prepare, and kids love helping with the process. From melting the chocolate to coating the cereal with powdered sugar, each step is straightforward and fun.
Customizable
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes or add a personal touch. Consider including chopped up Andes chocolate mints for an extra layer of peppermint flavor, mint M&M’s for additional color and flavor, or even chopped up mint gummies for a fun texture. Using sprinkles in coordinating colors can also make the snack more festive.
Quick and Scalable
This recipe doesn’t take long to make, and it can easily be doubled or tripled depending on your needs. Whether you’re preparing for a small family gathering or a large holiday party, this snack can be scaled up without any hassle.
Great Gift Idea
The Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow makes a fantastic gift idea for foodies who love holiday treats. Package the snack in large mason jars, treat bags, or mason jars tied with holiday bows for a beautiful and delicious gift.
Additional Suggestions
Adding Chopped Up Andes Chocolate Mints
Including chopped up Andes chocolate mints adds an extra layer of peppermint flavor to your snack. Simply chop the mints into small pieces and fold them into the chocolate-covered cereal mixture along with the crushed candy canes.
Including Mint M&M’s
Adding mint M&M’s to the mixture not only adds flavor but also a pop of color. This makes the snack more visually appealing and fun to eat.
Adding Chopped Up Mint Gummies
Mixing in chopped up mint gummies provides a fun texture to the snack. Kids especially love the surprise of biting into a chewy mint gummy amidst the crunchy cereal.
Using Sprinkles
Using sprinkles in coordinating colors can make the snack more festive. Simply sprinkle the sprinkles over the coated cereal mixture before it dries, and you’ll have a colorful and cheerful holiday treat.
Serving and Gifting Ideas
Holiday Gatherings
This snack is perfect for serving at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or other festive gatherings. It’s a great option to leave out in a big bowl for guests to help themselves during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Gift Giving
Package the Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow in large mason jars, treat bags, or mason jars tied with holiday bows for a beautiful and delicious gift. This is especially appreciated by those who love holiday treats and are looking for something unique and homemade.
Snacking
Keep a big bowl of this snack on hand for family members and guests to enjoy throughout the holiday season. It’s a great way to keep everyone satisfied and in the holiday spirit.