The Sweetest Peppermint Candy Cane Puppy Chow Recipe Ever

Sweet treats bring joy during holiday seasons, and this peppermint candy cane puppy chow sparkles with festive cheer.

Chocolate and crushed candy canes create a delightful winter snack that everyone loves.

Crunchy Chex cereal gets coated in rich melted chocolate and sprinkled with peppermint pieces.

The mix delivers a perfect balance of creamy chocolate and cool mint flavors.

Each handful brings a burst of holiday spirit and delicious crunch.

Kids and adults alike will devour this simple, addictive treat in minutes.

Gather your ingredients and let the holiday magic begin.

Peppermint Candy Cane Puppy Chow: Festive Crunch

• Enjoy a delightful holiday treat that combines the classic crunch of Chex with peppermint's refreshing zing, creating a magical seasonal snack that'll wow everyone.
• Whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert in just a few simple steps, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients that most home cooks already have on hand.
• Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, classroom parties, or cozy movie nights, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular sweet treat that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.
• Package this festive puppy chow in cute mason jars or cellophane bags for a homemade gift that spreads holiday cheer and shows off your culinary creativity without complicated techniques.

Puppy Chow Ingredient Rundown

• Chex Cereal: A crispy and light base that serves as the main carrier for the chocolate and peppermint coating.
• White Chocolate Chips: Provides a sweet and creamy foundation for the puppy chow that melts smoothly.

• Shortening: Helps the white chocolate melt smoothly and creates a consistent coating.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds a refreshing and cool mint flavor to the holiday treat.

• Peppermint Candies, Candy Canes: Crushed candies provide a festive crunch and additional peppermint flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, dusty coating that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Gear for Festive Puppy Chow

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for stirring and coating Chex cereal with melted chocolate.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Perfect for melting white chocolate chips smoothly.
• Microwave: Needed to melt chocolate in short intervals.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Crucial for spreading and cooling the puppy chow.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate peppermint extract measurement.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure Chex cereal precisely.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Useful for dusting powdered sugar evenly.

Directions for Peppermint Candy Cane Puppy Chow

Step 1: Crush Candy Crunch Grab your candy canes and place them in a resealable plastic bag.

Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them into delightful small pieces.

You want a mix of fine powder and small chunks for the perfect texture.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Magic Place white chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl.

Zap the mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring gently between each interval.

Keep stirring until the chocolate transforms into a silky smooth liquid.

Add a splash of peppermint extract for that festive zing.

Step 3: Coat Cereal Completely Pour the warm chocolate mixture over Chex cereal in a spacious mixing bowl.

Grab a spatula and fold gently, ensuring every single cereal piece gets a luxurious chocolate bath.

Move carefully to avoid breaking the delicate cereal.

Step 4: Sprinkle Festive Cheer Scatter the crushed candy cane pieces over the chocolate-covered Chex.

Toss the mixture with love, making sure the candy bits dance throughout the entire batch.

Step 5: Spread And Chill Transfer the mixture onto a parchment-lined surface.

Spread it out evenly, creating a thin layer that allows quick cooling and crisp texture.

Step 6: Dust With Sweet Snow Once the mixture has completely cooled, break up any stubborn clusters.

Generously dust powdered sugar over the top, creating a winter wonderland effect.

Step 7: Store And Enjoy Pack the puppy chow in an airtight container.

This treat stays fresh for several days and makes a perfect holiday gift or party snack.

Peppermint Puppy Chow Pro Tips

• Break candy canes in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin to prevent messy shattering and ensure uniform pieces.
• Microwave white chocolate slowly and stir frequently to avoid burning and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Mix Chex cereal gently with melted chocolate to ensure even coating without breaking delicate cereal pieces.
• Keep puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness and prevent moisture.
• Modify peppermint extract amount based on personal preference for a more subtle or stronger mint flavor.

Candy Cane Puppy Chow Variations

• Gluten-Free Candy Cane Puppy Chow: Replace Chex with gluten-free rice cereal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same festive peppermint crunch.
• Vegan Peppermint Puppy Chow: Swap white chocolate chips with dairy-free dark chocolate and use coconut oil instead of shortening to create a plant-based holiday treat.
• Low-Sugar Peppermint Puppy Chow: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free white chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic flavor profile.
• Nutty Peppermint Crunch: Add sliced almonds or chopped pecans for extra texture and a protein boost, creating a more substantial holiday snack with added crunch.

Serving Peppermint Puppy Chow at Parties

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange the puppy chow in a decorative holiday-themed serving bowl, surrounded by whole candy canes for a stunning centerpiece that screams Christmas cheer.
• Gifting Delights: Package the puppy chow in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbons, creating perfect homemade holiday gifts for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
• Sweet Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for a delightful flavor combination that enhances the minty, chocolatey goodness of the puppy chow.
• Movie Night Munchies: Portion into small individual bowls for a fun holiday movie marathon snack that keeps everyone's hands busy and taste buds happy.

Storing Puppy Chow to Keep It Crunchy

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep away from moisture and heat to prevent clumping and maintain crisp texture.
• Pack in freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Keep in sealed container in cool, dry spot. Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and crunch. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas.
• Add small silica gel packet inside storage container to absorb excess humidity. This helps maintain original crispiness and prevents candy coating from becoming sticky.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Chex?

Yes, you can substitute Chex with similar crispy cereals like Rice Chex or Corn Chex. The key is to use a cereal that holds the chocolate coating well and has a neutral flavor.

• How long will the Holiday Peppermint Candy Cane Puppy Chow stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this treat will remain fresh for about 5-7 days. Keep it away from humidity and direct sunlight to maintain its crispy texture.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids can help crush candy canes, stir the mixture, and dust powdered sugar. Adult supervision is recommended for melting chocolate in the microwave to ensure safety.

Peppermint Candy Cane Puppy Chow Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful peppermint candy cane puppy chow delights winter snack enthusiasts with festive chocolate and mint flavors. Crispy cereal coated in white chocolate and crushed candy canes creates perfect holiday treat for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup peppermint candies (crushed or chopped)
• 1/2 cup candy canes (crushed or chopped)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Binding/Coating Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon shortening
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious work area by laying out parchment paper or a silicone mat to catch drips and make cleanup easier.
2. Create a smooth chocolate base by microwaving white chocolate chips with shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until fully melted. Incorporate peppermint extract to enhance the festive flavor profile.
3. Transfer Chex cereal into a generously sized mixing bowl, then gently pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal, carefully folding to ensure complete and even coating.
4. Immediately scatter crushed peppermint candies and candy cane pieces across the chocolate-covered cereal, gently mixing to distribute the festive ingredients throughout the mixture.
5. Spread the coated cereal mixture onto the prepared surface, allowing it to cool and solidify at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes.
6. Once completely set, break apart any large clusters and dust the entire batch with a light layer of powdered sugar, creating a delicate and sweet finishing touch.
7. Transfer the holiday puppy chow to an airtight container for storage, or serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Keep workspace clean and organized for smooth preparation, minimizing chocolate mess.
• Use a spatula or wooden spoon for gentle mixing to prevent cereal breakage during coating.
• Crush candy canes finely for even distribution and better texture throughout the puppy chow.
• Store in cool, dry place to maintain crispness and prevent chocolate from melting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg