Everyone will love this Grinch Puppy Chow Chex Mix recipe. This festive snack combines crunchy Chex cereal with a chocolate-peanut butter coating and bright red and green accents—perfect for holiday parties, bake sales, or cozy movie nights.
This Christmas puppy chow is an easy, no-bake treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
I usually make several batches because it disappears fast. The recipe is simple to scale up and can be customized by swapping colors, candies, or mix-ins to suit any season or celebration.
Grinch Puppy Chow Ingredients
- Ghirardelli white melting wafers: Preferred because they handle food gel without seizing; green candy melts are a fine substitute.
- Corn Chex cereal: Rice Chex works as well.
- Powdered sugar: For coating and sweetness.
- Green food gel: Gel gives a vibrant green without thinning the chocolate; neon or bright green both work.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds the classic peanut butter flavor and smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract
- Holiday red and green M&M’s
- Red heart candy sprinkles
How to Make Grinch Puppy Chow
Start by coloring the powdered sugar. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and about 5 drops of green food gel. Mix on low, increase to medium, and scrape down the sides until the sugar is evenly tinted and crumbly. Begin with 2 cups of powdered sugar and add up to 4 cups as needed for coating.
Melt the white vanilla wafers in a microwave-safe bowl following package directions. Stir in 2 drops of green food gel and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Place the Chex cereal in a large zip-top bag. Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal, seal the bag, and shake gently until the pieces are evenly coated.
Add the green powdered sugar to the bag, seal, and shake again until each piece is well covered. Transfer the coated cereal to a bowl and fold in red heart sprinkles and holiday M&M’s. Serve immediately or package for gifting.
Enjoy!
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Swap colors and candy mix-ins to match any holiday or themed event.
- Ghirardelli wafers are less likely to seize when adding gel. If chocolate does seize, stir in 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to smooth it.
- Use food gel rather than liquid food coloring for brighter color without changing texture.
- Add peanuts, pretzels, or other salty mix-ins for a sweet-and-salty version.
- If you prefer, skip coloring the coating and leave it as white chocolate.
- Double or triple the recipe for parties or to make extra for gifts.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
More Grinch Recipes
- Grinch Cheese Ball
- Grinch Bark
- Grinch Cake Mix Cookies
- Grinch Punch
Recipe
Grinch Puppy Chow
20 mins
3 mins
Christmas Treats
American
6 servings
Ingredients
- 10 oz Ghirardelli white vanilla flavored melting wafers
- 5 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 4 cups powdered sugar (start with 2 cups and add as needed)
- 7 drops green food gel (neon or bright green)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 (3.10 oz) boxes holiday red and green M&M’s
- Red heart candy sprinkles
Instructions
- In a stand mixer with a paddle, combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and 5 drops green food gel. Mix on low, increasing to medium, until the sugar is evenly tinted and crumbly. Start with 2 cups powdered sugar and add up to 4 cups as needed.
- Melt the white wafers in the microwave following package directions. Stir in 2 drops green food gel and 1/2 cup peanut butter until smooth.
- Place Chex cereal in a large zip-top bag. Pour in the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture, seal, and shake to coat. Add the green powdered sugar, shake again until coated, then stir in heart sprinkles and holiday M&M’s.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutrition facts are estimates provided as a courtesy. Use your own brand labels or a nutrition calculator to confirm values, especially if ingredients or amounts change.