This Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow is the perfect sweet snack to whip up for the holidays! It’s got that delightful combination of peppermint, crunchy Chex cereal, and powdered sugar that makes it irresistible. Trust me, I made a batch for a holiday party once, and it was gone before I even set it on the table. Kids, adults—everyone loves it. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, so you can have a festive treat in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Just a few minutes to melt, mix, and shake—it’s that simple!
- Festive & Fun: The crushed candy canes make this perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just snacking at home.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Keeps fresh for up to two weeks, so you can prepare it ahead of time and snack throughout the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 5 cups Chex cereal: I love using rice or corn for that perfect crunch.
- 10 oz. Andes Peppermint Baking Chips: Any peppermint-flavored chips will work, but these give the best creamy mint flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Makes that sweet coating everyone loves.
- 6 candy canes (crushed): Adds a crunchy, minty holiday touch.
Variations
- Swap the Peppermint Chips: Can’t find Andes Peppermint Baking Chips? White chocolate chips with a little peppermint extract work too!
- Add Mix-Ins: Try tossing in some mini marshmallows or chocolate chips for extra fun.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure you’re using gluten-free Chex cereal to keep it safe for everyone.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Melt the Peppermint Chips
In a large glass bowl, microwave the Andes Peppermint Baking Chips on half power in 20-30 second intervals. Stir between each interval until completely melted and smooth. (Be careful not to overheat—it’s the details, ya know?)
2. Coat the Cereal
Pour your 5 cups of Chex cereal into the melted peppermint chips. Gently fold and stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
3. Shake It Up
In a large zip-top bag, add the powdered sugar and crushed candy canes. Toss the coated Chex cereal into the bag, seal it up, and shake like crazy until the cereal is fully coated with sugar and candy cane pieces.
4. Store & Serve
Once everything’s coated, you can store the puppy chow in the same zip-top bag or transfer it to a sealed container. It’ll keep fresh for up to 2 weeks, but good luck making it last that long!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Melt the peppermint chips in short bursts to avoid burning them.
- Crush the Candy Canes: A quick hack? Put the candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It’s a bit of fun and stress relief all in one!
- Toss Gently: When mixing the cereal into the melted chips, fold gently to avoid crushing the cereal.
How to Serve
This puppy chow is perfect for holiday parties, gift bags, or just snacking with family on movie night. Serve it in festive bowls or tuck it into cute holiday tins for gifting.
Make Ahead
- To Refrigerate: This doesn’t need to be refrigerated—just store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of peppermint?
Sure! You can use regular chocolate chips and add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to get that minty flavor.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place them in a zip-top bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin or heavy pan.
Can I make this ahead for a holiday party?
Absolutely! It keeps well for up to two weeks, so feel free to make it a few days ahead of your party.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow! This sweet and minty snack is the ultimate holiday treat. Whip up a batch and watch it disappear before your eyes. Whether you’re munching it with the family or gifting it to friends, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy!