Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow

Listen up. Today I’m bringing one of my classic Christmas recipes back into the spotlight. Originally published in 2012 and my first “viral” recipe on my site, this Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow has been a constant favorite for the past several years. Inspired by the candy cane Muddy Buddies that Chex sells, this foolproof recipe is extra sweet, crunchy, and requires only 4 ingredients. Have you ever tried it? I have a few variations on my site: Nutella Puppy Chow, Cookies & Cream Puppy Chow, and Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow, just to name a few!

Puppy Chow = Muddy Buddies

I receive a lot of confused questions about this! Depending where you live, this Chex cereal snack mix can be called Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies. I grew up calling it puppy chow. But no, this is not dog food! It’s for humans. Originally made with peanut butter and chocolate, this holiday variation makes everyone happy. (The people, not the dogs!)

This Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow:

Is easy to double or triple for a big crowd Comes together in about 10 minutes Is instant holiday gratification Requires only 4 ingredients Is crunchy, sweet, and massively irresistible

It’s welcome of adaptions too. Many readers substitute the white chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate and add sprinkles along with the crushed candy canes.

How to Make Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow

Kids love helping with that last step. And they LOVE this recipe. ‘Tis the season for peppermint treats!

How to Crush Candy Canes

Have I ever taught you this before? My trick for crushing candy canes is to use a large zipped-top bag. Unwrap the candy canes, place in the bag, squeeze out the air, seal shut, then lightly bang on the candy canes with a rolling pin. Go slowly and as gently as you can. The candy canes will puncture the bag a little bit, but if you go slowly, they won’t come flying out—I promise. This is how I crush candy canes for peppermint bark, too. If you need a quick last minute treat for a cookie exchange, potluck, gathering, holiday party, or something to munch on while making Christmas cookies, whip up a batch of this stuff. I love giving it away in little Christmas treat bags, too. It’s CRAZY to watch how people flock to this stuff—kids and adults alike! (And knowing how simple it is, too!)