If you’re searching for the ultimate winter treat that’s equal parts cozy and irresistible, you have to try Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow! It brings together everything magical about a mug of hot cocoa – think rich chocolate, marshmallow fluff, and that sweet dusting of cocoa – and wraps it up in crunchy, snackable form. Every handful is a whirlwind of creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallow, and nostalgic cocoa flavors, perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or sneaking by the handful straight from the bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow recipe is all about simple pantry staples coming together in the most delicious way. Each ingredient plays an important role, adding crunch, sweetness, or extra chocolatey sparkle to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!
- Rice Chex Cereal: It’s the iconic base that soaks up all the chocolate and provides that classic crispy, airy texture.
- Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: The deeper flavor makes this more “grown-up hot cocoa” – but still wonderfully sweet.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps make the chocolate mixture ultra smooth and rich, and encourages it to cling to every cereal corner.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds subtle nutty background notes – plus, it makes the coating extra luscious and thick.
- Marshmallow Fluff: The heart of that gooey marshmallow swirl you’ll taste in every bite – don’t substitute regular marshmallows!
- Hot Cocoa Mix (dry): Layers in cozy, sweet flavor – choose your favorite blend, with or without mini marshmallows.
- Powdered Sugar: The classic snowy puppy chow dusting – it coats and sweetens every piece.
- Snow Caps Candy: Tiny chocolate drops with a dazzle of nonpareils; they look adorable and pack extra bite-sized sweetness.
- Mini Marshmallows: Nothing says “hot chocolate” like a tumble of pillowy white marshmallows in every handful!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the bittersweet chocolate chips, unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and marshmallow fluff. Microwave in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds, until everything is fully melted and glossy. If you prefer, you can do this over low heat on the stovetop to keep a close eye on the mixture. The goal: a silky, swoon-worthy chocolate mixture that will coat your cereal beautifully!
Step 2: Coat the Cereal
Add all the rice chex cereal to a gigantic mixing bowl (trust me, the bigger the better). Immediately pour your warm, melted chocolate mixture over the cereal, and gently fold everything together with a spatula. Don’t worry if it looks messy at first – keep folding from the bottom until every square is coated in sweet chocolate-marshmallow goodness.
Step 3: Mix Up the Powdered Sugar and Cocoa
Whisk together the dry hot cocoa mix and the powdered sugar in a separate bowl or a large zip-top bag. This dusty duo is what makes that snowy “puppy chow” finish so fun and festive. The cocoa adds a little extra hot chocolate flavor and that beautiful color!
Step 4: Dust and Shake!
Working in batches (especially if your bowl is small), add the coated cereal to a clean, large zip-top bag or a big container with a lid. Pour in a portion of your cocoa-sugar mixture, seal tight, and shake until every piece is white and fluffy on the outside. It’s the moment this mix truly transforms into Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow!
Step 5: Add Toppings for the Ultimate Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow
Finally, pour your puppy chow out onto a large sheet pan or into a serving bowl. While it’s still a bit tacky, scatter over the Snow Caps candy and mini marshmallows. Gently toss everything together so each bite gets a little pop of chocolate, crunch of nonpareils, and a pillowy marshmallow surprise.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow
Garnishes
For extra winter whimsy, I love dusting the finished puppy chow with a little more powdered sugar right before serving. A few extra Snow Caps or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top are adorable, and fresh mini marshmallows just before guests arrive keep things extra soft and fluffy.
Side Dishes
Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow is truly snack-able as is, but I like pairing it with mugs of actual hot chocolate or café au lait for a cozy contrast. You could also serve it alongside a big bowl of fresh strawberries or a platter of cut-up fruit for a sparkling, satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, scoop heaping handfuls into little mugs or paper cones for guests to grab and walk around with. To package for gifts, layer Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow into mason jars or clear treat bags tied with a ribbon. Add a cute tag and maybe a mini scoop – it’s the sweetest homemade holiday treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for several days. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, try to keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent any chocolate from becoming melty. The marshmallows and Snow Caps will keep their fun texture if you don’t wait too long to enjoy it!
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow actually freezes beautifully. Place it in airtight freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as you can, and freeze for up to two months. Before serving, let the puppy chow thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or so – it comes back just as crunchy and delicious!
Reheating
No need to reheat Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow, as it’s meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If your treat was stored in the freezer or fridge and feels too firm, just let it sit out on the counter for a short while before serving, and it will regain that perfect crispy-chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cereal?
Absolutely! While rice Chex gives the classic airy crunch, corn Chex, wheat Chex, or even squares of plain puffed cereal can work in a pinch. Just steer clear of anything that’s pre-sweetened or super dense.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Rice Chex is gluten free, as is most marshmallow fluff and cocoa mix, but be sure to check the labels on all your packages if you’re serving someone with allergies. Snow Caps contain wheat, so you may want to swap them for gluten free chocolate chips if needed!
Can I skip the peanut butter?
If you’re working around allergies or simply don’t like peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are fantastic alternatives. Or, you can simply leave it out – the mixture won’t be quite as fudgy, but it’ll still taste amazing.
What’s the best way to mix without making a huge mess?
Big zip-top bags or an extra large mixing bowl are your best friends for shaking puppy chow! If you don’t have a container or bag that’s big enough, coat and dust the cereal in batches to keep everything even and your kitchen (reasonably) tidy.
How can I add more hot chocolate flavor?
For a real flavor bomb, add a touch of espresso powder or a hint of cinnamon to your cocoa mix when dusting the puppy chow. You could also go wild with flavored hot cocoa blends, like mint or caramel, to put your own spin on the classic!
Final Thoughts
Every winter gathering deserves a big, cheerful bowl of Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow. Whether you whip it up for a party, package it for gifts, or just need a midnight snack that wraps you up in chocolatey comfort, this recipe always delivers that perfect hit of nostalgia and fun. Just give it a try – you’ll see why it’s everyone’s new seasonal obsession!
Print
Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Melting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow is the ultimate winter snack, combining the sweetness of marshmallow fluff, hot cocoa mix, and bittersweet chocolate with the crunch of rice Chex cereal. Coated in powdered sugar and topped with Snow Caps candy and mini marshmallows, it’s like a cozy winter day in a bowl!
Ingredients
Rice Chex Cereal:
10 cups
Bittersweet Chocolate Chips:
12 oz
Unsalted Butter:
½ cup
Creamy Peanut Butter:
½ cup
Marshmallow Fluff:
7 oz
Hot Cocoa Mix (dry):
1.5 oz
Powdered Sugar:
4 cups
Snow Caps Candy:
3.1 oz
Mini Marshmallows:
3 cups
Instructions
- Melt Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt bittersweet chocolate chips, unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and marshmallow fluff until smooth.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the melted mixture over the rice Chex cereal and stir gently to coat evenly.
- Prepare Coating: In a large bowl, mix powdered sugar with hot cocoa mix.
- Coat Cereal Again: Pour the powdered sugar mixture over the coated cereal and toss until evenly coated.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle Snow Caps candy and mini marshmallows over the cereal mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
