Is there a difference between Muddy Buddies and puppy chow?

Nope! As we covered above, they are the exact same snack. "Muddy Buddies" is the official brand name from Chex, and "Puppy Chow" is the common, homemade name.

What is puppy chow called now?

It's called both! "Puppy Chow" is still the most popular homemade name for it. "Muddy Buddies" is the official brand name that General Mills (the makers of Chex) prints on the box and uses for their pre-packaged snack. You can use either name, and people will know what you're talking about!

What is the healthiest dry food for puppies?

This puppy chow recipe is a sweet treat for humans and is not safe for dogs . Chocolate and other ingredients are toxic to pets. If you are looking for food for an animal, we trust authority sources like the American Kennel Club (AKC) for advice on pet nutrition.

What are some other variations of muddy buddies?

The options are endless! We included our favorites (Peanut Butter, Peppermint Bark, and Grinch) in the 'Variations' section above. You can also try versions with Biscoff, Nutella, or different cereals. The base method of "melt, coat, shake" works for almost anything!

The Best Peppermint Puppy Chow (Easy 10-Min Recipe!)

Name: The Best Peppermint Puppy Chow
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups (135g) Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex); 10 oz (282g) high-quality white chocolate, finely chopped (see notes); 1 cup (approx. 8-10) crushed peppermint candy canes; ¾ cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)

Description

This Peppermint Puppy Chow is an easy, 10-minute, no-bake holiday snack! A festive and irresistible mix of Chex cereal, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes.

Ingredients

Scale

5 cups (135g) Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex)
10 oz (282g) high-quality white chocolate, finely chopped (see notes)
1 cup (approx. 8-10) crushed peppermint candy canes
¾ cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)

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Instructions

Prep Cereal: Pour the 5 cups of Chex cereal into a very large bowl. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt White Chocolate: Place the chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted. (Alternatively, melt in a double boiler).
Coat Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal. Add the 1 cup of crushed candy canes. Use a large spatula to gently fold the mixture until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Shake with Sugar: Transfer the warm, coated cereal to a large (2-gallon) Ziploc-style bag. Add the ¾ cup of confectioners’ sugar. Seal the bag and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until every piece is coated.
Cool & Set: Pour the Peppermint Puppy Chow onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Let it cool completely until the chocolate has hardened (about 20-30 minutes).
Store: Once dry, break up any large clumps and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Best White Chocolate: Do NOT use white chocolate chips; they will seize. Use high-quality white chocolate baking bars (like Ghirardelli or Bakers) or vanilla almond bark / melting wafers.
How to Crush Candy Canes: The easiest way is to place unwrapped candy canes in a Ziploc bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
Prevent Soggy Puppy Chow:
1. Let the melted chocolate cool for 1-2 minutes before pouring.
2. Fold the chocolate onto the cereal gently, don’t stir.
3. Shake in two batches if your bag is too full.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220kcal
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg