Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe

Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe: Jolly Holiday Treat

Crafting a delightful candy cane peppermint puppy chow brings festive cheer to your holiday snacking adventures.

Sweet crunch meets minty magic in this irresistible treat.

Chocolate-coated cereal pieces sparkle with crushed peppermint candy, creating a playful winter sensation.

Powdered sugar dusts each morsel with delicate winter wonderland charm.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this simple, addictive snack.

Small batches disappear quickly, so consider making extra for unexpected guests.

You won’t be able to resist munching on these delectable bites that capture the essence of holiday joy.

Storage Advice for Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days, maintaining crispness and preventing sugar from clumping.
  • Place in freezer-safe bag or container for 2-3 months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat, preserving texture for 5-7 days.
  • If hardened, spread on baking sheet and warm in oven at 250°F for 3-5 minutes to restore original crunchiness.

FAQs on Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe

  • Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of Andes Peppermint Baking Chips?

The recipe works best with peppermint chips for the authentic flavor, but you can substitute white chocolate chips and add peppermint extract if needed.

  • How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?

Place candy canes in a sealed zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon. This method contains the pieces and prevents scattered fragments.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love helping to shake the bag and coating the cereal. It’s a fun, simple holiday activity that doesn’t require complicated cooking skills.

Why Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe Is a Festive Snack

  • Craft Holiday Magic: Transform simple Chex cereal into a festive treat that sparkles with peppermint flavor and winter cheer.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few pantry staples and basic kitchen tools, making this recipe super accessible for all skill levels.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Perfect for involving children in the kitchen, with fun mixing and shaking steps that keep little hands engaged and excited.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, gifting, or casual munching that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe

Main Ingredients:
  • Chex Cereal: A crispy and crunchy base that serves as the foundation for this festive sweet treat.
  • Andes Peppermint Baking Chips: Provides a rich, minty flavor and creates a smooth coating for the cereal.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Crushed Candy Canes: Add sweetness and a delightful holiday crunch to the puppy chow mix.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Large Glass Bowl: Used for melting the peppermint chips smoothly.
  • Large Zip-Top Bag: Essential for coating the cereal with sugar and candy cane pieces.

Instructions for Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Minty Goodness

Grab a large glass bowl and toss in the Andes Peppermint Baking Chips. Pop the bowl in the microwave, using half power and zapping in 20-30 second bursts. Stir between each zap until the chips transform into a smooth, creamy river of peppermint deliciousness.

Step 2: Chocolate Cereal Baptism

Take your Chex cereal and lovingly pour it into the melted peppermint chips. With a gentle touch, fold and stir until every single cereal piece is gloriously coated in minty white chocolate magic.

Step 3: Sugar Shake Dance Party

Grab a large zip-top bag and toss in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Crushed candy canes

Drop the coated Chex into the bag, seal it tight, and then shake like you’re at the most epic dance party. Wiggle, bounce, and shimmy until every piece is completely covered in sweet, crunchy goodness.

Step 4: Store and Snack

Transfer your peppermint puppy chow to the zip-top bag or a sealed container. This treat will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, but let’s be real – it’ll probably disappear way faster than that!

Pro Tips for Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe

  • Melt Carefully: Use half power and short intervals to prevent burning peppermint chips, ensuring smooth and perfect melting without scorching.
  • Coat Evenly: Gently fold cereal into melted chips to create a uniform coating that covers every single Chex piece without breaking the delicate cereal.
  • Shake Technique: Seal the bag completely before shaking to prevent sugar and candy cane pieces from escaping, creating an even, delightful coating.
  • Freshness Matters: Store in an airtight container or sealed zip-top bag to maintain crispness and prevent moisture from making the puppy chow soggy.
  • Gift-Ready Option: Package in clear cellophane bags with festive ribbons for a perfect holiday gift that looks as delicious as it tastes.

Variation Ideas for Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Peppermint Puppy Chow: Replace Chex cereal with gluten-free rice cereal or corn Chex for those with wheat allergies.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Mint Version: Swap Andes Peppermint Chips with dark dairy-free chocolate chips and add mint extract for flavor intensity.
  • Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Alternative: Use crushed almonds or keto-friendly granola as base, replace powdered sugar with powdered erythritol, and add sugar-free peppermint extract.
  • Nut-Free Festive Crunch: Substitute crushed candy canes with crushed peppermint hard candies for those avoiding nuts, maintaining the minty holiday spirit.

Pairing Suggestions for Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe

  • Pair with Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Blend rich hot chocolate with crushed candy canes and top with whipped cream for a matching minty flavor that complements the puppy chow's sweetness.
  • Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream and sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top, creating a cool, refreshing contrast to the sweet crunchy snack.
  • Enjoy with Peppermint Mocha Coffee: Brew a strong coffee with peppermint mocha syrup, adding a warm, indulgent drink that echoes the recipe's minty and sweet profile.
  • Create a Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange the puppy chow with sugar cookies, chocolate truffles, and peppermint bark to build a festive dessert spread that celebrates seasonal flavors.
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Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe

Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 12-13 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Sweet winter magic meets holiday cheer in this candy cane peppermint puppy chow, blending crushed candy canes with powdered sugar and white chocolate. Crisp chocolate cereal clusters deliver festive flavor that delights both kids and adults with seasonal spirit.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 cups (1.2 liters) Chex cereal
  • 10 ounces (280 grams) Andes Peppermint Baking Chips

Coating and Flavoring:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar

Garnish:

  • 6 candy canes (crushed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large glass bowl and microwave Andes Peppermint Baking Chips at 50% power in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth and melted. Exercise caution to prevent overheating.
  2. Gently fold Chex cereal into the melted peppermint chips, ensuring every piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the peppermint mixture.
  3. Take a large zip-top bag and combine powdered sugar and crushed candy canes, creating a festive coating mixture.
  4. Transfer the peppermint-coated cereal into the zip-top bag, seal tightly, and vigorously shake to completely cover the cereal with the sugar and candy cane mixture.
  5. Once fully coated, store the puppy chow in the sealed zip-top bag or transfer to an airtight container. The treat maintains optimal freshness for up to 2 weeks, though its irresistible flavor may challenge its longevity.

Notes

  • Prevent Chip Burning by microwaving peppermint chips slowly and stirring frequently to ensure smooth melting without scorching.
  • Use Room Temperature Cereal to help chocolate adhere more evenly and prevent clumping during coating process.
  • Control Sugar Coating by gradually adding powdered sugar and candy cane pieces, ensuring each piece gets an even, light dusting instead of becoming too heavy or clumpy.
  • Make Gluten-Free Version by selecting gluten-free Chex cereal and verifying all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-3 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Melting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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