This easy Grinch Puppy Chow is a festive, no-bake holiday treat loaded with peanut butter, chocolate and bright green candy melts for a fun Christmas snack. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or packaged as gifts.
Whether you call it Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies, this version is a holiday favorite. Kids and adults alike love its crunchy Chex cereal coated in a sweet peanut butter and green candy melt coating, finished with red candies for a cheerful Grinch-themed look.
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, crowd-pleasing, and requires no baking. It’s great for holiday gatherings, school parties, or cozy movie nights watching the Grinch. Packaged in cellophane bags it makes an easy, charming gift that guests always enjoy.
Ingredients
- Chex cereal: Rice or corn Chex both work well.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter blends smoothly.
- Green candy melts: Found in the baking aisle; these give the signature Grinch color.
- Vegetable oil: A small amount thins the candy melts for easier coating.
- Powdered sugar: Sift if lumpy for an even coating.
- Red M&Ms: Adds a festive contrast and completes the look.
- Gallon Ziplock bag: Useful for shaking the coated cereal with powdered sugar.
See the full ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Sprinkles: Add red and green sprinkles for extra color and texture.
- Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Seasonal colors: Swap candy melt and M&M colors to match any occasion like Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or game day.
- Toppings: Drizzle with white or dark chocolate, or add peanut butter chips for extra richness.
How to Make Grinch Puppy Chow
Step 1. In a large microwave-safe bowl combine the green candy melts, peanut butter, and vegetable oil. Microwave for 30 seconds.
Step 2. Stir, then continue melting in 15-second intervals until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3. Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted candy/peanut butter mixture over the cereal and toss gently to coat every piece.
Step 4. Pour powdered sugar into a gallon Ziplock bag. Add the coated cereal, seal the bag, and shake until the cereal is evenly dusted with powdered sugar.
Step 5. Spread the coated puppy chow on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set.
Step 6. After the mixture is completely cool, fold in the red M&Ms so they remain intact and don’t melt.
Pro Tips
- Store airtight: Keep puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Use quality candy melts: A good brand melts smoothly and gives a vibrant green color.
- Line the baking sheet: Parchment paper makes cleanup simple and prevents sticking.
- Wait to add candies: Add M&Ms only after the mixture is cool to prevent melting and color bleed.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within a few days when it’s freshest.
More Easy Grinch Desserts
- Grinch Punch Recipe
- Grinch Popcorn Recipe
- Grinch Rice Krispie Treats
- Grinch Truffles
- Easy Grinch Cookies
More Christmas Treats
- Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
- Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Snowball Cookies
- Adorable Reindeer Cookies
- Christmas Crack
Make this during the holiday season for a special treat. If you try the recipe, leave a comment or rating to share how it turned out!
Grinch Puppy Chow
Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 12 | Calories: 275
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex Cereal
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup red M&Ms
- 1 gallon Ziplock bag
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl combine green candy melts, peanut butter, and vegetable oil. Microwave 30 seconds.
- Stir and continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until smooth (about 60 seconds total depending on your microwave).
- Pour Chex cereal into a large bowl.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and stir quickly to coat all pieces.
- Place powdered sugar in a gallon Ziplock bag, add the coated cereal, seal, and shake until evenly coated.
- Spread the puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- Once cool, fold in red M&Ms and store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition
Per serving: 275 kcal; Carbs 45 g; Protein 4 g; Fat 10 g.
