If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet-and-salty snack to wow your friends, Extra Good Puppy Chow is the answer every time. This beloved no-bake treat brings together crunchy rice Chex cereal, luscious melted chocolate and peanut butter, and a snowstorm of powdered sugar—creating irresistible bite-sized clusters nobody can resist. Whether you’re preparing for a party, packing up road trip snacks, or simply fighting off a late-night craving, this batch always vanishes faster than you’d expect. Get ready for a mouthwateringly good twist on a classic that’s sure to outshine any other version you’ve tasted!

Extra Good Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Extra Good Puppy Chow is just how simple the ingredient list is, yet each item adds its own burst of flavor and perfect texture. Every element, from creamy peanut butter to crunchy Chex, builds the signature harmony in every handful.

Rice Chex Cereal (9 cups): The backbone of the snack, providing a satisfyingly crisp, airy structure and perfect nooks for the chocolate coating.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melted for rich chocolate flavor without being overly sweet—use good-quality chips for the shine and snap.
Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): Essential for that luscious, nutty taste that partners so beautifully with chocolate.
Unsalted Butter (¼ cup): Adds extra smoothness and richness, ensuring the mixture flows over every morsel evenly.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A must for enhancing the chocolate and peanut butter, giving the finished snack a bakery-quality aroma.
Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups): Delivers the classic sweet coating and signature “snow-dusted” look—don’t skip it!
Optional Mix-Ins (mini peanut butter cups, pretzel pieces, or M&Ms): These take your Extra Good Puppy Chow up a notch—add for bursts of color, crunch, and extra fun.

How to Make Extra Good Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep Your Chex Cereal

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—you’ll want plenty of space for tossing later! Pour in the rice Chex cereal and set it aside, making sure it’s handy for when your chocolate mixture is perfectly smooth and ready to pour. The cereal’s crispiness is key, so handle it gently to keep those perfect pieces intact.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring diligently after each interval until the mixture is velvety and completely melted. If microwaves aren’t your style, you can use a double boiler on the stove instead—just take care not to scorch the chocolate.

Step 3: Infuse with Vanilla

Once the chocolate mixture is silky-smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. Give it a thorough mix so the warmth releases that signature aroma—you’ll notice it instantly elevates the flavor. Vanilla may seem subtle, but it truly completes the Extra Good Puppy Chow magic.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture all over the Chex, scraping out every last drop. Using a wide spatula, gently turn and fold until every piece is thickly coated. This is where you want to be gentle—keep those Chex squares whole for the best crunch!

Step 5: Shake On the Powdered Sugar

Transfer the gooey cereal mixture to a giant zip-top bag (gallon size is perfect), then add the powdered sugar. Seal tightly, then give it a good shake—this is the most fun part, and any helper’s dream job! The goal: every piece gets an even, beautiful sugar blanket.

Step 6: Cool and Add Mix-Ins

Once coated, pour the Extra Good Puppy Chow onto a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let it cool completely so it’s snappy and non-sticky—this usually takes just a few minutes. Once cooled, toss in your favorite mix-ins like mini peanut butter cups, pretzel pieces, or colorful M&Ms for pocket surprises of flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Extra Good Puppy Chow

Garnishes

Freshly made Extra Good Puppy Chow looks (and tastes) even better with the right finishing touches. Consider topping the serving bowl with a handful of whole mini peanut butter cups or a sprinkle of extra M&Ms for color. For a holiday twist, themed sprinkles or colored candies make every celebration extra festive.

Side Dishes

While this treat is a star on its own, it pairs beautifully with other snack classics like salty pretzel rods, popcorn, or roasted nuts. If you’re serving a crowd, offer it alongside a platter of sliced fruit to balance the sweetness and refresh palates between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Serve Extra Good Puppy Chow in mason jars for a grab-and-go party favor, paper cones for movie night, or pile it high in a patterned serving dish for visual appeal. Mini cupcake liners make perfect single servings for kids or party guests to enjoy, making snack time both adorable and tidy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Extra Good Puppy Chow fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week—though it rarely lasts that long! Keep it away from humidity so the powdered sugar doesn’t dissolve.

Freezing

Believe it or not, this treat freezes wonderfully. Simply pack it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Extra Good Puppy Chow lasts up to two months, and you can enjoy it straight out of the freezer or let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. The chilling gives it an extra satisfying snap!

Reheating

No reheating required here! If your Puppy Chow has been frozen, just allow it to come to room temperature if you prefer a softer crunch. Otherwise, dig in cold—the flavor and texture hold up beautifully either way.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal besides rice Chex?

Absolutely! Corn Chex or wheat Chex also work, though rice has the lightest, most neutral flavor that lets the chocolate-peanut butter shine. Just keep the total amount the same for best coating results.

Is Extra Good Puppy Chow gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free certified Chex cereal and double-check your add-ins! Always make sure mix-ins like pretzels or candies are labeled gluten-free if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions.

Can I make Extra Good Puppy Chow without peanut butter?

You can substitute with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cookie butter for allergies or a new spin—all work deliciously. The key is a smooth, creamy spread for easy melting and coating.

How can I prevent my Puppy Chow from turning soggy?

Let your coated cereal cool completely on a baking sheet before storing, and always keep it tightly sealed. Humidity is the main enemy here, so store in a dry spot and don’t be tempted to refrigerate—it’ll just attract moisture!

What are some great mix-in combinations?

Try pretzel pieces and mini peanut butter cups for a salty-sweet combo, or go colorful with M&Ms and chopped chocolate bars. Around the holidays, toss in peppermint candies or sprinkles for a seasonal treat that stands out at any gathering.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a batch of Extra Good Puppy Chow—each handful is a celebration. Whether you’re making it for a party or sneaking late-night bites, you’ll love how easy, customizable, and delicious this treat is. Gather your ingredients and give it a try soon; trust me, you’ll never look at ordinary snack mixes the same way again!

Extra Good Puppy Chow Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delightful Extra Good Puppy Chow recipe is a classic favorite for parties and gatherings. Made with a mix of rice Chex cereal coated in a blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, this sweet and crunchy snack is a crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins like mini peanut butter cups, pretzel pieces, or colorful candies for a fun twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

9 cups rice Chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Optional Mix-Ins:

Mini peanut butter cups
Pretzel pieces
M&Ms

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Instructions

Prepare the Cereal: Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Add Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract.
Coat the Cereal: Pour chocolate mixture over cereal, stirring to coat evenly.
Coat with Sugar: Transfer coated cereal to a bag with powdered sugar, seal, and shake to coat.
Cool and Add Mix-Ins: Spread mixture on a baking sheet to cool. Add optional mix-ins if desired.