There is something magic about it. It’s just so simple and doesn’t even require an oven. The combination of the very few ingredients just works. EVERY TIME.

It’s Puppy Chow. Enough said.

Growing up, it was always such a special treat. When people had it, eyes would light up. And I would love to help make it. I would help my mom shake the mix up in a paper bag — coating the chex with the powered sugar. Then, we would pour the results out on parchment paper to cool. We used to crowd around the kitchen table when my mom poured it out to cool and grab the chunks that were all stuck together.

The classic “Muddy Buddies" recipe is below in this post. But, here are some variations that you may want to try!…

Go DARK: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. It’s delish.
All PB. Make the puppy chow with just the peanut butter (or you can sub in peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips). Add actual peanuts to the mix when you coat with the powdered sugar, if you are feeling extra nutty.
Butterscotch: This one is one of my favorite variations. Instead of the chocolate chips, substitute for butterscotch chips. It’s a good surprise to those that are expecting the usual puppy chow. This is one of my favorite switch-ups.
Try more than one variation! Just separate the bags and make half of the recipe using one kind of chocolate and the other half using the other.

Classic Puppy Chow

9 cups Rice Chex
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
In a microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour chocolate mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic or large paper grocery bag. Add powdered sugar to bag. Seal bag; shake until well coated.
Spread on parchment paper to cool. Store in airtight container.