Festive Christmas Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies Recipe)

gluten free reindeer chow / Christmas Muddy Buddies in a holiday tin with tissue paper surrounded by mix-ins

5 from 4 votes

Festive Christmas Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies Recipe)

This Christmas puppy chow (aka muddy buddies recipe) is one of the easiest no-bake desserts for holiday parties. It delivers a crisp, crunchy texture, a sweet-and-salty finish, and a festive Christmas twist. It comes together fast, makes the perfect holiday snack mix, and is fully gluten-free thanks to Rice Chex and certified gluten-free pretzels.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: people

Author: Mary Smith

Equipment

mixing bowl

Ingredients

8 cups Rice Chex cereal Can also use Corn Chex
1 cup dark chocolate chips I like Enjoy Life brand
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 cups powdered sugar
2 cups mini gluten free pretzels
10 oz Christmas M&M candies
1 cup mini marshmallows I like Dandie's brand

Instructions

Add the Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl.
Combine the dark chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave safe bowl and melt in 30 second increments, stirring in between. Stir in the vanilla.
Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal and use a wooden spoon to toss/combine until the cereal is completely coated.
Add the cereal to a gallon-sized plastic zip-lock bag along with the powdered sugar. You can split this into two batches if needed so it all fits.
Shake it up until the cereal is completely coated in the powdered sugar.
Pour the muddy buddies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it set for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate is cooled and hardened.
Pour it into a large clean bowl and add the gluten free pretzels, M&Ms, and marshmallows. Toss to combine. Enjoy!

Notes

Muddy buddies keep their crisp, crunchy texture best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Avoid warm areas so the chocolate doesn’t soften.

For a dairy free option, use vegan butter, dairy free chocolate (like Enjoy Life brand), and dairy free candy-coated chocolate pieces instead of M&Ms (like Unreal Snacks brand)

Feel free to use any mix-ins you want!

Nutrition