Easy Grinch Puppy Chow Recipe: The Perfect Holiday Treat
Looking for a holiday treat that’s just the right mix of naughty and nice? Grinch Puppy Chow has you covered! With its vibrant green color and cute red heart sprinkles, this snack brings holiday fun to any gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a Grinch-themed movie night, need a unique treat for a holiday party, or want a sweet snack to enjoy by the fire, Puppy Chow.
Why You’ll Love Grinch Puppy Chow
- Quick & Easy: This recipe takes less than 15 minutes, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Bright & Fun: That green color pops, especially with those adorable red heart sprinkles. It’s an eye-catching treat that adds a festive touch to any table.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pop it into little bags or jars, and you’ve got a holiday-ready treat to hand out to friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
- Kid-Approved: This is a great way to involve the kids in the kitchen. They can help add the powdered sugar or shake the bag to coat the mix.
Grinch Puppy Chow is bound to be a hit. And the best part? It’s super easy to make, so you can whip it up anytime you need a little holiday cheer in snack form.
Ingredients
- Rice Chex cereal: Use a gluten-free option if needed.
- Ghirardelli white vanilla-flavored melting wafers
- creamy peanut butter
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
- holiday red and green M&M's candies
- Green food coloring: Gel food coloring works well for vibrant colors.
- Red heart candies and M&Ms
Instructions
Prepare the Green Sugar Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, and 5 drops of green food gel (neon or bright green recommended).
Start mixing on a low speed (setting 2) and gradually increase to setting 4.
Scrape down the sides as needed until the powdered sugar turns a light, crumbly green.
Begin with 2 cups of powdered sugar and gradually add more until it reaches the right consistency.
Melt the Vanilla Wafers: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 10 oz of Ghirardelli white vanilla-flavored melting wafers according to the instructions on the package (microwave times may vary). Once melted, mix in 2 more drops of green food coloring and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Stir well until fully combined.
Coat the Cereal: Place 5 cups of Corn Chex cereal into a large, gallon-sized ziplock bag. Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal, seal the bag tightly, and shake until the cereal is evenly coated.
Add the Green Powdered Sugar: Open the bag and add the prepared green powdered sugar mixture. Reseal the bag and shake again until the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated with the green sugar.
Finish with Candy: Pour the coated cereal into a large bowl. Add holiday red and green M&M’s candies and red heart candy sprinkles, and mix everything.
Serve and Enjoy! This Grinch Puppy Chow is ready to be enjoyed or shared as a festive holiday treat!
Store It Right: Once fully cooled, transfer to an airtight container. Grinch Puppy Chow can stay fresh for up to a week, though it’s so tasty it’s unlikely to last that long!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Using the Right Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a stronger color without watering down the mix, which is perfect for that bold green hue.
- Shaking Method: Using a large plastic bag for the powdered sugar step makes it easy to get an even coating without extra cleanup.
- Avoid Sogginess: Make sure the chocolate mix is warm enough to coat but not too hot, as that can make the cereal soggy and affect the texture.
Recipe Variations, Additions, and Substitutions
- Nut-Free Option: If you need a nut-free version, swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, which will still give a creamy texture.
- Extra Flavor Twist: For a cool, minty twist, add a drop or two of peppermint extract along with the vanilla. It pairs well with the chocolate and adds a refreshing holiday flavor.
- Color Alternatives: If you’re not into the bright green, keep the mix white and add red and green holiday sprinkles for a Christmas feel without the color.
- Additional Add-Ins: Want more variety? Add mini pretzel pieces or mini marshmallows to the mix for a different texture.
This Grinch Puppy Chow recipe is a must-have holiday treat perfect for family gatherings, parties, or cozy movie nights at home.
With its bright green color and fun red heart candies, this snack brings all the holiday vibes while adding a delicious twist to the classic Chex mix.
Plus, Grinch Puppy Chow is easy to package for gifting, making it a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or need a fun snack to share, this Grinch-inspired recipe is bound to be a hit!
FAQs
Can I make Grinch Puppy Chow in advance?
Yes! This treat is perfect for making ahead of time. Store in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week.
Is Grinch Puppy Chow gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free Rice Chex, and double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales easily if you’re making treats for a larger crowd, and it’s great for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate?
Yes! Almond bark melts beautifully and works just as well for coating the cereal.
Does this recipe require refrigeration?
Nope! It stays fresh at room temperature, so keep it in a festive jar or container on your kitchen counter.
Grinch Puppy Chow is a holiday snack that brings color and cheer to any holiday setup!
With its sweet, crunchy coating and fun, festive colors, it’s bound to be a favorite at any holiday gathering.
Best of all, it’s quick to make and a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults. Whip up a batch this holiday season and watch how fast it disappears!
Looking to expand your holiday treat lineup?
Sweet and Savory Morsels offers a delightful array of Grinch-themed recipes perfect for both kids and adults:
- Grinch Cocktail: A festive and refreshing holiday drink.
- Grinch Oreo Balls: Soft, sweet, and decorated with a Grinchy green touch.
Grinch Puppy Chow Recipe
Easy Grinch Puppy Chow Recipe: The Perfect Holiday Treat
Ingredients
- 10 oz Ghirardelli white vanilla flavored melting wafers
- 5 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 7 drops green food gel neon green or bright green
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 boxes holiday red and green M&M's candies
- Red heart candy sprinkles
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, place in powdered sugar, vanilla, and five drops green food coloring. Work on low 2 and move to a 4. You will need to scrape the sides and keep working with it till the powdered sugar is a light green and is crumbly. I usually start with 2 cups and work up to the 4 cups.
- In a microwave safe owl, add in vanilla melting wafers and melt as directed on the bag. Every microwave differs so we suggest bag directions.
- Mix in two drops food coloring along with the half cup of peanut butter. Mix well.
- Place chex mix into a large gallon zip lock bag. Pour in chocolate mixture. Close bag well and then move around until well coated.
- Add in powdered sugared mixture and move around until well coated.
- Add in candy heart sprinkles and holiday M&M's candies. Mix well and serve!
