This festive Candy Cane Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy holiday treat featuring peppermint-tinted white chocolate, powdered sugar, and crushed candy canes. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for gifting, and irresistible for snacking during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers a delightful mix of smooth peppermint chocolate, crisp cereal, and snowy sugar coating. It comes together quickly, requires minimal equipment, and makes an excellent make-ahead sweet for parties or cookie trays. The peppermint flavor adds a refreshing twist to the classic puppy chow snack mix.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

5 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips (or vanilla almond bark)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Red gel food coloring
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Optional: 1/2 cup Andes peppermint chips or mini marshmallows

Directions

1. Place the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
2. Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until completely smooth.
3. Stir in the peppermint extract. Add red gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach a bright red color.
4. Pour the tinted chocolate over the cereal and gently fold until fully coated.
5. Add the powdered sugar and crushed candy canes to a large zip-top bag. Add the coated cereal and shake until everything is evenly covered.
6. Spread the mixture on parchment paper for 10–15 minutes to cool and set. Add extra crushed candy cane on top if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 cups of Candy Cane Puppy Chow, serving around 8 to 10 people.
Total time: about 15 minutes.

Variations

• Use green gel food coloring for a mixed red-and-green holiday batch.
• Replace some white chocolate with peppermint baking melts for extra mint flavor.
• Add mini marshmallows for soft bites throughout.
• Mix in festive sprinkles for additional holiday color.
• Use gluten-free Chex cereal to make the recipe gluten-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw briefly at room temperature before serving. No reheating is necessary.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make Candy Cane Puppy Chow?

You can make it up to a week in advance if stored in an airtight container.

Can I use a different cereal?

Yes, any plain, crisp square cereal works, though Rice Chex gives the best texture.

Does the food coloring affect the flavor?

No, gel coloring only changes the color, not the taste.

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, but peppermint oil is stronger; use only a few drops.

Can I melt the chocolate on the stovetop?

Yes, a double boiler works well to melt chocolate gently.

What if my powdered sugar doesn’t stick?

Make sure the cereal is fully coated with melted chocolate before adding sugar.

Can I make this without peppermint?

Yes, simply omit the peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely; just use a very large mixing bowl or divide into batches.

Can I add nuts to the mix?

Yes, chopped almonds or cashews can be mixed in as long as they fit your dietary preferences.

Why is my puppy chow turning soft?

Humidity or warm storage can cause softening. Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Candy Cane Puppy Chow is a quick, festive, and crowd-pleasing holiday treat that blends crunch, peppermint, and sweetness in every bite. It’s ideal for parties, gifting, or enjoying with family during the season, and its simple preparation makes it a reliable go-to holiday recipe.

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