Name: Hot Cocoa Christmas Puppy Chow
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 30 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups rice cereal; 2 cups pretzel; 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup marshmallow fluff; 0.5 tsp Kosher salt; 3 cups powdered sugar; 0.5 cup good-quality hot cocoa mix; 2 cups mini marshmallows; 1 cup Christmas M&Ms; 6 ounces nonpareil dark chocolate candies

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Hot Cocoa Christmas Puppy Chow

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Gently combine the Chex cereal and pretzels in a big bowl or airtight container with a lid.

Next, fill a pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the chocolate chips and unsalted butter cubes to a heatproof mixing bowl. Set the bowl over the simmering water, ensuring that the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir constantly, just until the chocolate mixture is smooth and completely melted.

Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat. Stir in the marshmallow fluff and salt until smooth. The mixture will be a bit fluffy. Pour the chocolate-marshmallow mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Stir very well until the snacks are completely covered in chocolate. Then, break up any big clumps with a spoon or rubber spatula.

Let the snack mix sit for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix in a medium bowl. Pour half of the powdered sugar-cocoa mix over the puppy chow. Cover and shake rapidly until the snack mix is well-covered. Repeat with the other half of the powdered sugar-cocoa mix.

Spread the puppy chow on a big sheet pan and let it set completely, about 30 minutes. Then, stir in the mini marshmallows, M&Ms, and nonpareil dark chocolates. Store in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.

Nutrition

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Melt Chocolate Separately for Smooth Coating 🍫
Melt the semisweet chocolate chips and marshmallow fluff together in a double boiler rather than the microwave to prevent seizing and achieve a silky, even coating that clings perfectly to the cereal.
Toast Cereal Lightly First for Better Texture 🥣
Spread your rice cereal on a baking sheet and toast at 300°F for 3-4 minutes before mixing to remove excess moisture, ensuring it stays crispy longer and doesn't become soggy.
Add Mix-Ins After the Coating Sets 🎄
Fold in the pretzels, M&Ms, and nonpareils after the coated cereal has cooled for 5 minutes so they stay intact and don't melt into the chocolate layer.
Use a Pinch of Kosher Salt to Enhance Sweetness ✨
Increase the Kosher salt slightly beyond the recipe amount to balance the hot cocoa mix's sweetness and create a more sophisticated, complex flavor profile.
Store in Airtight Container with Parchment Layers 📦
Layer the cooled puppy chow between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent pieces from sticking together and maintain maximum crispness throughout the multi-week shelf life.