Bright, crunchy, and Grinch-green, this festive puppy chow mixes up in minutes and disappears even faster. Sweet vanilla white chocolate coats crispy cereal, a blizzard of powdered sugar follows, and red hearts sprinkle the holiday magic. Easy, no-bake, and perfect for parties, movie nights, or gifting!
Ingredients
- 5 cups rice cereal squares
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place the rice cereal squares in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and butter.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and green gel food coloring until a bright Grinch-green color is achieved.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or container with a lid.
- Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake gently until all pieces are fully coated.
- Spread the puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set.
- Sprinkle red heart-shaped sprinkles over the top once cooled.
- Allow to set for 10–15 minutes before serving or storing.
Variations
- Peppermint Grinch: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the melted coating and finish with crushed candy canes instead of hearts.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use vegan white baking chips and 1/4 cup refined coconut oil in place of butter.
- Matcha Twist: Tint with 1 teaspoon culinary matcha (skip gel coloring) for a naturally green, lightly earthy flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Melt chocolate gently; remove from the microwave while a few chips remain, then stir until fully smooth.
- If chocolate seizes after coloring, stir in 1–2 teaspoons neutral oil or cocoa butter and warm briefly to loosen.
- Sift powdered sugar if clumpy for the most even, snowy coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in party bowls with extra heart sprinkles for a true Whoville vibe.
- Portion into cellophane bags with ribbon for sweet holiday gifts or classroom treats.
- Use as a crunchy topping for vanilla ice cream or holiday cupcakes.
Tips
- Line the baking sheet before you start for an easy, mess-free setup.
- Color a shade darker than you think powdered sugar will lighten the green.
- Shake gently so the cereal doesn’t break; rotate the bag to coat evenly.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use green candy melts instead of white chocolate and food coloring?
A: Yes melt the candy melts with butter or 1–2 teaspoons neutral oil for a smooth coating. - Q: My chocolate seized when I added coloring. What can I do?
A: Stir in 1 teaspoon neutral oil at a time and warm gently; use gel-based color next time to prevent seizing. - Q: How should I store Grinch Puppy Chow?
A: In an airtight container at room temp up to 1 week, or freeze up to 1 month. Thaw uncovered to keep it crisp. - Q: Is this safe for dogs?
A: No. Despite the name, this treat is for humans only chocolate is unsafe for pets.
Conclusion
Bright, crunchy, and perfectly Grinch-green, this puppy chow brings instant holiday cheer. It mixes up in minutes no baking then sets into a sweet vanilla crunch dotted with red hearts. Make a batch for movie night, tuck portions into gift bags, and watch smiles grow three sizes all season long.
Print
Grinch Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian; Gluten-free friendly with GF cereal
Description
Bright, crunchy, and Grinch-green, this festive puppy chow mixes up in minutes and disappears even faster. Sweet vanilla white chocolate coats crispy cereal, a blizzard of powdered sugar follows, and red hearts sprinkle the holiday magic. Easy, no-bake, and perfect for parties, movie nights, or gifting!
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups rice cereal squares
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Red heart-shaped sprinkles
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place the rice cereal squares in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and butter.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and green gel food coloring until a bright Grinch-green color is achieved 🎄.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or container with a lid.
- Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake gently until all pieces are fully coated.
- Spread the puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set.
- Sprinkle red heart-shaped sprinkles over the top once cooled.
- Allow to set for 10–15 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring, not liquid, to avoid seizing the chocolate.
- For gluten-free, choose a certified gluten-free rice cereal and check your white chocolate.
- If the coating thickens, warm it for 5–10 seconds and stir again.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Microwave, No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup (30–35 g)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Grinch puppy chow, muddy buddies, Christmas snack, holiday treat, green dessert, no bake, white chocolate, party mix, sweet snack
