Recipe: Mint Chocolate Puppy Chow
If you reserve puppy chow (or chocolate Chex mix, or whatever your family might call it) for major holidays only, here’s the best reason I can think of to make it for St. Patty’s Day too: The classic pairing of chocolate and mint makes puppy chow actually refreshing!
Follow a no-fuss formula for puppy chow, using mint-chocolate baking chips in place of the chocolate and peanut butter (or Nutella) and you have a fun and festive snack.
Okay, so the addition of shamrock sprinkles and edible gold stars is really gilding the lily as far as puppy chow goes, but it also makes a visually appealing case for St. Paddy’s Day puppy chow. If you can’t find Andes mint chips, feel free to use coarsely chopped Andes mints before melting them. You can add any extra chopped mints to the finished mix.
Last-Minute St. Paddy’s Day Treats
As a parent of two small children, I’m always looking for simple, joy-filled ways to celebrate minor holidays without much effort. This year I set out to find quick and easy recipes that can be made with common grocery store ingredients for festive treats perfect for a classroom party or just a get-together with friends.
Mint Chocolate Puppy Chow
Makes about 5 cups
Serves 10
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 5 cups
Chex cereal, preferably corn
- 1/2 cup
unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
- 1/4 cup
plus 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon
salt, divided
- 1
(10-ounce) bag Andes Mint Baking Chips
- 2 tablespoons
unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
Instructions
Place the cereal in a large bowl; set aside. Place the cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a bowl; whisk to combine; and then transfer to a gallon-sized zip-top bag.
Place the Andes mint chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between bursts, until melted. (If you don't have a microwave, melt the mixture in a double boiler instead.) Immediately pour over the cereal and stir gently until evenly coated. Transfer the cereal to the zip-top bag and shake until well-coated with the cocoa powder mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of the powdered sugar and shake again.
Spread the puppy chow onto a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let cool completely.
Recipe Notes
- Cereal: Any type of Chex will work, but I like corn Chex for its nutty taste and uniform shape. It is also gluten-free.
- Storage: Puppy chow tastes best within 1 to 2 days of making it, but will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.