If you’ve ever had classic puppy chow (or muddy buddies, as some call it), you already know how dangerously good it is. This Valentine Puppy Chow takes that classic recipe and dresses it up for February — pink, red, chocolatey, and perfectly sweet. It’s an easy no-bake dessert that’s festive, fun, and so simple you can make it in 15 minutes.
The first time I made this version, it was right before my kids’ Valentine’s Day party. I wanted something colorful, quick, and easy to share. I threw together Chex cereal, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and candy-coated chocolates, and the result was a bowl of pure happiness. It was gone in minutes!
Now, I make Valentine Puppy Chow every February, right alongside my Red Velvet Cookies and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.
Valentine Puppy Chow
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Place Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted mixture over and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully coated.
- Pour coated cereal into a serving bowl. Stir in M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles or marshmallows.
- Let cool before serving. Store in an airtight container or package into treat bags for gifting.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Valentine Puppy Chow
It’s no-bake, ready in minutes, and totally customizable. The mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar makes it perfectly sweet and crunchy, while the Valentine candies add a pop of color and fun.
If you love quick, festive desserts like my Sugar Cookie Truffles or Pistachio Chocolate Bar Cookies, this one’s going to be your new February favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
For the Valentine Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup pink and red M&Ms
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Valentine sprinkles or mini marshmallows
If you’re a fan of sweet-and-salty combos, you’ll also love my Chex Mix Snack Clusters.
How to Make Valentine Puppy Chow
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate & Peanut Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
Step 2: Coat the Cereal
Place cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over it and stir gently until evenly coated.
Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until every piece is coated.
Step 4: Add Valentine Flair
Pour the coated cereal into a large bowl and toss in M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and Valentine sprinkles.
Step 5: Serve or Gift
Serve immediately or divide into treat bags for gifting.
If you love fast, crowd-pleasing recipes, this one’s as easy and delicious as my No-Bake Oreo Balls.
Tips for Perfect Valentine Puppy Chow
- Use a big bowl or bag: It makes coating easier.
- Cool before adding candy: Prevents M&Ms from melting.
- Try white chocolate: Swap milk chocolate for a lighter color base.
- Make it nut-free: Skip peanut butter and use sunflower butter instead.
These simple tricks make all the difference — just like the small steps that make my Chewy Brownie Cookies turn out perfectly fudgy.
How to Store and Gift
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Gifting: Package in clear cellophane bags or small jars with a ribbon — perfect for teachers, friends, or Valentine parties.
Like my Christmas Snack Mix, this one stores beautifully and looks adorable when packaged.
Flavor Variations
- White Chocolate Puppy Chow: Use only white chocolate for a snowy look.
- Strawberry Puppy Chow: Mix in crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Salted Pretzel Mix: Add mini pretzels for crunch.
- Valentine Peanut Butter Cups: Toss in chopped mini peanut butter cups.
If you love customizing recipes, this one’s as flexible as my Cranberry Orange Bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — it stays fresh for several days in an airtight container.
2. Can I skip the peanut butter?
Yes — use almond butter, sunflower butter, or skip entirely if needed.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and butter alternatives.
4. Why is it called Puppy Chow?
It got the name because it looks like dog kibble — but don’t worry, it’s 100% human and 100% delicious!
The Final Bite
This Valentine Puppy Chow is sweet, crunchy, and festive — the perfect treat to share with your favorite people. It’s quick, fun, and totally addictive, with that irresistible mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar that makes everyone grab “just one more handful.”
Serve it at a Valentine’s party or pair it with my Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe for a cozy night in.