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Patriotic Puppy Chow

Patriotic puppy chow (muddy buddies) is a no-bake Chex mix dessert where white chocolate coats every crunchy piece, then it’s finished with a powdered sugar dusting, red and blue M&Ms, and star sprinkles. A quick microwave melt followed by cooling makes the shell set so each bite stays crisp and lightly sweet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chex cereal (rice or corn)
  • 9 cup Chex cereal (rice or corn)
white chocolate chips or white melting wafers
  • 12 oz white chocolate chips or white melting wafers
unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
powdered sugar
  • 2 cup powdered sugar
red M&Ms
  • 1 cup red M&Ms
blue M&Ms
  • 1 cup blue M&Ms
Red and blue star sprinkles
  • 1 Red and blue star sprinkles

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Coat the Chex
  1. Measure Chex cereal into a very large bowl and set aside.
  2. Melt white chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth.
  3. Pour melted white chocolate over the Chex and stir gently until every piece is evenly coated.
Powder and set
  1. Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-lock bag, add powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until all pieces are well coated.
  2. Spread onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and let cool for 30 minutes until set, looking for a dry, matte powder coating.
Add patriotic mix-ins
  1. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with red M&Ms and blue M&Ms until evenly distributed.
  2. Add red and blue star sprinkles and toss again, then serve in a big bowl or individual bags.

Notes

Pro tip: let the coated Chex cool fully before adding the M&Ms so the chocolate shell stays crisp and the sprinkles don’t melt. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days; it also keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving). Freezing is yes—freeze up to 1 month in an airtight container. For a gluten-conscious swap, use certified gluten-free Chex cereal.