Name: Hot Cocoa Puppy Chow
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 tbsp salted butter (or unsalted with 1/2 tsp salt added); 2 cups mini marshmallows; 1 cup chocolate chips; ¼ cup Nutella; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups plain corn Chex; 1 cup mini pretzels; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ cup mini dried marshmallows; 1 tbsp cinnamon powder

This Hot Cocoa Puppy Chow is the ultimate winter snack mix—sweet, chocolatey, crunchy, and completely addictive.

Inspired by cozy mugs of hot chocolate, this festive twist on classic Muddy Buddies combines melted chocolate, Nutella, mini marshmallows, and pretzels with two irresistible powdered sugar coatings: a rich cocoa dusted mix and a cinnamon marshmallow blend that tastes like pure holiday magic.

Ready in just 10 minutes with no baking required, it’s the perfect Christmas treat for parties, gifting, cookie boxes, and snowy movie nights. Every handful delivers that nostalgic hot cocoa flavor you crave all season long, making this a must-make holiday dessert your family will ask for year after year.

Why you’ll love this recipe!

Ready in 10 minutes
Two different powdered sugar mixes, combined together
Perfectly balanced- sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey
Crowd pleasing
Kid approved
Great for gifting, movie nights, cookie boxes, snacking
Simple and easy for beginners

What ingredients do I need?

Salted butter — Adds richness and makes the chocolate mixture silky smooth.
Mini marshmallows — Melt into the base and give that classic hot cocoa flavor.
Chocolate chips — The main chocolate component that binds everything together.
Nutella — Adds creaminess and depth with subtle hazelnut notes.
Salt — Balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract — Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Plain corn Chex — Light, crisp base for holding all that chocolate coating.
Mini pretzels — Add salty crunch and balance the sweetness.
Powdered sugar — Creates the classic Puppy Chow coating.
Cocoa powder — Adds chocolate depth to one half of the batch.
Mini dried marshmallows — Hot-cocoa-style sweetness and texture.
Cinnamon powder — Adds cozy warmth to the second powdered sugar mix.

Recipe Variations

Peppermint Hot Cocoa — Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture and crush peppermint candies into the powdered sugar.
Mexican Hot Chocolate — Add ⅛ teaspoon cayenne and increase cinnamon to 1½ teaspoons.
Mocha Muddy Buddies — Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the melted chocolate.
S’mores Version — Swap pretzels for crushed graham crackers and add extra mini marshmallows.

Pro Tips

Melt the marshmallows first, low and slow, to avoid seizing the chocolate.
Mix the Chex very gently to prevent breaking.
Toss while still slightly warm so the powdered sugar adheres well.
Let the coated pieces rest before combining so they stay crisp.
Use large gallon-size bags for the easiest shaking and coating.

Can I Substitute?

Yes! Like always though, any substitutions made to the recipe can result in a change in texture and/or flavor.

Gluten Free — Use certified gluten-free Chex and gluten-free pretzels.
Dairy Free — Swap butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nut Free — Replace Nutella with chocolate spread, cookie butter, or omit entirely.
Vegan — Use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and vegan marshmallows.
Lower Sugar — Reduce powdered sugar by 25% or use a powdered sugar alternative.

Leftovers and Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

But, I Still Have A Few Questions…

How to keep puppy chow from getting soggy?
Let it cool completely before sealing so condensation doesn’t form. Use fresh cereal for maximum crunch.

Can puppy chow be made ahead?
Yes, it stays fresh for up to a week, making it perfect for holiday prep and gifting.

Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely—use a large pot and divide into additional bags for coating.

What if I don’t have salted butter?
No problem at all! Use unsalted butter and add 1/2 tsp of salt to the melted chocolate and stir well.

Is puppy chow freezer friendly?
Yes, freeze it for up to two months in an airtight container.

What kind of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt smoothly and balance the sweet powdered sugar coating, but milk or dark chocolate also work.

How do you prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Melt the marshmallow and butter first, then add the chocolate. Keep heat on low, remove from the burner before adding Nutella and vanilla, and stir continuously.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Fried Cheese Curds

Miso Green Goddess Dip

Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Let’s engage!

Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂

Nutritional Content Disclaimer

I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.

Hot Cocoa Puppy Chow