Valentine's Day Puppy Chow is the perfect no-bake treat for the holiday. An amazing combination of salty and sweet that's rather addictive! With a few simple ingredients, you can munch on this delicious dessert in minutes.
Other Valentine's Day treats include easy, no-bake Valentine Bark Bites and Valentine Cracker Toffee!
Since our Easter Bunny Chow and Reindeer Chow are soooo popular, we think it's time for some Valentine's Day Puppy Chow as well!
There are tons of recipes out there for Valentine's Day Muddy Buddies, but this recipe takes us back to our childhood with the addition of pink and white Frosted Circus Animal Cookies.
To balance the sweetness in this recipe, salty pretzels are part of the mix, too!
What could be better than a salty-sweet combo from a crunchy little snack?
That's the best part. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth like us, you'll also want to make Chocolate Chip Valentine's Cookies, incredible Valentine's Day Saltine Toffee, or our latest creation Valentine Bark Bites!
Chocolate Fondue is also an excellent way to celebrate Valentine's Day.
Jump to:
Well, everyone in the house does!
There are so many festive opportunities to share Valentine's Day Puppy Chow.
- School Parties
- Playdates
- Valentine's Day Parties
- Galentine's Day Get-Togethers
- Gifts for Friends and Neighbors
- Movie Night
Or just plain snack time!
Ingredients for Valentine's Day Puppy Chow
- Chex Mix Cereal (any variety) - use a gluten-free version if you need it.
- White Candy Melts (or white chocolate) - a better quality yields the best results.
- Powdered Sugar
- Frosted Animal Cookies (omit if making the recipe gluten-free)
- Pretzels Twists - these will be broken into bite-sized pieces. (use a gluten-free variety if you need to)
- Seasonal candies (M&Ms work well) - use your favorite!
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How to Make a Valentine's Day Snack Mix
This recipe is so easy, you only need a few ingredients, and you have what you need for the perfect party mix.
Supplies Needed
- Gallon-sized Plastic Bags
- Smaller Plastic Bags for Smashing Cookies and Pretzels
- Storage Container
Step 1
First, grab a cookie pan and line it with parchment paper. Set it aside. Next, you'll divide your Chex Mix between two plastic bags and set them aside.
Step 2
Next, smash your Circus Animals in a plastic bag with a rolling pin. Leave some in large pieces for variety. Do the same with your pretzels, but leave them in pretty large pieces.
Step 3
Now, melt your candy melts in the microwave according to the package directions. Pour half the melted candy into the plastic bags and toss/shake around to coat all the cereal.
Step 4
It's time to add your powdered sugar and toss that to cover the candy-coated cereal pieces. Now, add in your cookies and pretzels and mix.
Step 5
Finally, place it on your tray to solidly and add your red, pink & white M&MS.
Voila! It's ready to enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
Try Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, and Sunflower Butter if you need a substitute for peanut butter.
The best way to store your muddy buddies mix is in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 weeks. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a month or in the freezer for 3 months.
Yes, midwesterners love puppy chow (aka muddy buddies). I've heard the "puppy chow belt" runs through Wisconsin, Michigan, North and South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska.
More Valentine's Day Treat Ideas:
Valentine's Day Saltine Toffee
Adorable Valentine's Day Treats
Valentine's Day Rice Krispie Treats
Valentine White Chocolate Bark Bites
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Printable Recipe
Valentine's Day Puppy Chow Recipe
Equipment
- glass bowl
- large zipper bag
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex Cereal (any variety or combination)
- 16 oz White Candy Melts
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 cups Frosted Animal Crackers
- 1 ½ cups Pretzel Twists
- 1 cup Seasonal M&Ms
Instructions
- Line a cookie pan with parchment paper. Set aside. Next, divide Chex Mix between two gallon-size plastic bags and set aside.
- Smash your Circus Animal Cookies in a plastic bag with a rolling pin. Leave some in larger pieces for variety. Do the same with your pretzels, but leave them in fairly large pieces.
- Melt your candy melts in the microwave according to the package directions. Pour half the melted candy in each plastic bag and shake around to coat all the cereal.
- Add ½ cup powdered sugar to each bag and toss to cover the candy-coated cereal pieces. Now, add half cookies and pretzels to each bag and mix. You can add a few larger cookie pieces for color.
- Place it on cookie pan to solidify and add red, pink & white M&MS. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Anna says
We love puppy chow and this Valentine's Day version is so cute and yummy!
April says
Such a fun snack! All the stores just put out all the Valentine's Day candy, so we figured why not start celebrating a little early - the kids had a blast making and eating this!
Erin Henry says
Yes! One of our favorite little snacks this time of year. We love celebrating a little early too!
Olivia says
I make this every year and my family loves it so much! It's so easy to prepare and the perfect treat for Valentine's Day
Erin Henry says
What a wonderful annual tradition, Olivia. It is the perfect treat for Valentine's Day!
Carmen Yniguez says
Thank you for sharing this easy & delicious recipe, the grand kids are going to enjoy this special treat. Planning ahead, two of my grand kids celebrate their birthdays a few days before Halloween. Do you have a puppy chow recipe for Halloween?
Thank you in advance. 🙂
Erin Henry says
Yes, the grandkids will love it, Carmen. We don't have a Halloween variety, but we'll add it to the list!
Damien L for Love says
I love this recipe but i have a quick question. Do only puppies eat this because my dog threw up but i like it so am i now a dog?
Jenny says
Your sweet treat is perfect to treat your loved ones with on Valentine's Day. I'll be featuring it tonight at Merry Monday. Hope to see you at the party!
Shirley Wood says
This recipe will be Featured at Merry Monday this week in our post for Homemade Valentine's Desserts. Pinning and sharing across our socials. Thanks for partying with us! See ya next week.
Charlotte says
Do I have to wait until Valentine's Day to make some of this? yum!!
Erin says
No, of course not, Charlotte! You can make it anytime 🙂 Enjoy this easy recipe!