Every time I bring this s’mores puppy chow to a party, the bowl is empty long before the night is over. It’s sweet, crunchy, nostalgic, and totally addicting in the best possible way. This recipe takes classic puppy chow and gives it a gooey, graham-cracker-studded twist with melty chocolate and pillowy marshmallow. I love making this s’mores snack mix when I want something easy and fun that still feels homemade and thoughtfully put together.
S’mores Snack Mix
Instead of tossing everything together dry like a typical s’mores snack mix, this puppy chow (aka muddy buddies) starts with a warm, melty base made from chocolate chips, butter, and marshmallow fluff. That mixture coats Chex cereal and Golden Grahams so every bite gets that rich, toasty flavor. I like to coat only half the Golden Grahams with the chocolate, which keeps the texture varied–some crisp, some soft. After a generous shake in powdered sugar (don’t be shy!), I fold in extra marshmallows and pieces of Hershey’s chocolate bars, just like you’d find in a real campfire s’more.
This s’mores Chex mix holds up especially well at room temp, making it perfect for packing up and gifting, or just setting out in a big bowl for everyone to dig into. If you’ve ever had s’mores puppy chow before, my version is extra indulgent and thoughtfully layered with texture and flavor in every bite.
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My Go-To Coating Trick
If your chocolate mixture thickens too much before coating the cereal, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) to help loosen it. This makes it easier to coat every piece evenly without crushing the cereal or ending up with sticky clumps. I’ve used this trick for years, and it works every time, especially when making a big batch.
S’mores Puppy Chow
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips *
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ½ cup marshmallow fluff **
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 cups rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups golden grahams divided
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 3.1 ounces Hershey’s chocolate broken into pieces (2 (1.55-ounce) bars)
Instructions
- Microwave the chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir the chocolate and repeat until all the chocolate has melted. Stir in the marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract.1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ cup marshmallow fluff, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Add the Chex cereal and half the Golden Grahams to the bowl and gently stir until the cereal is coated. Add the cereal and powdered sugar into a gallon-size Ziplock bag.5 cups rice Chex cereal, 4 cups golden grahams, 1½ cups powdered sugar
- Close the bag and shake until the cereal is covered with the sugar.
- Pour the cereal onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and spread it in an even layer. Allow the chocolate to set for about 30 minutes.
- Mix the mini marshmallows, Hershey’s bars, and remaining golden grahams into the cereal and enjoy.2 cups mini marshmallows, 3.1 ounces Hershey’s chocolate
Notes
- To make this chow saltier, use salted butter instead of unsalted.
- Cutting the butter into small cubes helps it melt faster in the microwave before the chocolate starts to overheat.
- Don’t be afraid to add more powdered sugar to ensure all of the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Do not overcook the microwaved ingredients! If it’s too hot, it will burn and not taste right. Additionally, it could melt and scald the Chex Mix, ruining the entire consistency of the mix.
- Feel free to add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts (such as peanuts or almonds), pretzels, or even mini M&M’s. Just keep in mind that adding more ingredients may alter the overall flavor and texture.
How to Make S’mores Puppy Chow Step-by-Step
Prep: Gather the list of ingredients for this s’mores puppy chow recipe. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper, and set it aside. Break the chocolate bars into pieces.
Melt the Chocolate: Microwave 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir the chocolate and repeat microwaving until all the chocolate has melted. Then stir in ½ cup of marshmallow fluff and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Coat the Cereal: Add 5 cups of Rice Chex and 2 cups of Golden Grahams to the bowl and gently stir until the cereal is coated. Add the cereal and 1½ cups of powdered sugar into a gallon-size Ziplock bag.
Shake to Coat: Close the bag and shake until the cereal is evenly covered with the sugar.
Dry the Cereal: Pour the chocolate-and-sugar-coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it in an even layer. Allow the chocolate to set for about 30 minutes.
Add Mix-Ins: Mix 2 cups of mini marshmallows, 3.1 ounces (2 bars) of chopped Hershey’s chocolate, and the remaining 2 cups of Golden Grahams into the cereal and enjoy.
How to Store
Store leftover s’mores puppy chow in an airtight container or Ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
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