If you're looking for an easy Christmas treat that's different from the same old holiday cookies, then this Christmas matcha puppy chow (a.k.a. matcha muddy buddies) is for you. It's just as nostalgic and fun as the original puppy chow, but has a festive bright green color and vibrant matcha flavor that's perfect for seasonal events. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, creating homemade treats for everyone on your list, or bringing a hostess gift to an event, this puppy chow / muddy buddies variation is sure to be a hit.
This Christmas matcha puppy chow is easy to make too, and uses just a few simple ingredients. It's also easily vegan and/or gluten-free, plus it won't get crushed during travel, so it's a holiday treat that you can bring to any occasion. I can't wait for you to try this nostalgic remake of a classic!
Puppy chow, also known as muddy buddies, is an iconic childhood snack that you may remember from your youth. The recipe was always on the back of the Chex box. Classic puppy chow is made by melting together peanut butter and chocolate, using the mixture to coat Chex cereal, and then tossing the coated cereal in powdered sugar to keep it from sticking together. I loved to make puppy chow as a kid.
In this version, I'm infusing flavorful, vibrant matcha into the puppy chow coating. In order to keep the color of this matcha puppy chow green, the mixture uses white chocolate instead of milk chocolate and cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
If you’ve made “puppy chow” or “muddy buddies” before, you’ll notice that I've altered the proportions from the traditional recipe. In order to help the holiday sprinkles stick, I use a higher ratio of chocolate to nut butter and omit the butter completely; these modifications yield a coating that sets more firmly. This version also creates a thicker coating on the cereal, another modification that helps the sprinkles to stick. Finally, I’ve added vanilla and salt to yield a more interesting and complex flavor profile; it makes this no-bake Christmas snack feel adult-appropriate.
This Christmas matcha puppy chow is just as fun and easy to make as the classic. You'll just melt together white chocolate and cashew butter, then use it to coat Chex cereal. After that, you'll add some holiday sprinkles (optional but very cute!) and then toss everything in a combination of powdered sugar and matcha. You can make this Christmas snack mix with only about ten minutes of hands-on time.
With just a couple simple swaps, this holiday matcha puppy chow can work for most diets. To keep this recipe vegan, just choose vegan white chocolate. To keep this recipe gluten-free, choose rice or corn Chex cereal rather than wheat. If you need a nut-free version, you can use sunflower butter in place of the cashew butter; however, note that the final color will have a less vibrant green hue because sunflower butter is darker than cashew butter.
Want to add some protein to this holiday treat and minimize sugar at the same time? Instead of tossing the coated cereal in powdered sugar, try using vanilla protein powder instead. It will work best if you use a protein powder that is flavorful, lightly-sweetened, and white in color. My personal favorite is the Vanilla Lucuma pea-based protein powder from Sprout Living (use the code ROGUE for 20% off). Skeptical? Try a 50/50 mixture of protein powder and confectioners' sugar to yield a healthier Christmas snack mix that still feels indulgent.
White chocolate can be tricky to melt, so I recommend using a double boiler if possible. However, if you don't have access to a stovetop, you can heat the white chocolate and cashew butter in a microwave in short (15-30 second) intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and creamy. If the mixture does not become smooth, stir in 1 tsp coconut oil. Add the vanilla and salt after melting, then follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Here's what you'll need for this Christmas matcha puppy chow recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
If you love matcha, then you've come to the right place. I'm a huge matcha fan and have lots of matcha recipes here for you to explore. If you're interested in some unique matcha lattes, you'll love this blue lilac matcha for spring, this tropical coconut matcha for summer, and this honey fig matcha for fall. Matcha works great in a smoothie too; this green electrolyte and protein smoothie is my morning go-to.
Like matcha treats? For an easy, satisfying nibble, check out this honey matcha freezer fudge. Or, if you're a chocolate lover, I think you'll enjoy these raw vegan matcha brownie bites.
Since matcha plays a starring role in this Christmas puppy chow, you'll want to make sure you use a premium matcha that's bright green and has a delicate flavor with no grassy or bitter notes. My go-to is Matcha Nude; it's the only matcha I use at home and I recommend it so highly. Use the code ROGUE to get 15% off your order.
Isn't this Christmas matcha puppy chow the cutest? I love that it's easy to make, uses just a few simple ingredients, is travel-friendly, and works for most diets with a couple simple swaps. Because of that versatility, this Christmas party snack is one that you can make again and again throughout the season. Try gifting bags of it to friends and family, serving it at a gathering, bringing it to a cookie swap, and even leaving some out for Santa (he loves matcha).
I vividly remember making puppy chow (I called it muddy buddies) as a kid and thinking it was such fun to put all the ingredients in a big bag and shake it. This holiday matcha puppy chow is just as nostalgic, but the flavors are a bit more grown up. I can't wait for you to try it!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
Disclosure: This recipe has been developed through a paid partnership with Matcha Nude. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.
This Christmas matcha puppy chow is an easy and nostalgic no-bake holiday treat. It's festive, vegan-friendly, and perfect for gifting.
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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