Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation

Begin by clearing enough space to work comfortably. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper—you’ll use these later for cooling the coated cereal. Grab a large mixing bowl for the cereal and a medium microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate mixture.

Step 2: Measure and Prepare the Cereal

Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set this aside while you prepare the chocolate and peanut butter coating.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In the medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the following:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Stir the mixture thoroughly. If the chocolate hasn’t fully melted, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each round until smooth and creamy.

Once melted, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir to combine. The vanilla adds a subtle, sweet depth to the chocolate mixture.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Carefully pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the cereal until each piece is evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal!

Step 5: Add the Powdered Sugar

This is where the magic happens! Transfer the coated cereal to a 2-gallon zip-top bag (or divide it between two 1-gallon bags if needed). Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar to the bag(s). Seal tightly and shake, shake, shake! The powdered sugar will stick to the chocolate coating, creating the signature snowy look of puppy chow.

If you don’t have a bag large enough, you can sprinkle the powdered sugar over the cereal in the mixing bowl and gently stir until fully coated.