I remember the first time my kids asked for Puppy Chow Balls by name. It was a hectic weekend when I needed a quick snack that would bring some smiles around the kitchen table. They had spotted a batch at a friend’s house and immediately begged me to make them too. When I finally made those Puppy Chow Balls, the room lit up. Everyone loved how the sweet peanut butter and chocolate flavors melted in their mouths, all dusted with that irresistible powdered sugar coating. It quickly earned a permanent spot in our snack rotation.
What I love most about Puppy Chow Balls is how they bring my family together. This no bake dessert balls recipe is simple enough to whip up on busy days but special enough to feel like a treat. Sometimes, after a long day, just having these chocolate peanut butter treats on hand sparks conversations and shared smiles around the table. Cheesier than telling stories, Puppy Chow Balls have become a little delicious thread in our family’s story.
If you’re looking for a snack that’s quick, easy, and loved by kids and adults alike, you’ll want to try this Puppy Chow Balls recipe. It’s like a muddy buddies snack but shaped into perfect little bites that everyone can grab and enjoy. Ready to bring some of that magic to your kitchen? Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make it happen with some helpful tips from my own kitchen.
What You’ll Need
To make these Puppy Chow Balls, here’s my go-to ingredient list:
- 9 cups of rice cereal squares (Chex or similar)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the best Puppy Chow Balls, I recommend using fresh powdered sugar for that sweet, powdered sugar coating that gives these no bake dessert balls their signature look. You’ll find everything for this Puppy Chow Balls at your regular grocery store, usually in the baking aisle near the peanut butter and cereal.
If your family prefers crunchy peanut butter or is avoiding dairy, you can swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based spread. This Puppy Chow Balls recipe is forgiving if you need to swap ingredients to fit your pantry or dietary needs.
A little prep tip: measure your powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl before you start. You’ll want to toss your coated Puppy Chow Balls in it right away so the sugar sticks evenly. Also, my family prefers when I use creamy peanut butter here—it gives a smooth texture to these chocolate peanut butter treats that’s hard to beat.
Trust me, this Puppy Chow Balls ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor! Here’s a Puppy Chow Balls secret that makes all the difference: use quality chocolate chips. I like Ghirardelli or whatever good brand you find nearby. It melts better and tastes extra rich.
How to Make It
Making Puppy Chow Balls is one of those projects where you’ll feel accomplished in under 30 minutes, and your kitchen will smell fantastic the whole time.
- Melt the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips together. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one. This mix needs to be silky smooth for the tastiest Puppy Chow Balls.
- Add vanilla extract to the melted mixture and stir. This boosts the flavor just a touch and lifts those chocolate peanut butter treats into snack perfection.
- Pour the rice cereal into a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to gently fold the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture into the cereal, coating each piece without crushing them. This step is key to great Puppy Chow Balls, so take your time sorting through the cereal with a spatula.
- Once the cereal is coated, let the mixture cool just a bit. This helps the chocolate set slightly before forming balls.
- Scoop small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls. I usually use a tablespoon scoop for uniform Puppy Chow Balls. Don’t worry if they look slightly rough—the coating trick makes them look perfect.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar right after shaping. This powdered sugar coating gives Puppy Chow Balls their classic look and the sweet finish that keeps kids coming back for more.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and let set. You can refrigerate them for 15 minutes or leave them at room temperature if it’s a cool day.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Puppy Chow Balls—mixing the chocolate peanut butter treats too roughly and ending up with mushy cereal. Now I always remember to fold gently. While your Puppy Chow Balls is cooling, you’ll have time to clean up or prepare drinks for your family.
This Puppy Chow Balls recipe typically takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll know your Puppy Chow Balls is ready when they hold their shape and aren’t sticky to the touch.
Don’t worry if your Puppy Chow Balls looks a little uneven before the powdered sugar coating. That outer layer is what gives the neat finished look and keeps them from sticking together.
How to get this right? Use a gentle hand and a large bowl for easy mixing. Here’s a little shortcut: chill your peanut butter and butter mix for a couple of minutes after melting so it’s not too hot when you add the cereal.
Serving Ideas
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Puppy Chow Balls comes out with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. We often serve these chocolate peanut butter treats at family game nights or after-school snack time. Their sweet, crunchy, no bake dessert balls texture makes them perfect for snacking or dessert.

If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange your Puppy Chow Balls on a pretty plate or in a clear bowl to show off that powdered sugar coating. Adding a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top looks fun and festive too.
This Puppy Chow Balls is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Pair it with fresh fruit or simple cookies for a snack plate your family will love.
Got leftovers? Store Puppy Chow Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay fresh and delicious. You can also freeze them to keep longer; just thaw a few minutes before serving.
We’ve tried a couple of variations — using almond butter for a nuttier flavor or adding a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist. Both got thumbs up from my crew.
If your family loves Puppy Chow Balls, they’ll also enjoy the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls on MomsGate. It shares the same easy, make-ahead, crowd-pleasing vibe for your snack collection.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Puppy Chow Balls ahead of time? Yes! Puppy Chow Balls store well at room temperature in an airtight container for several days. I often make them the day before a party, which helps the powdered sugar coating set.
What if I don’t have peanut butter for my Puppy Chow Balls? You can substitute sunflower seed butter or almond butter in equal amounts. The flavor changes a bit, but your Puppy Chow Balls will still be delicious and nutty.
Are Puppy Chow Balls gluten-free? They can be if you use gluten-free rice cereal. Double-check the cereal label. I always choose one that fits my family’s dietary needs.
How do I keep Puppy Chow Balls from sticking together? The powdered sugar coating does a great job keeping them separate. Just make sure you roll the balls generously in the powdered sugar as soon as you shape them.
What else can I add to Puppy Chow Balls? Some of my favorites are mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a sprinkle of coconut flakes. These mix-ins give your Puppy Chow Balls a little extra texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Puppy Chow Balls? Absolutely! I like to store them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from clumping? Sift the powdered sugar before using if it feels lumpy. Also, make sure your Puppy Chow Balls aren’t too wet when rolling to keep that classic powdered sugar coating from clumping.
If you want more Puppy Chow recipe inspiration, the Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) – Two Peas & Their Pod has great tips and variations. And the Holiday Puppy Chow Snack Mix – Gluesticks Blog can give you festive new ideas for your snack stash.
You might also like this light peanut butter and chocolate dessert recipe shared in the Facebook group.
The Final Word
This Puppy Chow Balls recipe has earned its spot in my kitchen because it hits every box — simple, fast, loved by my whole family, and flexible enough for tweaks. It’s become one of those little meal wins I’m proud to share.
My Puppy Chow Balls Tips:
- Use a gentle folding motion to coat the cereal without smushing it.
- Melt the chocolate and peanut butter slowly for that smooth finish.
- Roll balls right away in powdered sugar to get an even, classic coating.
Over time, I’ve made versions swapping peanut butter for almond butter or adding cinnamon and mini chocolate chips. My kids love the classic, while my husband prefers the cinnamon twist.
If your family loves this Puppy Chow Balls, they’ll also enjoy the Easy Yaki Onigiri – Delicious Grilled Rice Balls for a savory snack or the Chicken Corn Chowder for a cozy meal on MomsGate.
I hope this recipe brings you the same joy and simplicity Puppy Chow Balls has brought to my family. Give it a try, and I’d love to hear how your family enjoys it too. Happy cooking!
Puppy Chow Balls
Puppy Chow Balls are a fun twist on the classic snack, combining crunchy cereal coated in chocolate and peanut butter into bite-sized, no-bake treats perfect for parties or an easy snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until all pieces are well coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper to form balls, slightly pressing them together.
- Let the balls set at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a fun variation, roll the balls in crushed nuts or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

