Double Chocolate Brownie Puppy Chow Snack Mix

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This Double Chocolate Brownie Puppy Chow Snack Mix is the perfect combination of crispy, chocolaty, and sweet—all packed into a bite-sized, addictive treat. Imagine the crunchy goodness of cereal squares enveloped in a rich, velvety brownie coating, then tossed in a layer of cocoa sugar for that extra chocolate punch. Whether you’re serving it at a party, packing it for a road trip, or snacking during a cozy movie night, this indulgent mix is always a hit.

The best part? It’s a no-bake, quick-to-make recipe that delivers all the decadence of a brownie without needing to turn on the oven. Made with simple pantry ingredients and minimal cleanup, this puppy chow snack mix is a brilliant treat to whip up last-minute or prepare in big batches for gifting. Once you taste that double chocolate crunch, you’ll understand why it’s impossible to stop at just one handful.

Why You’ll Love This Double Chocolate Brownie Puppy Chow Snack Mix

• It’s a no-bake treat ready in under 20 minutes
• Packed with rich chocolate flavor and brownie-like texture
• Easy to make in large batches for parties or gifting
• Kid-friendly and a fun snack to make together
• Perfect balance of crispy, chewy, and chocolaty

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Double Chocolate Brownie Puppy Chow Snack Mix, you don’t need much in the way of equipment, but the right tools make the job cleaner and easier:

• Large Mixing Bowl – Essential for coating the cereal evenly with the melted chocolate mixture.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl or Double Boiler – For melting the chocolate and butter smoothly without scorching.
• Rubber Spatula – Ideal for gently folding the cereal into the chocolate mix without breaking it.
• Zip-Top Bag or Large Container with Lid – Helps coat the chocolatey cereal with cocoa sugar evenly without mess.
• Parchment Paper or Baking Sheet – For spreading the mix to cool and set after coating.

Each of these tools ensures even coating, minimal cleanup, and perfect texture—crispy, not soggy.

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Preparation Tips

Use fresh cereal for the best crunch, and make sure it’s not crushed before mixing. When melting the chocolate and butter, go slow—burnt chocolate will ruin the whole batch. Stir often if using the microwave, and stop to stir every 20 seconds. After mixing the cereal with the chocolate mixture, let it cool for a minute before adding the cocoa sugar so it doesn’t melt into a paste. Toss in a sealed bag or container for even coating and clean hands. Want to level it up? Add a pinch of sea salt or mini chocolate chips before cooling for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

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Ingredients for this Double Chocolate Brownie Puppy Chow Snack Mix

• 6 cups chocolate rice or corn cereal squares (such as Chex)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brownie mix (boxed or homemade dry mix)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for extra richness
• Optional: pinch of sea salt for enhanced flavor

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Step 1: Prepare the Coating Station

Start by setting up your coating station. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for cooling the mix later. In a gallon-size zip-top bag or a large airtight container with a lid, combine the brownie mix, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Shake or stir to combine and set aside.

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Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract once melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and butter together over a double boiler if preferred.

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Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Place the cereal squares in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold and coat the cereal evenly, being careful not to crush the pieces.

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Step 4: Toss with Brownie Sugar Mix

Let the chocolate-coated cereal sit for 1 minute to cool slightly (this helps avoid melting the dry mix). Then transfer it to your prepared zip-top bag or container with the brownie sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until every piece is thoroughly coated. This step gives the mix that classic powdery finish and enhances the chocolate flavor.

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Step 5: Cool and Serve

Spread the coated cereal on the lined baking sheet in an even layer. Let it cool and set completely—about 15–20 minutes at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy immediately or share it as a delicious giftable snack.

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Notes

This Double Chocolate Brownie Puppy Chow Snack Mix is a chocolate lover’s dream. For best results, use a high-quality brownie mix—one with a deep, fudgy flavor. If you’re using a homemade mix, make sure it’s dry and not pre-mixed with wet ingredients. This snack mix is incredibly customizable—try adding crushed peppermint during the holidays or mixing in peanut butter chips for a Reese’s-style twist. Store in a cool place to maintain its crunch, especially in warmer months.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the chocolate: Always melt slowly to avoid burning.
• Crushing the cereal: Be gentle when mixing to keep the pieces whole and crisp.
• Skipping the cooling phase: Let the mix sit before tossing in sugar to prevent it from becoming gummy.
• Not sealing the bag/container properly: The sugar coating won’t stick well without vigorous shaking.
• Using warm brownie mix: It should be room temperature to avoid melting the chocolate coating.

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Storage Instructions

Store the finished puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate it to keep it extra crisp (though this may slightly firm up the texture). Avoid exposure to humidity or direct sunlight, as it can make the coating sticky. This snack also freezes well—store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (per 1/2 cup serving)

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cereal works best for puppy chow?

Rice or corn cereal squares (like Chex) are ideal because they’re sturdy and hold the coating well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free cereal.

Is it okay to skip the cocoa powder?

You can, but the extra cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor. For a lighter version, reduce or skip it.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely, but the result will be sweeter and less intense in flavor.

How do I prevent the puppy chow from sticking together?

Make sure to toss it well in the sugar mixture while the coating is still slightly tacky, then cool completely.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or candies?

Yes! Mix in extras like mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or roasted nuts after the chocolate has set.

Is this recipe safe for dogs?

No—this treat is for humans only. It contains chocolate, which is toxic to dogs.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure you have a large enough mixing bowl and enough containers to coat and cool everything properly.

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Conclusion

This Double Chocolate Brownie Puppy Chow Snack Mix brings together convenience, indulgence, and fun in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or stashing it away as your personal sweet snack, it’s guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate craving. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to snack you’ll return to again and again.

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