If you adore the gooey, chocolatey nostalgia of campfire treats but crave something mess-free and totally snackable, S’mores Puppy Chow is the answer to your cravings! This addictive treat packs all the magic of classic s’mores into crisp, chocolate-coated cereal clusters with bursts of marshmallow and graham in each bite. A hit with both kids and adults, it’s the perfect sweet snack for parties, movie nights, or a homemade gift that’s guaranteed to disappear fast. Once you try this irresistible S’mores Puppy Chow, you’ll find yourself coming back for handful after handful.

S'mores Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in S’mores Puppy Chow is quick to grab, but each one adds something essential: crunch, richness, sweetness, or that signature marshmallowy magic. Here’s how everything comes together for the perfect bite.

Golden Grahams cereal: These mimic the graham cracker flavors in traditional s’mores and give the mix its signature toasty crunch.
Chex cereal: Offers extra crispiness and soaks up the chocolate mixture beautifully for an even coating.
Chocolate chips: Melts smoothly into a luscious sauce that hugs every piece of cereal, bringing the classic s’mores chocolate rush.
Nutella or peanut butter: Adds creamy richness and helps hold everything together; choose your favorite for a flavor twist!
Powdered sugar: Coats the chocolatey cereal so it’s easy to snack on (and gives that irresistible “puppy chow” look).
Mini marshmallows: Sweet, soft pops throughout the mix that make every bite taste like a campfire treat.

How to Make S’mores Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep Your Powdered Sugar Bag

Start by pouring your powdered sugar into a large gallon freezer bag and setting it aside. This step might seem simple, but it’s key to mess-free coating and getting every piece covered in sweetness later on.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Creamy Bliss

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and Nutella (or peanut butter if you’re using that). Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat this process—30 seconds, stir, then a final 20 seconds—until you have a silky-smooth and glossy chocolate mixture. Don’t walk away—the chocolate can scorch quickly!

Step 3: Combine the Cereal Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss together 4 cups of the Golden Grahams with all the Chex cereal. This blend is the backbone of your S’mores Puppy Chow, giving you layers of crunch and classic graham flavor.

Step 4: Marshmallows Meet Chocolate

Mix 1 cup of marshmallows directly into your warm chocolate and Nutella mixture. As you stir them in, they’ll soften slightly and melt just a touch, adding gooey pockets of goodness throughout the mix.

Step 5: Get Everything Chocolate-Covered

Pour the chocolate-marshmallow mixture all over your cereal base. Use a big spatula or spoon to gently toss and stir until every piece is glistening and coated. Take your time here—the more evenly you coat, the better the final result.

Step 6: Shake with Powdered Sugar

Transfer the chocolatey cereal mix into your prepared bag with powdered sugar. Seal the bag tightly and shake it up with gusto! This step is almost as fun as eating the final snack. The sugar creates that classic “puppy chow” finish and keeps any stickiness in check.

Step 7: Fold in the Finishing Touches

Finally, pour your cereal mixture back into a large bowl and fold in the remaining Golden Grahams and mini marshmallows. These fresh additions add bursts of extra crunch and chewy sweetness, making this S’mores Puppy Chow truly irresistible.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Spread everything out on a lined baking sheet. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes—just enough time for the chocolate to set so you don’t end up with chocolate fingers when you go in for a taste test (and you will want a taste test, trust me!).

How to Serve S’mores Puppy Chow

Garnishes

A cheerful sprinkle of extra mini marshmallows or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top can make your S’mores Puppy Chow look extra special. If you’re feeling playful, even a dash of rainbow sprinkles will give a burst of color and make your snack table pop!

Side Dishes

S’mores Puppy Chow is a sweet treat that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Serve it with a platter of fresh strawberries, pretzel sticks, or a bowl of salty popcorn for a delightful sweet-and-salty spread. It’s also great alongside a mug of hot cocoa or chilled chocolate milk for peak nostalgia.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop S’mores Puppy Chow into mason jars or paper cones for grab-and-go snacking at parties. For gifting, package it up in cute cellophane bags tied with twine or ribbon. At bonfire nights or family movie marathons, heap it into a big bowl so everyone can dig in together—a surefire crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your S’mores Puppy Chow fresh and crunchy, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay delicious for up to a week—though it’s so tempting, it probably won’t last that long.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, S’mores Puppy Chow freezes beautifully! Just pop it in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw on the counter for an hour before serving; it’ll taste just as amazing as when you first made it.

Reheating

You really don’t need to reheat S’mores Puppy Chow—it’s meant to be enjoyed at room temperature! If you froze it, be patient and let it come completely to room temp so the texture is perfectly crisp and the marshmallows return to their chewy best.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Golden Grahams?

Absolutely! While Golden Grahams add that authentic “graham cracker” taste, any crispy, lightly sweet cereal can work in a pinch. Try Cinnamon Toast Crunch or just use extra Chex—just know the classic S’mores Puppy Chow flavor relies on those toasty graham notes.

Is there a way to make this nut-free?

Definitely. Simply swap the Nutella or peanut butter for a nut-free chocolate spread or sunflower seed butter. The result will still be creamy and flavorful, so everyone can enjoy the S’mores Puppy Chow without worry.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes! S’mores Puppy Chow scales up perfectly. Just use a giant mixing bowl and, if needed, shake in batches with powdered sugar to ensure every bit gets coated. It’s always a hit at gatherings, so making extra is a smart move.

How can I avoid my cereal getting soggy?

The trick is to work quickly and let the chocolate cool completely before sealing the mix up in a container. Spreading the finished S’mores Puppy Chow on a tray to set helps keep the cereal crisp and the chocolate coating just right.

Can I add extra mix-ins?

Go for it! Mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even crushed pretzels can add something special to your S’mores Puppy Chow. Just be careful not to overload the mix—you want every piece nicely coated and still easy to snack on by the handful.

Final Thoughts

If the idea of combining s’mores and a favorite childhood snack makes your heart flutter, you’re going to love this S’mores Puppy Chow. It’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and totally craveable. Give it a try—you’ll see just how quickly this treat earns a spot in your regular snack rotation!

S’mores Puppy Chow Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

S’mores Puppy Chow is a delicious twist on the classic puppy chow snack, combining the flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers in an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Puppy Chow:

5 cups Golden Grahams cereal (divided)
4 cups Chex cereal
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup Nutella or peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups mini marshmallows (divided)

Instructions

Prepare the Powdered Sugar: Pour the powdered sugar into a gallon freezer bag and set aside.
Melt Chocolate and Nutella: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate chips and Nutella (or peanut butter). Microwave in intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Mix Cereals: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of Golden Grahams and all the Chex cereal.
Add Marshmallows: Mix 1 cup of marshmallows into the melted chocolate mixture.
Coat Cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereals and mix until evenly coated.
Coat with Sugar: Transfer the cereal mix into the powdered sugar bag, seal, and shake until well coated.
Add More Marshmallows: Fold in the remaining Golden Grahams and marshmallows.
Cool and Serve: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Mixing, Microwaving, Shaking
Cuisine: American