Last updated on October 17th, 2025 at 07:59 am
If you’re looking for fun Christmas desserts that stand out at parties, this Elf Hat Puppy Chow is a festive favorite! It’s the classic sweet-and-crunchy snack mix everyone loves, but with adorable red and green candy-coated Bugles turned into tiny elf hats.
I love making Christmas no bake treats like this because they’re quick, colorful, and perfect for parties, gift bags, or cozy movie nights. The mix of crunchy Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar is irresistible on its own, and those adorable little elf hats make it feel extra special.
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Ingredients for Elf Hat Puppy Chow
For the puppy chow:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
For the elf hats:
- 3 cups Bugles
- ½ cup red candy melts
- ½ cup green candy melts
- ¼ cup white candy melts (for using as “glue”)
- Coconut oil (to make candy melts easier to work with)
- mini marshmallows or white pearl sprinkles (for the pom-poms)
Optional mix-ins:
- Red and green M&Ms
- Mini marshmallows
- Holiday sprinkles
How to Make Elf Hat Puppy Chow
1. Make the puppy chow
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract, then pour the mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir to coat evenly.
Add powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag, pour in the coated cereal, and shake until everything is well covered. You might have to work in two batches, as all the cereal might not fit in one bag.
Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
2. Make the elf hats
Line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the red and green candy melts in separate bowls with some coconut oil to make them easier to work with.
I recommend melting only one color at a time so that the other one doesn’t harden.
Dip Bugles into the melted candy, letting excess drip off, then place on the parchment to set.
Melt some white chocolate to use as “glue” to help you stick the mini marshmallows on your elf hats.
Add a small white pearl sprinkle or mini marshmallow with some melted white chocolate to the tip of each Bugle to make the pom-pom. Let them harden completely before assembling the mix.
3. Assemble the mix
Once the puppy chow and elf hats are set, gently toss them together in a large bowl with M&Ms, mini marshmallows, and holiday sprinkles. Try to keep the elf hats on top for the cutest presentation! I recommend storing in the fridge until ready to serve, as puppy chow can get melty.
Pro Tips for the Best Elf Hat Puppy Chow
- Soften candy melts with coconut oil. Add about 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil per cup of candy melts to make them smoother and easier to work with. The exact amount depends on the brand, so start small and add more as needed until you get a silky texture that coats evenly.
- Keep them cool. This puppy chow and elf hats can get soft if they sit in a warm room too long. Store them in a cool spot (and try to chill before serving) to prevent the chocolate from softening.
- Don’t skip the white chocolate “glue.” The white chocolate really helps your elf hats stay together. I would suggest using a slightly larger dab than you might if it were actual glue and it should hold well for you.
- Mix gently. Once the Bugle elf hats are added, use your hands or a spatula to avoid breaking the hats.
- Flavor swaps: Try white chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a sweeter mix, or add peppermint M&Ms for a seasonal twist.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Store your finished Elf Hat Puppy Chow in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The Bugles in the elf hats will stay crunchy if kept away from moisture.
Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely. Skip the peanut butter and use sunflower seed butter or even Biscoff cookie butter. It will still taste amazing!
Do I need to refrigerate this?
Not necessarily. This mix is completely shelf-stable and perfect for gifting or serving at room temperature. However, if you live in a rather warm or humid place, or you’re hosting a Christmas party and the fire’s turned on, you might run into issues with your chocolate melting.
Can I use other colors?
You can make this mix fit any theme! For example, swap red and green for pastel pink and mint for winter, or red and white for a Santa version. The options are endless for this fun Christmas dessert!
This Elf Hat Puppy Chow is the ultimate easy Christmas dessert. There’s no baking, minimal cleanup, and so much holiday cheer in every bite. Between the sweet chocolatey puppy chow and those crunchy little elf hats, it’s impossible not to smile when you see it. It’s sure to become one of your go-to Christmas no bake treats every year.
Elf Hat Puppy Chow
Ingredients
For the Puppy Chow
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal There are lots of varieties of Chex, but I definitely recommend the rice for this recipe
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Elf Hats
- 3 cups Bugles
- 1/2 cup red candy melts
- 1/2 cup green candy melts
- 1/4 cup white candy melts or white chocolate chips (to use as "glue")
- 1-2 Tbsp coconut oil to make candy melts easier to work with
- mini marshmallows or white pearl sprinkles (for the top of your elf hats)
Optional Mix-Ins
- red and green M&Ms
- extra mini marshmallows
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
Make Puppy Chow
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, then pour the mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Add powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag, pour in the coated cereal, and shake until everything is well covered. You might have to work in two batches, as all the cereal might not fit in one bag.
- Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
Make the Elf Hats
- Line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the red and green candy melts in separate bowls with some coconut oil to make them easier to work with. I recommend melting only one color at a time so that the other one doesn’t harden.
- Dip Bugles into the melted candy, letting excess drip off, then place on the parchment to set
- Melt some white chocolate with a bit of coconut oil to use as “glue” to help you stick the mini marshmallows on your elf hats.
- Add a small white pearl sprinkle or mini marshmallow with some melted white chocolate to the tip of each Bugle to make the pom-pom. Let them harden completely before assembling the mix.
Assemble
- Once the puppy chow and elf hats are set, gently toss them together in a large bowl with M&Ms, mini marshmallows, and holiday sprinkles. Try to keep the elf hats on top for the cutest presentation! I recommend storing in the fridge until ready to serve, as puppy chow can get melty.
