Minty Chocolate Snack Mix

Whipped up these peppermint puppy chow snacks yesterday and wow, my house still gives off that minty candy smell! I first tried these when I had some leftover peppermint bark after the holidays - it really kicks regular puppy chow up a notch. They come together so fast, and I can't get enough of that mint-chocolate flavor combo. Just watch out - they tend to vanish in no time!

Benefits Worth Noting

I needed something quick for my kid's school event tomorrow - these only take about 15 minutes total. Children go crazy for the chocolate-mint mix, and they have a blast shaking everything in the sugar bag. I made these multiple times last holiday season for different gatherings. What's awesome? No oven required, and you'll only dirty one bowl and a plastic bag.

What You'll Want

• Rice Chex: This type holds up better and stays crunchier than the corn version
• Peppermint bark: Snap up a few bars or grab pre-broken pieces from the store's candy section
• Powdered sugar: Just the standard stuff you already have at home

How To Do It

Prepare the coating

Dump powdered sugar into a large ziplock - you'll use this for the sweet finish later

Set up your cereal

Empty Chex into a spacious bowl with plenty of mixing room

Soften the bark

Heat in microwave using short intervals, mixing between - it can scorch quickly if you don't watch it

Combine everything

Drizzle melted bark over the cereal, fold carefully to avoid breaking pieces

Get shaking

Transfer mixture to the sugar bag and shake until fully covered

Cool it down

Lay it out on wax paper to harden - try to resist munching while you wait

Standout Snack Mix

That peppermint bark really makes this special - I served these alongside traditional chocolate ones recently and these were gone first. The blend of white and dark chocolate from the bark gives them a fancy look without extra effort. And those tiny candy cane bits add an extra crunch between the cereal.

Ingredient Notes

I've learned that cheaper cereal brands work perfectly fine - save your money on the name brands. If your bark seems too thick, warm it a bit longer to help it spread easier. I once splurged on fancy powdered sugar - complete waste since the regular kind works just as well.

Quick Shortcuts

Get all ingredients measured before you start - I learned after my first batch hardened while I was hunting for sugar. Your cereal stays crunchier when you work fast after melting the chocolate. Using two bags helps keep sugar from flying all over your kitchen (trust me on this one).

Ways To Gift

They look super cute packed in small glass jars as presents - that's what teachers got from us last year. They'll stay crunchy about seven days in an airtight container, if anyone can resist that long. I once brought them out for a movie night - they disappeared before we even got through the previews.

Helpful Info

Many of my friends who can't eat gluten enjoy these since they're mainly Rice Chex. Just double-check your peppermint bark ingredients - some contain hidden wheat. I created a batch with dark chocolate bark for my friend who avoids dairy - total hit. Just keep them away from heat or they'll get all sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap peppermint bark for white chocolate?

Absolutely, just add some peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate.

→ How should this snack mix be stored?

Keep it in a sealed container at room temperature for up to seven days.

→ Can I make a bigger batch?

Of course! Just make sure your mixing bowl is big enough.

→ What works as an alternative to rice Chex?

Corn Chex or other similar cereals work perfectly fine.

→ Can I melt the chocolate bark on the stove?

Using a microwave or double boiler is safer to avoid burning it.

Conclusion

If minty treats are your favorite, check out similar ideas like Peppermint Bark Cocoa, where creamy cocoa meets crushed bark, or Crispy Peppermint Pretzels, a sweet-and-salty combo perfect for holiday munching.