Werewolf Kibble

This playful Halloween twist on classic puppy chow (or muddy buddies) transforms a beloved snack into a spooktacular treat perfect for the season! With chocolate-coated cereal, candy "eyes," sliced almond "teeth," and pretzel "bones," this Werewolf Kibble is as fun to make as it is to eat. I've shared this with neighbors, friends, and family, and it's always met with howls of delight!

The first time I made this for my apartment neighbors, I packaged it in little treat bags and hung them on doorknobs throughout our building. The looks of surprise and delight I received made my day! There's something special about sharing homemade treats that brings a community together, especially during the Halloween season when everyone's in the spirit of fun.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Chex cereal: Creates the perfect base for our kibble. Rice Chex or Chocolate Chex both work wonderfully, with chocolate giving an extra spooky appearance.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides that irresistible flavor and helps the chocolate stick to every piece of cereal.
• 2 cups chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt perfectly and create the right balance of sweetness. Dark chocolate chips work well for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• 1/4 cup butter: Helps create a smooth coating mixture when melted with the chocolate and peanut butter.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds depth to the coating.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Also called confectioners' sugar, this creates the signature dusty coating that makes puppy chow so delicious and addictive.
• 1 cup red M&Ms: These represent the werewolf's glowing eyes! You can also use orange, yellow, or a mix for variety.
• 1 cup sliced almonds: Perfectly resembling werewolf fangs when mixed into the kibble.
• 1 cup pretzel sticks: These are the "bones" that our imaginary werewolf loves to chew on.
• 1 cup Reese's Pieces or peanut butter chips: Additional werewolf treats that add color and flavor contrast.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare your workspace - Before starting, clear a large counter space and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and gives you a place to spread out the finished kibble to cool.

Step 2:

Measure the cereal - Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is bigger than you think you need—this gets messy when mixing!

Step 3:

Create the chocolate-peanut butter coating - In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 1-1.5 minutes total.

Step 4:

Add flavor - Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture. This enhances the flavor and adds a wonderful aroma to your werewolf kibble.

Step 5:

Coat the cereal - Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, gently fold and stir until every piece of cereal is evenly coated. Work carefully to avoid crushing the cereal.

Step 6:

Add the powdered sugar - Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag or container, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated with a white, powdery layer.

Step 7:

Cool completely - Spread the coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet and allow it to cool completely, which takes about 30 minutes. This step is important for the coating to set properly.

Step 8:

Add the werewolf-themed mix-ins - Once the cereal mixture has cooled, return it to the large mixing bowl. Add the red M&Ms (eyes), sliced almonds (teeth), pretzel sticks (bones), and Reese's Pieces or peanut butter chips (treats). Gently toss everything together until well mixed.

Step 9:

Package or serve - Serve in a large bowl for parties, or divide into individual treat bags for gifting. If making treat bags, I find that about 1 cup per bag is a nice portion.

Step 10:

Store properly - Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The kibble actually tastes even better on day 2 after the flavors have had time to meld!

The Perfect Halloween Party Snack

What makes Werewolf Kibble such a perfect Halloween party food is its grab-and-go nature. Guests can munch by the handful while mingling, and kids absolutely love the creative theme and the story behind each ingredient. Set up a "Werewolf Feeding Station" at your next Halloween gathering with a large bowl of this kibble and watch how quickly it disappears!

Creative Packaging Ideas

This Werewolf Kibble makes for fantastic Halloween gifts. I like to package it in clear cellophane bags tied with orange and black ribbon. For an extra special touch, attach a small tag that explains what each ingredient represents in "werewolf language." You could also fill small plastic cauldrons or mini pumpkin buckets for a festive presentation.

Customize Your Kibble

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are some fun variations:

• Use green M&Ms instead of red for "zombie kibble"
• Add candy corn for a classic Halloween touch
• Include chocolate-covered raisins for "werewolf droppings" (kids love the gross factor!)
• Mix in popcorn for extra crunch and volume when feeding a crowd

I learned the hard way that pouring hot chocolate directly over the powdered sugar creates a gooey mess rather than the perfect coating. The key is coating the cereal with chocolate first, then adding the powdered sugar after! This technique ensures each piece gets that perfect dusty coating without clumping.

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After making this countless times, I've discovered that letting the finished kibble sit out uncovered for about an hour helps the coating firm up perfectly. While it's tempting to seal it away immediately, this short drying time makes for a less messy eating experience—though licking powdered sugar off your fingers is half the fun!

Werewolf Kibble has become my signature Halloween treat, something friends and neighbors look forward to each year. There's something special about transforming a simple snack into a themed creation that brings smiles to faces and creates memories. Whether you're making it for a party, to share with neighbors, or just to enjoy during a Halloween movie marathon, this playful twist on puppy chow is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is puppy chow/muddy buddies?

Puppy chow (also called muddy buddies) is a sweet snack mix made with cereal coated in chocolate and peanut butter, then tossed in powdered sugar. This werewolf version adds themed ingredients for Halloween.

→ Can I use a different cereal besides Cocoa Puffs?

Yes! Chocolate Chex, Cocoa Krispies, or any chocolate-colored cereal will work. The important thing is that it resembles 'kibble' for the werewolf theme.

→ How long does this stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this mix will stay fresh for up to 1 week. The chocolate coating helps keep the cereal crunchy.

→ Can I make this nut-free?

You can substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter and skip the almond slices or replace them with white chocolate chips for 'teeth'. Always check cereal ingredients for allergens.

→ Is there a way to make this less sweet?

You can reduce the powdered sugar coating and use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You could also balance the sweetness with more pretzels for a salty element.