Samoas Puppy Chow

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What if you could take everything you love about a classic Girl Scout cookie and turn it into a crunchy, chocolatey, no-bake snack mix? That’s exactly what Samoas Puppy Chow delivers—a sweet twist on the nostalgic muddy buddies you grew up with, now infused with the rich flavors of toasted coconut, caramel, and smooth chocolate.

Whether you’re prepping for movie night, a casual party, or just craving something insanely snackable, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s fast to make, endlessly munchable, and dangerously addictive. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on this coconut-chocolate crunch.

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What Kind of Cereal Should I Use for Samoas Puppy Chow?

Stick with classic Rice Chex or Corn Chex for the perfect light and crispy base. These cereals have a neutral flavor that holds up well to melted chocolate and powdered sugar while maintaining that essential crunch. If you want to experiment with flavor, you can try using Chocolate Chex for an even deeper cocoa vibe.

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Ingredients for the Samoas Puppy Chow

Rice or Corn Chex Cereal
The base of this snack mix, Chex provides the light crunch that carries all the gooey toppings and sweet coatings without getting soggy.

Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips
Melted chocolate coats the cereal, giving it that signature muddy buddy look and a rich flavor to complement the coconut and caramel.

Caramel Sauce or Melted Caramels
This adds the iconic buttery-sweet layer found in Samoas cookies. A little goes a long way to boost the flavor.

Toasted Shredded Coconut
For authentic Samoas taste and added texture, toasted coconut is essential. It adds a nutty, slightly crisp element that balances the sweetness.

Powdered Sugar
The final toss in powdered sugar gives the mix a sweet finish and keeps the pieces from sticking together.

Optional: Sea Salt
A pinch of flaky sea salt adds contrast to the sweetness and brings out the rich caramel notes.

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How To Make the Samoas Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep the Coconut

Start by toasting your shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until it’s golden brown and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Let it cool while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Caramel

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and caramel sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. This should take about 1–2 minutes total.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate-caramel mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until every piece is coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal.

Step 4: Add Coconut and Sugar

Sprinkle the toasted coconut over the coated cereal, followed by the powdered sugar. Toss everything together until evenly distributed and the cereal pieces are fully dusted.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Spread the puppy chow out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely for 15–20 minutes, or place it in the fridge if you’re short on time. Once set, transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.

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How to Serve and Store Samoas Puppy Chow

This sweet snack is perfect for sharing—serve it in a large bowl for parties or portion it into cute little treat bags for gifting. You can also layer it in a mason jar with a ribbon for a fun, edible gift idea. For extra flair, sprinkle on more toasted coconut or a drizzle of melted chocolate right before serving.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it—it adds a nice chill that makes the caramel and chocolate extra satisfying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I toast coconut without burning it?

Use a dry skillet over medium heat and stir constantly. Coconut toasts fast, so don’t walk away. Once it’s golden and fragrant, remove it immediately from the pan to stop the cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make Samoas Puppy Chow up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it to extend freshness.

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Yes! You can swap in milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a sweeter flavor. Just note that dark or semi-sweet balances best with the caramel and coconut.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be. Use gluten-free Chex (like Rice Chex) and double-check your caramel sauce and chocolate chips to ensure they’re gluten-free.

What if my mix turns out sticky?

You may need a bit more powdered sugar. It helps absorb moisture and keeps the pieces from sticking together.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes! This is a fun and safe no-bake treat perfect for little helpers. Kids can stir, pour, and shake everything together with minimal supervision.

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Want More No-Bake Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Samoas Puppy Chow, you might find these no-bake or minimal-effort treats just as tempting:

• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites for a fruity, refreshing snack that’s freezer-friendly.
• Reese’s Cheese Ball: A Sweet and Salty Delight if you love chocolate-peanut butter flavors in a surprising format.
• Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls when you want indulgence with a gooey center.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a creamy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
• No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies to enjoy coconut and crunch in a different way.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack or dessert board so you can find it later:
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And I’d love to know how your Samoas Puppy Chow turned out! Did you go heavy on the coconut? Did you try white chocolate or a caramel drizzle on top?

Leave a comment below and share your twist. It’s always fun to see how everyone personalizes their sweet snacks!

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