This Matcha Puppy Chow is an upgraded, elegant twist on the classic muddy buddies snack—perfect for matcha lovers! With a luscious matcha-infused white chocolate coating and a powdered sugar-matcha dusting, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s crunchy, sweet, slightly earthy, and ideal for holiday gifting, snacking, or sharing at parties. No peanut butter involved—just bold matcha flavor and creamy white chocolate!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Coating:

• 1 cup (170 g) high-quality white chocolate chips (couverture recommended)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 4½ teaspoons (10 g) matcha powder (sifted)

• 4 cups Chex rice cereal

For the Powdered Sugar Dusting:

• 1 cup (210 g) powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons matcha powder

Directions

1. Melt the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), melt the white chocolate with salt until smooth.

2. Mix in matcha: Sift in 4½ teaspoons matcha powder and mix until fully incorporated.

3. Coat the cereal: In a large bowl, add the Chex cereal. Pour the matcha chocolate in batches, gently folding to coat all the cereal evenly. Let cool slightly.

4. Prepare sugar coating: In another bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and remaining 2 teaspoons matcha powder.

5. Toss to coat: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar mixture, seal, and shake until well coated. Add extra powdered sugar if needed.

6. Chill & serve: Spread the coated cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes, until fully set.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Makes ~10 servings)

• Calories: 81

• Fat: 2g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Sugar: 5g

• Protein: 1g

• Sodium: 108mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Cholesterol: 1mg

The Beauty of Matcha in Sweets

Matcha has become one of the most beloved ingredients in modern baking and dessert crafting. A finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, matcha brings more than just vibrant color to the table. Its flavor is distinct—earthy, slightly bitter, and rich with umami—which makes it an intriguing complement to sweet, creamy ingredients like white chocolate.

In this recipe, matcha appears twice: once melted into the coating, and again dusted with powdered sugar. This double-layer of flavor ensures that each bite is perfectly balanced—not overly sweet, not overwhelmingly vegetal, but delicately harmonious. The result is a snack that feels indulgent yet clean, luxurious yet approachable.

What Makes This Puppy Chow Unique

Traditional puppy chow is known for its gooey chocolate-peanut butter coating and sugary shell. While that combination is timeless, this matcha variation offers a sophisticated twist. By omitting the peanut butter, the white chocolate and matcha are allowed to shine through, making the flavor more focused and nuanced.

This recipe also emphasizes texture: the rice cereal maintains its crispy interior thanks to the quick setting process, and the fine powdered sugar clings gently to the surface, providing a delicate contrast to the rich coating beneath. There’s no stickiness or mess—just elegant, bite-sized clusters of green and white goodness.

Moreover, the versatility of this version is unmatched. It can be served in a bowl at a party, packaged into small jars for holiday gifts, or portioned into snack bags for a school treat or mid-day energy boost. And with its naturally gluten-free base (assuming the cereal is certified gluten-free), it suits a variety of dietary needs.

Tips for Perfect Matcha Puppy Chow

Success in this recipe starts with quality ingredients. Since matcha is the star, choose a ceremonial or culinary-grade powder with a bright green color and smooth texture. Lower-quality matcha may result in a dull hue and overly bitter taste. Likewise, high-quality white chocolate—preferably couverture—ensures smooth melting and a clean, rich mouthfeel.

To coat the cereal evenly, work in batches and be gentle while folding. Chex cereal is fragile, and aggressive mixing can cause it to break apart. A rubber spatula or silicone spoon works well here.

When dusting with powdered sugar, using a large zip-top bag is key. It allows the pieces to separate as they’re coated, preventing clumps and ensuring each morsel gets a proper dusting of sugar and matcha. If you like your puppy chow extra snowy, feel free to add more powdered sugar after the first toss.

Lastly, letting the coated cereal chill in the fridge helps the white chocolate harden quickly and neatly. This also makes the mix easier to portion and less prone to stickiness—perfect for serving or packaging.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, the possibilities for customizing your matcha puppy chow are endless. Try adding freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries to introduce tart bursts of fruit flavor that complement the green tea beautifully. For extra crunch, consider mixing in toasted coconut flakes, slivered almonds, or puffed quinoa.

Want to take the elegance up another notch? Sprinkle a few edible gold flakes on top for a gourmet presentation. Or, for a more decadent version, drizzle a little extra melted white chocolate across the finished mix before chilling.

If you’re not opposed to mixing flavors, a touch of vanilla bean paste or a dash of cardamom can add unexpected depth. Or for a richer treat, fold in a few matcha-covered almonds or chocolate pearls.

On the other hand, if you’d like to make this snack a bit lighter, reduce the white chocolate slightly and increase the matcha for a stronger, more assertive flavor profile that’s less sweet and more tea-forward.

When and How to Serve Matcha Puppy Chow

Matcha Puppy Chow makes an ideal year-round treat, but it particularly shines during holidays, spring gatherings, and themed events like tea parties or birthdays. Its vibrant green color fits beautifully on festive tables and adds a splash of color to neutral-toned dessert spreads.

For everyday snacking, consider dividing the finished puppy chow into individual containers or snack bags. These make excellent lunchbox additions, post-workout snacks, or even pre-portioned treats to enjoy during work breaks.

If you’re giving it as a gift, consider packaging it in mason jars, cellophane bags, or reusable tins tied with ribbon. Add a handwritten label that says “Matcha Muddy Buddies” or “Green Tea Snack Mix” for a personal touch. These little bundles of joy also work well as wedding favors, shower gifts, or office holiday treats.

And for a playful dessert bar, serve the puppy chow alongside matcha brownies, green tea cookies, or mini parfaits for a cohesive and crowd-pleasing green tea experience.

A Snack That’s Equal Parts Fun and Fancy

What’s perhaps most appealing about Matcha Puppy Chow is its ability to straddle the line between casual snacking and refined indulgence. On one hand, it’s fun, quick to make, and approachable—even for novice cooks. On the other hand, its bold use of matcha, clean design, and elegant finish make it feel elevated enough to impress guests and delight gift recipients.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a crowd of friends, this recipe delivers flavor, crunch, and color in every bite. And because it’s easy to prepare in advance, it’s a stress-free way to bring something special to the table with minimal effort.

Conclusion

Matcha Puppy Chow is proof that a classic snack can be reimagined into something uniquely modern, flavorful, and beautiful. By combining the nostalgic texture of muddy buddies with the sophisticated taste of matcha and creamy white chocolate, this recipe creates a treat that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

With its 15-minute prep time, pantry-friendly ingredients, and endless customization options, this elegant twist on a childhood favorite is bound to become a go-to in your recipe collection. So the next time you’re looking for a no-bake dessert, a handmade gift, or just a fun way to use that tin of matcha in your pantry, reach for this irresistible, green-hued delight. It’s crunchy, creamy, subtly sweet, and full of character—just like the best snacks should be.