Samoas Puppy Chow Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could turn your favorite Girl Scout cookie into a shareable, snackable treat, today’s your lucky day! This Samoas Puppy Chow (also known as muddy buddies) is everything you love about Samoas cookies—chocolate, caramel, coconut, and crunch—transformed into an irresistible bowl of sweet, munchy goodness. It’s the kind of snack that disappears shockingly fast at parties, so trust me when I say you might want to make a double batch.
Picture this: crunchy Chex cereal coated in silky chocolate, tossed with gooey caramel, sprinkled with toasted coconut, and dotted with chunks of real Samoas cookies. Honestly? It’s dangerous in the best possible way.
Recipe Origin
Traditional puppy chow has been around for decades, usually made with chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. But this version is a cookie-inspired twist that takes inspiration straight from those iconic Samoas cookies. If you’re a fan of chocolate + caramel + coconut, this is about to become your new favorite snack mix.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bag or zip-top bag (for coating in powdered sugar)
- Baking sheet (optional, for cooling)

Samoas Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Samoas Puppy Chow recipe is a sweet and crunchy snack mix inspired by the classic Girl Scout cookie. With layers of chocolate, caramel, coconut, and crushed Samoas cookies coating Chex cereal, it’s the ultimate no-bake treat for parties or cozy movie nights.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chocolate spread
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 8 cups Chocolate Chex Cereal
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 box Samoas cookies, crushed
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate spread, butter, milk chocolate chips, and milk. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the caramel sauce until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the Chex cereal. Pour the chocolate-caramel mixture over the cereal and gently fold until evenly coated.
- Add the shredded coconut and crushed Samoas cookies, mixing lightly to distribute.
- Place powdered sugar in a large zip-top bag. Add the coated cereal mixture in batches, sealing and shaking until fully coated.
- Spread the puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set.
- Once cooled, store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Notes
- For extra coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut before mixing.
- Drizzle additional caramel over the cooled mix for a gooey finish.
- This treat is rich and sweet—serve in small bowls or snack bags for portion control.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: samoas puppy chow, muddy buddies recipe, samoas chex mix, girl scout cookie dessert, no bake snack
Why You’ll Love Samoas Puppy Chow
This recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s the kind of treat that makes people light up when they see it on the table. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
Quick to Make: From start to finish, this takes about 15 minutes. Perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults can’t resist it—it’s always the first bowl to disappear.
Cookie-Inspired: You get all the classic Samoas flavors in a fun, snackable form.
Perfect for Sharing: Movie nights, bake sales, game days, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up—this recipe fits the bill.
Ingredients in Samoas Puppy Chow
Here’s the magic of this recipe—it transforms simple pantry staples into an unforgettable treat. Let’s break it down:
Chocolate Spread: Adds richness and helps bind the chocolate coating together.
Butter: Smooths and deepens the chocolate mixture, giving it that silky finish.
Milk Chocolate Chips: The base of the coating—melty, sweet, and irresistible.
Milk: A splash keeps the mixture creamy and pourable.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzled in for that classic Samoas caramel sweetness.
Shredded Coconut: Toasted lightly, it adds texture, flavor, and the signature Samoas vibe.
Chocolate Chex Cereal: The crunchy vehicle for all that flavor—perfectly coated in the chocolate-caramel mixture.
Powdered Sugar: Coats each piece in sweetness and prevents sticking.
Samoas Cookies: Crushed into bite-sized bits for the ultimate finishing touch.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Melt the Chocolate Base: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate spread, butter, chocolate chips, and milk. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
Add the Caramel: Stir in the caramel sauce until everything is velvety and combined.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the chocolate-caramel mixture over the Chex cereal in a big bowl. Gently fold until every piece is coated.
Add Coconut and Cookies: Toss in the shredded coconut and crushed Samoas cookies. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
Powdered Sugar Coating: Transfer the coated cereal into a large bag or container with powdered sugar. Seal and shake until the mixture is evenly coated.
Cool and Set: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet (optional) to cool and dry slightly.
Serve and Enjoy: Grab a handful and try not to eat the whole batch yourself!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: ~12
Calories per serving: ~320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Samoas Puppy Chow
- Party Snack: Serve in big bowls at gatherings.
- Gift Bags: Package in cute bags or jars for edible gifts.
- Movie Nights: Perfect for munching straight from the bowl.
- Lunchbox Treat: A fun surprise in a snack container for kids.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate (but allow to come to room temp before serving for best texture). Freezing is also an option—just thaw before eating.
Variations to Try
- Swap Samoas with Thin Mints for a minty twist.
- Add mini marshmallows for extra chewiness.
- Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Mix in pretzels for a salty-sweet balance.
Additional Tips
- Toast the coconut lightly for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate mixture—low and slow melting is key.
- If your coating feels too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular Chex instead of Chocolate Chex?
A1: Yes! Rice or corn Chex will also work, though the flavor will be slightly less chocolatey.
Q2: Do I have to toast the coconut?
A2: Nope—but toasting brings out a nutty, caramelized flavor that makes it even better.
Q3: Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
A3: Definitely! Store-bought works fine, but homemade adds a richer flavor.
Q4: How long does this stay fresh?
A4: Up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temp.
Q5: Can I freeze Samoas Puppy Chow?
A5: Yes, up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp before serving.
Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
A6: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut oil instead of butter, and dairy-free caramel.
Q7: Can I make this less sweet?
A7: Reduce the powdered sugar or skip it altogether for a gooier, more chocolate-forward version.
Q8: Will this work with other Girl Scout cookies?
A8: Absolutely! Try it with Tagalongs, Thin Mints, or Trefoils.
Conclusion
This Samoas Puppy Chow is everything you love about the iconic cookie—chocolatey, caramel-kissed, and coconutty—packed into a snack that’s perfect for sharing (or not sharing, no judgment here). It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to make any occasion a little sweeter. So next time you’re craving something fun and indulgent, whip up a batch—you won’t regret it!
- Samoas Puppy Chow Recipe