Magical Lucky Charms Puppy Chow for St. Patrick’s Day

If you’re looking for a fun little treat that instantly puts everyone in a St. Patrick’s Day mood, this one’s it. This Lucky Charms puppy chow is colorful, sweet, and just plain happy. It’s the kind of snack you pour into a bowl “just to try” and then suddenly realize half of it is gone. Between the green candy coating, crunchy cereal, and those classic marshmallows, it feels like a holiday treat without any of the usual fuss.

I love recipes like this because they’re completely no-bake and honestly kind of relaxing to make. You melt, shake, sprinkle, and you’re done. No oven, no timers, no stress. It’s also one of those recipes you can easily throw together while the kids are doing homework or you’re cleaning up dinner, which is always a win in my book.

This is also a great one for sharing. It works perfectly for classroom treats, party snack tables, or portioned into little bags for friends and neighbors. It looks festive without being fussy, and it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. If you need a quick St. Patrick’s Day snack that feels special but stays simple, this one checks all the boxes.

Make sure you also take a look at some of my other tasty St. Patrick’s Day treats:

• Pot of Gold Cupcakes
• Green Jello Parfait Cups
• Green Matcha Cupcakes
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• Green Velvet Brownies
• Oreo Shamrock Shake
• Lucky Charms Cookies

Equipment

• Microwave-safe bowl: This is just for melting the green candy melts gently without scorching them. Nothing fancy needed.

• Large zip-top bag: This is where the magic happens. It makes coating everything so much easier and keeps cleanup to a minimum.

• Large mixing bowl: Handy for holding the cereal before it goes into the bag and for easy mixing if you prefer stirring instead of shaking.

• Small bowl: Perfect for tossing the marshmallows with the gold glitter so they’re evenly sparkly instead of clumped.

• Spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring the candy melts and gently mixing everything together without crushing the cereal.

• Measuring cups and spoons: Just to keep the ratios right so every handful has the perfect mix of crunchy, sweet, and festive.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cinnamon Chex cereal: This gives the mix that crunchy, cozy base that holds up perfectly to all the sweet coating.

• 2 cups Lucky Charms cereal: The star of the show, adding pops of color and those classic marshmallows everyone digs for first.

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds that soft, sweet finish that makes puppy chow so snackable.

• 1 cup light green candy melts: These bring all the St. Patrick’s Day vibes and coat everything in a smooth, festive layer.

• 1 cup marshmallows: Extra fluffy, extra fun, and the perfect balance to all that crunch.

• 1 teaspoon gold edible glitter: Just a little sprinkle to make the whole thing feel lucky, magical, and party-ready.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Melt the light green candy melts according to the package directions until smooth.

Step 2: Add the cinnamon Chex cereal to a large bowl and pour the melted candy over the top. Gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.

Step 3: Fold in the Lucky Charms cereal, mixing just enough to combine while keeping the pieces intact.

Step 4: Transfer the coated cereal mixture to a large zip-top bag.

Step 5: Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it tightly, and gently shake until everything is fully coated and no longer sticky.

Step 6: In a small bowl, toss the marshmallows with the gold edible glitter until lightly coated.

Step 7: Add the glittery marshmallows to the bag and gently mix until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Pour the puppy chow into a bowl or portion into treat bags and let it sit for a few minutes to fully set before serving.

Serving & Storing

• Serve this in a big bowl and let people scoop as they snack. It disappears fast, so you might want to keep a little extra tucked away.

• This is perfect for portioning into small treat bags for parties, classrooms, or festive little surprises. It travels really well.

• Let the puppy chow sit for a few minutes before serving so the coating fully sets and isn’t sticky.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature to keep everything crunchy.

• It stays fresh for about 3–4 days, though it usually doesn’t last that long.

• If the coating softens a bit over time, a quick gentle shake in the container helps redistribute everything.

Variations & Substitutions

• Use what you’ve got in the pantry. Swap the cinnamon Chex for rice or corn Chex and it’ll still turn out just as crunchy and snackable.

• No green melts, no problem. White candy melts with a drop or two of green food coloring work perfectly in a pinch.

• Skip the glitter if you want. It’s totally optional, and sprinkles or sanding sugar give the same festive look.

• Add a salty twist. A handful of mini pretzels mixed in gives you that sweet-and-salty combo everyone loves.

• Go big on marshmallows. Extra Lucky Charms marshmallows make this even more fun, especially for kids.

• Change the colors for any holiday. Switch up the candy melt color and cereal and you’ve got an easy base recipe for just about any celebration.

Little Tricks That Make a Big Difference

• Melt the candy low and slow. Using lower microwave power and stirring often keeps the candy smooth and easy to coat without scorching.

• Stir gently from the start. Taking your time when coating the Chex helps keep the cereal pieces whole instead of crushed.

• Add Lucky Charms after the coating. Mixing them in once the Chex is coated keeps the colors brighter and the marshmallows from melting.

• Seal the bag really well. A tight seal makes shaking easier and saves you from powdered sugar sneaking out everywhere.

• Shake, then rest. Letting the puppy chow sit for a few minutes before serving helps the coating fully set and keeps it from feeling sticky.

• Spread it out if it’s clumping. A quick spread on parchment paper helps everything cool evenly and separates any pieces that want to stick together.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s a great make-ahead treat.

Do I have to use edible glitter?

Nope. It’s just for fun. You can leave it out completely or swap it for sprinkles if that’s easier.

Can I use a different cereal?

You can. Rice or corn Chex both work well, and you can even mix in another cereal if you want a little extra crunch.

Why add the Lucky Charms after coating the Chex?

This helps keep the colors bright and prevents the marshmallows from getting melty or sticky.

How long does it stay fresh?

Stored properly, it keeps well for about 3–4 days at room temperature, though it usually disappears long before that.

Is this good for classroom parties or treat bags?

Yes, it’s perfect. It’s no-bake, easy to portion, and holds up well when packed into small bags.