Semi-sweet chocolate and salty corn chips elevate this chocolate, peanut butter and corn chip chow to a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll always want at the heart of your movie night snack table. It’s delicious with a glass of cold milk, a handful of salted pretzels, a dish of vanilla ice cream, a mug of hot cocoa; in fact most things.
Jump to RecipeChocolate, Peanut Butter and Corn Chip Chow Recipe Ingredients
- 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 cups corn chips (such as Fritos)
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar

How To Make Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Corn Chip Chow Recipe
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, melted butter, cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat in 30-second increments. Between each session, give the mixture a good stir. Continue this process until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth.
- Coat the corn chips: Place the 8 cups of corn chips into a very large mixing bowl to give yourself plenty of room to stir. Pour the warm, melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the chips. Using a large spatula, gently fold the chips into the chocolate until every single piece is evenly and thoroughly coated.
- Cool slightly: Before adding the sugar, let the chocolate-covered chips sit for about 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. You want the chocolate to be tacky but not liquid-hot; if it’s too hot, it will simply melt the confectioners’ sugar instead of holding onto it.
- The sugar toss: Transfer the chocolate-coated chips into a large brown paper bag or a very large resealable plastic bag. Pour in the 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar. Tightly seal the top of the bag, leaving some air inside to allow the chips to move freely.
- Shake and set: Vigorously toss and shake the bag for a minute or two until the sugar has completely covered the chocolate. The corn chips should look like snowy, irregular nuggets.
- Serve and store: Pour the finished chow out of the bag and into a serving bowl. If you are not eating it immediately, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain that essential corn chip crunch.

Recipe Tips
- Chip Selection: While generic corn chips work, name-brand Fritos have a specific density and saltiness that holds up exceptionally well under the weight of the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Cocoa Power: Adding actual cocoa powder to the melted mix (in addition to the chocolate chips) provides a deeper, darker chocolate flavor that prevents the snack from being overly cloying.
- The Sieve Trick: If you find there is too much loose sugar at the bottom of your bag, pour the chow into a large colander or sieve and give it a gentle shake. This will remove the excess “sugar dust” for a cleaner presentation.
- Peanut Butter Type: Avoid natural-style peanut butters that require stirring, as the oil separation can make the chocolate coating greasy and prevent it from setting properly.
What To Serve With Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Corn Chip Chow Recipe?
This Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Corn Chip Chow Recipe is a decadent, sweet-and-salty treat that needs a neutral or salty pairing! A tall glass of Ice-Cold Whole Milk is the quintessential choice for washing down the rich peanut butter. For a party spread, a bowl of Salted Pretzels or Buttery Popcorn adds a lovely textural contrast that pairs perfectly with the chocolate! A side of Fresh Apple Slices or a Mug of Hot Coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweet cocoa and salty corn notes.

How To Store Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Corn Chip Chow Recipe
- Airtight Container: Store the chow at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store the chow in the fridge to keep the chocolate from softening. It tastes fantastic chilled!
- Freezing: This snack freezes surprisingly well for up to 1 month. Just make sure the container is truly airtight to prevent the corn chips from absorbing any freezer odors.
Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Corn Chip Chow Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 310 kcal (per 1-cup serving)
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Sugar: 24 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific brands used.
FAQs
Yes! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter (for a nut-free version) both work well, though the flavor will obviously shift away from the classic “Reese’s” profile.
This usually happens if the chocolate mixture was still too hot when you added the sugar. Make sure to let it cool for at least 5-10 minutes so the sugar creates a powdery shell rather than a paste.
Absolutely. Many people like to toss in mini marshmallows, M&Ms, or dry-roasted peanuts after the sugar-tossing stage for a “Loaded Chow” experience.
Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Corn Chip Chow Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes2
minutes310
kcalAn addictive, sweet-and-salty snack mix featuring corn chips coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter shell and dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
8 cups corn chips
2/3 cup chocolate chips
2/3 cup peanut butter
8 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
Cocoa powder, salt
Directions
- Microwave chocolate, peanut butter, butter, cocoa, and salt until smooth.
- Toss corn chips in the chocolate mixture until coated.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Place in a bag with confectioners’ sugar.
- Shake vigorously until every chip is white.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use a brown paper bag for the best sugar distribution.
- Kosher salt is essential to balance the heavy sugar.
- This is a perfect gift to pack in mason jars for the holidays.
