Can I use regular white chocolate chips?

You can, but I highly recommend melting wafers . Chips often seize and get grainy.

Do I have to use almond extract?

Nope — but it brightens the pistachio flavor. A little goes a long way.

Yes — skip actual pistachio nuts and stick with the pudding mix and almond extract substitute (or omit extract). Use nut-free add-ins only.

Store in an airtight container at room temp. Don’t refrigerate — that adds moisture and ruins the crunch.

Absolutely. Use a large mixing bowl and double-gallon bags for shaking.

Give the classic puppy chow a pistachio spin — crunchy, sweet, and impossible to stop snacking on.

Scale

Empty the Rice Chex into a large bowl and set it aside while you prepare the coatings. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper for cooling.
In a gallon-size resealable bag, pour in the powdered sugar and the dry pistachio pudding mix. Close the bag and give it a good shake until the two powders are evenly combined.
Add the almond extract to the same bag, close it again, and shake once more so the extract distributes through the sugar mixture.
Place the white chocolate wafers and the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, then continue in 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture becomes smooth and pourable. Be careful not to overheat.
Pour the melted white chocolate and butter over the Chex in the large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly so the cereal gets coated before the chocolate starts to set.
Spoon the chocolate-coated cereal into the sugar-pistachio bag. Seal it and shake gently until each piece is dusted with the powdered mixture.
Spread the finished snack onto the prepared baking sheet and let it cool completely and firm up before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations
- White chocolate can be temperamental. Melting wafers usually melt more reliably than standard chips. Heat in short bursts and stir often.
- If you want more pronounced pistachio flavor, cut the powdered sugar to about 1/3 cup and add a second packet of the pistachio pudding mix — it intensifies the nutty taste without making the coating too gritty.
- If you prefer, substitute vanilla almond bark or another white confectionery coating in place of the wafers.
- For extra texture, fold in chopped roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, or seasonal candy after the mix has cooled.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if it lasts that long!). You can also freeze portions in sealed bags for longer keeping — thaw to room temperature before serving.