1. Prepare Your Workstation: Line a large baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper or wax paper. This will be where you spread the puppy chow to cool and set. Have a very large mixing bowl or two large resealable plastic bags (gallon-sized) ready for coating the cereal.

2. Measure Cereal: Measure out the 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into your largest mixing bowl. Set aside. This ensures you’re ready to go once the chocolate is melted.

3. Crush Strawberries and Cookies: If you haven’t already, crush your freeze-dried strawberries. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin, or by using a food processor or spice grinder for a finer powder. Aim for a mix of powder and small pieces for texture. Similarly, crush the shortbread cookies into fine crumbs. A food processor works best for this, or again, the bag-and-rolling-pin method.

4. Melt White Chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips (or candy melts) and the butter (or coconut oil). Microwave on 50% power for 1-minute intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be very careful not to overheat white chocolate, as it can seize and become grainy. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler over simmering water.

5. Add Flavorings to Chocolate: Once the chocolate is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and the pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. The salt helps to enhance all the other flavors and balance the sweetness.

6. Coat the Cereal: Immediately pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal in the large bowl. Using a large spatula, gently fold and stir until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated. Work relatively quickly before the chocolate starts to set, but be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal too much.

7. Prepare the Coating Mixture: In one of your large resealable plastic bags (or a very large bowl if you prefer the bowl method), combine the powdered sugar, the crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder, the optional strawberry gelatin powder, and the crushed shortbread cookies. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly. If using a bowl, whisk them together.

8. Shake to Coat (Bag Method): If your cereal is in a bowl, carefully transfer about half of the chocolate-coated cereal into the bag with the powdered sugar mixture. Seal the bag, leaving some air inside, and shake gently but thoroughly until all the cereal pieces are well coated. You might need to turn the bag and gently massage it to ensure even distribution. Once coated, pour this batch onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it in a single layer. Repeat with the remaining chocolate-coated cereal and the rest of the powdered sugar mixture (you might need to add more powdered sugar mixture to the bag if you run low, or use a second bag).

9. Coat (Bowl Method): If you’re not using a bag, add the powdered sugar mixture to the bowl with the chocolate-coated cereal in batches, gently tossing and stirring until everything is evenly coated. This method can be a bit messier but works if you don’t have large bags.

10. Cool and Set: Spread the coated puppy chow in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheets. Try to separate any large clumps. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and the coating is dry to the touch. You can speed this up by placing it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, but be mindful that condensation can sometimes make it slightly less crisp.

11. Add Final Touches: Once cooled and set, you can gently toss the puppy chow with any reserved larger pieces of freeze-dried strawberries and the optional sprinkles for an extra pop of color and strawberry goodness.

12. Store: Store the Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week if your kitchen is warm. It may lose some crispness over time, especially if refrigerated. For best results, enjoy within the first couple of days.