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Muddy Buddies, also called Puppy Chow, are one of those easy, no-bake treats that never last long at our house. Crunchy Chex cereal is coated in a smooth chocolate peanut butter mixture, shaken with powdered sugar, and ready in minutes. It is sweet, salty, chocolatey, and so easy to make for parties, holidays, movie nights, or whenever you need a quick snack everyone will grab by the handful.
5 Star Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Such a classic sweet treat! I love making this for the holidays.” – Carrie
“We know this recipe as Puppy Chow where I live, but boy this one is spot on. Such a great recipe and how neat to see this listed as a different name than I am used to. Tastes awesome.” – Ben
“My kids LOVE these. I make them every Christmas, although they would like me to make them more often. I always use half chocolate chips, half butterscotch chips. It’s the best!” – Amy
Why I Love This Sweet Snack
I love making Muddy Buddies because they are one of the easiest treats to throw together and they always feel fun. There is no baking, no chilling before you can start, and no complicated steps. Just melt, stir, shake, and cool. From start to finish, this recipe takes under 15 minutes, which makes it one of my favorite last-minute treats for parties, game nights, neighbor gifts, or a quick chocolate craving.
I also love how easy Muddy Buddies are to change up. You can keep them classic with Chex, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, or you can turn them into a holiday snack mix with M&M’s, candy pieces, sprinkles, or crushed cookies. I like making a big batch and sharing it with my kids, neighbors, or friends in little treat bags. It is simple, affordable, and always a hit.
🩷 Erica
What Are Muddy Buddies?
Muddy Buddies are a sweet snack mix made with Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. You may also know them as Puppy Chow, Reindeer Chow, or Muddy Munch. The cereal gets coated in a melted chocolate peanut butter mixture, then shaken in powdered sugar until every piece is covered.
Even though some people call it Puppy Chow, this is definitely a people treat, not a dog treat. Chocolate is not safe for pets, so keep this snack for the humans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chex cereal: I like using a mix of Corn Chex and Rice Chex because they stay crunchy and hold onto the chocolate coating well.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate gives the best balance with the peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter works best because it melts smoothly and coats the cereal evenly.
- Butter: Butter helps thin the chocolate mixture just enough so it coats the cereal without clumping.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla adds flavor and makes the chocolate peanut butter coating taste even better.
- Powdered sugar: This coats the outside of the cereal and gives Muddy Buddies that classic sweet, snowy finish.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Cereal options: Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Chocolate Chex, or a mix all work well. Wheat Chex can be used if you do not need the recipe to be gluten-free, but it has a different texture.
- Gluten-free option: Use Rice Chex or Corn Chex and check every ingredient label, especially candy mix-ins and chocolate chips, to make sure they are gluten-free.
- Peanut butter substitute: Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or cookie butter can work in place of peanut butter. The flavor and texture will change a little, but the recipe is very forgiving.
- Chocolate options: Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips can all be used depending on the flavor you want.
- Butterscotch: Use half chocolate chips and half butterscotch chips for a sweet variation our readers love.
- High-protein option: Replace part of the powdered sugar with vanilla protein powder, or use a mix of Chex and a higher-protein cereal. I would start small so the protein powder flavor does not overpower the chocolate peanut butter coating.
How to Make Muddy Buddies
- Gather chocolate ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
- Melt the chocolate mixture. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for about 30 seconds more, or until smooth. Stir in the vanilla.
- Coat the cereal. Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture over the measured cereal in a large bowl.
- Mix carefully. Gently fold and stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Shake with powdered sugar. Pour the coated cereal into a large resealable bag, add the powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake until all the pieces are coated. If the bag feels too full, divide the mixture between two bags.
- Cool and serve. Spread the Muddy Buddies out on wax paper or parchment paper in a single layer. Let them cool completely so the cereal stays crisp. Serve right away or transfer to an airtight container once completely cooled.
Fun Flavor Mix Ins
- Holiday Muddy Buddies: Add seasonal M&M’s, sprinkles, candy corn, Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, or crushed candy canes after the Muddy Buddies have cooled.
- Mint Chocolate: Use mint chocolate chips and a bit of peppermint extract to give your muddy buddies a refreshing minty flavor. Top them with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
- Candy bar & Candy Mix Ins: Chop up some of your favorite candy bars like Reese’s peanut butter cups, butterfinger, KitKat, etc.
- Cookies and Cream: Mix crushed Oreos into the Chex cereal before coating it with chocolate and powdered sugar. This adds a cookies and cream twist to the classic recipe. Chopped cookies and cream Hershey bars are also a fun addition.
- S’mores: Incorporate mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces into your muddy buddies. You can even drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for more of that s’mores flavor.
- Coconut Almond Joy: Mix in shredded coconut and chopped almonds to replicate the flavors of an Almond Joy candy bar. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate and add a few mini chocolate chips.
Recipe Tips
- Use a big bowl. A large mixing bowl makes it much easier to coat the cereal without breaking it.
- Do not overheat the chocolate. Microwave in short bursts and stir well so the chocolate does not scorch.
- Fold gently. Chex cereal can break if you stir too hard. Use a gentle folding motion.
- Use a large bag. A 2-gallon resealable bag works best. If you only have gallon-size bags, split the batch into two bags.
- Cool before storing. This is the biggest tip for keeping Muddy Buddies from getting soggy. Let them cool in a single layer before putting them in a container.
- Add candy after cooling. If you are adding M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, sprinkles, or other mix-ins, wait until the Muddy Buddies are cool so the candy does not melt.
- Sift lumpy powdered sugar. If your powdered sugar has clumps, sift it first for a smoother coating.
- Make it for gifting. Scoop cooled Muddy Buddies into cellophane bags or small containers, then tie with a ribbon for an easy neighbor or teacher gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
This usually happens when the cereal is stored before it has cooled completely. Spread the coated cereal out on wax paper or parchment paper in a single layer and let it cool before storing.
Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free Chex cereal and make sure all other ingredients and mix-ins are gluten-free. Always check labels because brands and ingredients can change.
Yes. You can use almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or cookie butter instead. Use a creamy version for the smoothest coating.
Rice Chex and Corn Chex are both great. I like using a combination because it gives the mix a little more texture. Chocolate Chex also works if you want extra chocolate flavor.
You can, but regular creamy peanut butter usually works better. Natural peanut butter can separate and make the coating a little thinner or oilier. If you use natural peanut butter, stir it very well first.
Yes. Replace part of the powdered sugar with vanilla protein powder. Start with a small amount so the protein powder flavor does not take over. You can also use a higher-protein cereal for part of the Chex.
Use the classic recipe as the base, then stir in seasonal candy after the cereal cools. Try red and green M&M’s for Christmas, candy corn and orange sprinkles for Halloween, pastel candies for Easter, or red and pink candies for Valentine’s Day.
While store-bought Muddy Buddies can be convenient, homemade is always better! Not only is it cheaper to make your own, but the flavors and freshness are unbeatable. Plus, you can customize your batch with your favorite ingredients.
Yes! Muddy Buddies make a great homemade gift because they are easy to package and stay fresh for several days. Let them cool completely, then place them in a cellophane bag, mason jar, or airtight container. Add a ribbon or gift tag for an easy neighbor, teacher, or holiday treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead: Muddy Buddies are a great make-ahead treat because they keep well and do not need to be served warm. Make them the day before a party or holiday and store them in an airtight container.
Room Temperature: Store cooled Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator: You can store Muddy Buddies in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm or if you like them chilled. Make sure they are in an airtight container so they do not absorb fridge odors.
Freezer: Freeze Muddy Buddies in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 6 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them cold straight from the freezer.
More Sweet Snacks
Sweet or savory, crunchy or chewy, here are some of our favorite snackable recipes for parties, holidays, movie nights, and after-school treats.
- Sweet Chex Mix
- Caramel Popcorn
- Chocolate Covered Bananas
- Moose Munch Popcorn
- Homemade Kettle Corn
- Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- 100+ Snack Ideas for Kids
These Muddy Buddies are crunchy, sweet, chocolatey, and so easy to make. I love that they only take a few minutes and can be changed up for just about any holiday or party. If you try this recipe, leave a comment and star rating below. I’d love to hear what mix-ins you added! 💛
Muddy Buddies
Video
Ingredients
- 6 cups corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Measure cereal into large bowl and set aside.
- In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute.
- Stir the chocolate, then microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla.
- Pour melted chocolate mixture over cereal.
- Stir gently until cereal is evenly coated with chocolate mixture.
- Add chocolate coated cereal to a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag. Add powdered sugar to the bag, seal tightly, then shake until well coated.
- Spread the powder covered cereal out on waxed paper to cool. When completely cooled, serve or store in airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Let the Muddy Buddies cool completely before storing so they stay crunchy.
- Spread them in a single layer while cooling to prevent soggy pieces.
- Use a 2-gallon resealable bag, or divide the batch between two smaller bags.
- Add candy mix-ins after the Muddy Buddies have cooled.
- For gluten-free Muddy Buddies, use gluten-free Chex cereal and check all ingredient labels.
- For a high-protein version, replace part of the powdered sugar with vanilla protein powder.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I have also used quaker oat squares…… extra hearty!
awsome Recipe I love it and it tastes great hope you make more
This is such a fun simple recipe! I will definitely try it out for Christmas this year.
What a fun recipe for the holidays and perfect to make with my kids! Love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
Such a classic sweet treat! I love making this for the holidays. 🙂
I have always wanted to make these, but this recipe was the one that convinced me! I am now planning on making it as part of Christmas gifts, so thank you!!
We know this recipe as Puppy Chow where I live, but boy this one is spot on. Such a great recipe and how neat to see this listed as a different name than I am used to. Tastes awesome.
My kids LOVE these. I make them every Christmas, although they would like me to make them more often. I always use half chocolate chips, half butterscotch chips. Its the best! Loving your blog!! Thank You!
I used to loved this treat when I was younger but never had a recipe! I will definitely have to try this one out! Thanks for all of the awesome ideas and great recipes on your blog! Keep up the awesome work!