Muddy Buddies

5 from 10 votes
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Need a quick snack that can be made in 15 minutes and doesn’t require any cooking? Muddy Buddies are just the thing!

Muddy buddies in a glass bowl
Featured with this recipe
  1. Ingredients in Muddy Buddies
  2. Homemade vs. Store Bought Muddy Buddies
  3. Switch Up the Chex
  4. Variations to Classic Muddy Buddies
  5. Give the Gift of Muddy Buddies
  6. How to Make Chex Mix Muddy Buddies
  7. Frequently Asked Questions About Muddy Buddies
  8. More Snackable Recipes
  9. How to Make Muddy Buddies
  10. Muddy Buddies Recipe

They’re super easy to make, they taste great—and they’re perfect when you need something quick and easy to keep you going throughout the day. These 15-minute crunchy and satisfying Classic Muddy Buddies are made with Chex Mix cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. They’re always a hit at potlucks—and you’ll be the hit of your next party when you bring them along!

Muddy Buddies is one of those snacks that always hits the spot. It has all the elements of the perfect snack food: sweet chocolate, salty flavor, crunchy texture and oh so tasty! The sweet, crunchy snack we call Muddy Buddies has many names. We’ve also called it puppy chow, monkey munch, muddy munch, and at Christmastime, reindeer chow. No matter what you call it, this is one of those snacks that always hits the spot! It has all the elements of the perfect snack food: sweet chocolate, salty flavor, crunchy texture and oh so tasty!

Ingredients to make muddy buddies including Chex, chocolate chips, and peanut butter


Ingredients in Muddy Buddies

As much as I’d like to, I can’t claim this recipe as my own; I just used the recipe on the Chex cereal box. Why mess with perfection, right? But feel free to experiment with variations, too! Here’s what you need:

  • Corn Chex cereal – about six cups
  • Rice Chex cereal – three cups
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips – you can substitute milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips.
  • Peanut butter – I like to use creamy peanut butter but if you prefer a more crunchy texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter too.
  • Butter – two tablespoons to melt
  • Vanilla extract – one teaspoon
  • Powdered sugar – about a cup and a half, or so until you get the consistency you like. This gives it the irresistible, powdery white coating.
A hand reaching for a muddy buddy in a bowl

Homemade vs. Store Bought Muddy Buddies

Not only is it way cheaper to make your own at home, homemade Muddy Buddies just taste so much better! The store bought stuff can be stale, less flavorful, and just not as tasty. Additionally, when you make it at home, you can make a greater volume for much less cost. You’re also in control of the ingredients you add, making the whole batch fresher, and much tastier!

Switch Up the Chex

In this recipe we use about 9 cups of Chex cereal, total. Traditionally Corn Chex and Rice Chex are used to make muddy buddies but you can switch it up to add whatever flavors you want! Wheat Chex is a common favorite to mix in. To keep it all even, just do 3 cups of each: Corn, Rice, and Wheat. Some other fun Chex flavors include Chocolate Chex and Peanut Butter Chex, both of which would make great muddy buddies!

Variations to Classic Muddy Buddies

If you want to customize your Muddy Buddies, there are some delicious options to take this recipe to the next level! Here are some popular variation options:

  • M&Ms: First, and easiest, is M&M’s. After the Muddy Buddies are cooled completely, mix in classic, peanut butter, or peanut M&M’s. You can also make a more seasonal treat by adding holiday colored or holiday flavored M&Ms.
  • 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 Muddy Buddies: 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.
  • Mint Chocolate Muddy Buddies: 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.
  • 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.
Muddy Buddies on a plate surrounded by chocolate chips and a spoonful of peanut butter.

Give the Gift of Muddy Buddies

I love making a big batch of this treat at home and sharing it with my kids (if they’re good) or neighbors as gifts. Plus it cannot be easier. From start to finish, this recipe takes ten minutes tops. You just can’t beat that! Plus you can change it up a million different ways, adding different flavorings, candies, just about anything you can imagine. Place them in a cellophane bag, tie it with a ribbon, and you’re good to go.

A glass bowl full of muddy buddies

How to Make Chex Mix Muddy Buddies

  • This classic recipe is so simple! First, start by melting the butter, creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat and stir until velvety smooth or the texture of cream.
  • Add the vanilla extract and stir.
  • Next, coat the cereal with the chocolate mixture by pouring it over the top and then stirring until all the cereal is covered.
  • Pour the Chex and the powdered sugar in a gallon sized Ziploc bag and shake to toss all the cereal with powdered sugar until fully coated.
  • Then, spread the whole mixture out on waxed paper to allow it to cool. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
  • Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay nice and fresh for two weeks, but truth be told, it rarely lasts that long in our house.
  • You can also freeze it in airtight baggies for four to six months.
Melted chocolate being poured over Chex cereal

Frequently Asked Questions About Muddy Buddies

Do Muddy Buddies have to be refrigerated?

Muddy Buddies can be stored on the counter in an airtight container for a few days. However, if you want to keep them for longer, you can store them for a couple weeks in the fridge. Additionally, if you are looking for long term storage, Muddy Buddies can be kept in the freezer for 4 to 6 months.

Why does my Puppy Chow get soggy?

If you do not cool the Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow completely after you pour the chocolate on, the fats from the chocolate can break down the cereal and make it soggy. Make sure to spread the entire mixture out in a single layer and cool completely.

Can I make Muddy Buddies without peanut butter?

Yes! You can substitute another nut butter or seed butter like almond butter or sun butter. You can also just use a little extra chocolate and butter.

Are Muddy Buddies gluten free?

Yes! The main ingredient in Muddy Buddies is Chex cereal, and Chex cereals are gluten-free. If your family is like ours, being aware of gluten-allergies when serving up snacks is a must. They are perfect for movie nights, game nights, and parties.

Read More: 100+ Snack Ideas for Kids

More Snackable Recipes

Sweet or savory, crunchy or chewy here are some of our favorite snackable recipes that satisfy any hunger craving!

How to Make Muddy Buddies

Muddy buddies in a glass bowl

Muddy Buddies

5 from 10 votes
This Classic Muddy Buddies recipe is crunchy and satisfying. Making it at home takes no time at all, and perfect for when chocolate cravings hit. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20

Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Measure cereal into large bowl and set aside.
    A bowl of rice Chex and corn Chex combined
  • 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.
    Melted chocolate in a bowl to make muddy buddies
  • Pour melted chocolate mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Then pour into 2-gallon resealable plastic bag.
    Melted chocolate being poured over Chex cereal
  • Add powdered sugar to the bag, seal tightly, then shake until well coated. Spread the powder covered cereal out on waxed paper to cool.
    Muddy buddies in a bag with powdered sugar
  • When completely cooled, serve or store in airtight container in the refrigerator.
    Muddy buddies in a glass bowl

Notes

Tips for this recipe

  • To prevent soggy muddy buddies, be sure to let them completely cool after pouring on the chocolate. Keep muddy buddies in a single layer as they cool.
  • Store muddy buddies in an airtight container and eat within a few days. They don’t have to be refrigerated. 
  • To freeze muddy buddies, place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 148mgPotassium: 118mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 415IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 5mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    What a fun recipe for the holidays and perfect to make with my kids! Love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

  2. 5 stars
    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!!

  3. 5 stars
    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.

  4. 5 stars
    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!

  5. 5 stars
    i use to loved this treat when i was younger but never had a recipe!i will definately have to try this one out! thanks for all of the awesome ideas and great recipes on your blog! keep up the awesome work!