This easy Muddy Buddies recipe is a crunchy, chocolatey treat that’s impossible to resist! It comes together in just minutes with no baking required, and it makes a big batch that’s great for sharing. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or holiday gifting, this quick and delicious treat is always a crowd favorite.
Holly’s Muddy Buddy Highlights
- Flavor: Rich, sweet flavor with creamy peanut butter, smooth chocolate, and a light powdered sugar finish.
- Difficulty: Extra fun and easy to make. Little ones can enjoy shaking their own bags of Monkey Munch!
- Serving Suggestions: Double up the recipe; it’s perfect for tying up in cellophane bags for Christmas stocking stuffers or gift basket items!
Sweet and Simple Ingredients
- Chex Cereal: Any kind will do here. Rice and corn Chex are light and crispy, while wheat Chex is denser. Use what you like best! Flavored and sweetened Chex are also an option, and Crispix is another brand that works just as well!
- Chocolate: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips or candy melts. Divide the Chex cereal for different candy melt flavors, like butterscotch, peppermint, and peanut butter.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy or crunchy. Other nut butters work well too, such as almond, sunflower, macadamia, or mixed nuts.
Mix-It Up
- The options for add-ins and variations are limitless! Try this strawberry muddy buddies recipe for something different.
- Toss in M&Ms, crushed peppermints, Reese’s Pieces, butterscotch or white chocolate chips, pretzels, toasted sunflower seeds, or peanuts! Mix them into the cereal along with the melted chocolate so they’ll stick.
How to Make Muddy Buddies
- Microwave chocolate, butter, and peanut butter (full recipe below) in 30-second bursts, stirring.
- Stir in vanilla, then pour the chocolate mixture over cereal and mix to coat.
- Transfer to a gallon bag. Sprinkle in powdered sugar and shake to coat.
- Spread out on a cookie sheet to cool.
Speedy Snack Hacks
- Use a large zip-top bag for shaking: It makes coating the cereal with powdered sugar super quick and mess-free.
- Microwave in short bursts: Heat chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals to avoid burning.
- Chill before serving: Place the finished mix in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help it set and get extra crunchy.
- Use a parchment-lined baking sheet for cooling: Spread the coated cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet so it doesn’t clump as it cools.
Keep It Crunchy
Store muddy buddies in zippered bags or tightly covered containers in the cupboard, and consume them within two weeks. Keep them tightly covered between snacks to prevent them from going stale. Or, store in zippered bags in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Cozy Christmas Treats
Did you make these Muddy Buddies? Leave a rating and comment below!
Muddy Buddies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) box Chex cereal corn, rice, or wheat
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Add cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Add chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
- Stir in vanilla, then pour the mixture onto the Chex cereal. Gently stir until cereal is thoroughly coated.
- Alternate pouring layers of powdered sugar and the cereal mixture into a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Seal well and shake.
- Once mixture is well coated, spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet or waxed paper to cool and set.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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