Chex cereal is coated with a mixture of peanut butter and melted chocolate then tossed with powdered sugar in this classic Muddy Buddies recipe. A quick, easy, and irresistibly sweet snack!
Whether you call it muddy buddies or puppy chow, this recipe is a classic. I’ve shared many muddy buddies variations over the years, from cookie butter to pumpkin to strawberry but I realized I never shared the original recipe that made the snack so famous. So here it is!
Why You’ll Love This Muddy Buddies Recipe
Here are a few reasons why we love this snack mix recipe.
- Only 6 ingredients. You’ll need Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and just a few other ingredients to make this puppy chow muddy buddies recipe.
- No baking (or cooking). The only “cooking” required in this recipe is melting the chocolate in the microwave. No need to turn on the oven or even use the stove!
- The classic recipe. This is the recipe that inspired all other puppy chow variations. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’s SO good.
- Easy to customize. The sky is the limit when it comes to variations of this muddy buddies recipe. I’ve included lots of ideas below!
What You’ll Need
This classic muddy buddies recipe is made with just 6 simple ingredients. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Rice Chex – Corn Chex and Crispex also work in this recipe. Wheat Chex is not as light and doesn’t work as well.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Dark chocolate or milk chocolate would work too.
- Peanut butter – A smooth, creamy peanut butter like Jiffy.
- Butter – For this recipe, I like to use salted butter for the extra flavor but unsalted would work too.
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar – The classic puppy chow coating.
Recipe Variations
This is a basic muddy buddies recipe, which means there’s plenty of room for customization. Here are a few ideas:
- Replace the peanut butter. Almond butter, cookie butter, and Nutella are all great alternatives to peanut butter for a different flavor.
- Swap out the chocolate chips. Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, consider white chocolate, dark chocolate, peppermint, butterscotch, or any other flavor of chocolate chips.
- Add some mix-ins. M&Ms, pretzels, candy corn, peppermints, crushed candy, chocolate chips, and more can all be stirred in once the muddy buddies cool for additional flavor, texture, and color.
- Holidays. We have some fun Holiday versions that include Muddy Buddies like our Reindeer Chow, Valentine Puppy Chow, Halloween Puppy Chow and Easter Puppy Chow.
How To Make Muddy Buddies
Here’s an overview of how to make this classic muddy buddies recipe. You can find the printable version of the instructions in the recipe card below.
- Melt the chocolate. Combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter, and salt in a bowl. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between each one, until the mixture is smooth and melted. Mix in the vanilla.
- Coat the cereal. Pour the mixture over the cereal in a large bowl and stir to coat.
- Add the powdered sugar. Spoon the coated cereal into a large Ziploc bag with the powdered sugar. Toss and shake to coat in the powdered sugar.
- Enjoy. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and enjoy.
Proper Storage
Once the chocolate coating has hardened and the muddy buddies have cooled completely, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep moisture out of the container, which will cause them to soften.
More Easy Desserts To Try
- Peppermint Bark
- Rocky Road Candy
- Marshmallow Popcorn
- 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
- Cream Cheese Candy
Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
- 7 cups rice chex
- 1 ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Measure cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a separate large microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter. Microwave in increments of 15 seconds, stirring in between until the mixture is melted and smooth. Mix in vanilla. Pour over the cereal. Stir gently and well until the cereal is evenly coated.
- When the cereal has been completely coated, spoon it into a large zip-lock bag. Pour in the powdered sugar and seal the bag.
- Toss and shake the cereal in the powdered sugar to coat.
- When the cereal is completely coated, remove it from the bag and pour it into a serving bowl.
- Serve at room temperature.
Last Step:
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9 comments on “Muddy Buddies”
So easy and sweet and tasty! I doubled it and melted things on the stovetop.
Easy, quick, & yummy!
Thanks Jessica!
It says salted butter in the ingredient list, but in the instructions it says to mix in butter and salt. I’m assuming it’s just the salted butter!
Making now and excited to try!
Hi Julie. Thanks! That was a typo that I will correct. Just use the salted butter.
Didn’t make the recipe yet but I have my intention to make it soon
So glad you share your recipes Going to use the Muddy Buddies as hand outs for home/get together
Thanks Tricia!
I am going to try. Look good and 5g Protein is good for the kids