These Chocolate and Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies are an irresistible, time-tested, classic treat. Coated in a thick layer of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, they’re perfect for serving for game day, as a weekend snack, as a holiday treat, or even as simple homemade gifts.
If you’re looking for more easy peanut butter snacks, you can also try our Coconut Peanut Butter Energy Balls, Peanut Butter Popcorn, or these Peanut Butter Balls.
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies
Raise your hand if you love Muddy Buddies. Or maybe you call it Puppy Chow. Whether you know it as Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies, you’ve likely snacked on this chocolate and peanut butter cereal snack before. It’s a classic treat to bring to parties, school functions, and even to share with coworkers.
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I wanted to make my dream Puppy Chow recipe, so this version is coated in an extra thick layer of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Is it messy? Yes! As it should be.
One thing that I love about this treat is all of the different Muddy Buddy flavors you can create just by switching out the nut butter, or the flavor of chocolate chips. I’ve given you a few ideas below (hello Nutella Muddy Buddies), but feel free to get creative and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rice Chex Cereal – Rice Chex is super light and crisp, so when it’s coated with chocolate you get the most satisfying crunch. It also happens to be gluten-free! Crispix or Corn Chex would also work well.
- Chocolate Chips – I usually use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but this is definitely an ingredient that you can experiment with. I’ve had great results using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and mint chocolate chips but there are plenty more options to choose from.
- Peanut Butter – you’ll want to use creamy peanut butter that does not separate—think Jif, Skippy, or similar. If you want something without peanuts, Nutella is a delicious substitute.
- Butter – salted butter tastes great with the rich and sweet chocolate, although unsalted would work, too.
- Vanilla Extract – just a little bit of vanilla extract enhances all of the flavors.
- Powdered Sugar – this covers the chocolate coating and sort of seals it all up once it cools. I recommend sifting it first so that it stays super smooth.
How to Make Muddy Buddies
- Melt. In a microwavable bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for about 45 seconds and stir. Heat again for 30 seconds and stir until all of the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Combine with the cereal. Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir gently until all the cereal is coated.
- Coat in powdered sugar. Add half of the cereal mixture to a gallon freezer bag, or another plastic bag. Add half of the powdered sugar, seal, and gently shake until the cereal is coated. Repeat with the remaining cereal mixture.
- Cool. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool in a dark, dry place.
- Serve. Serve in a large serving bowl, or individual serving cups. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for 3-5 days. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
- Stir in small chocolate candies like M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, or chopped up larger chocolates.
- To make a cookies and cream variation, chop up Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, or even Thin Mints, and mix them in.
- For seasonal variations, mix in different colors of sprinkles or M&Ms.
- Get creative with the type of chocolate chips that you use. You can experiment with loads of different flavors, from milk and dark chocolate to peanut butter to butterscotch.
- Experiment with different types of nut butter, such as almond butter or Nutella.
Frequently Asked Questions
Those who grew up in the Midwest have probably been eating Puppy Chow long before Chex came up with their “Muddy Buddies” recipe. Flavorwise, there is absolutely no difference between Puppy Chow and Muddy Buddies. The official recipe for Muddy Buddies was created by Chex in the early 2000s. The term “Puppy Chow” is a bit more regionally specific to the Midwest, and has been around for quite some time—definitely before the early 2000s!
While you can store them at room temperature, you can extend their shelf life by keeping them in an airtight container in the fridge. The chocolate sets up and creates a protective layer on the outside of the cereal, keeping it nice and crisp.
You sure can! Muddy Buddies will actually stay fresh in freezer bags or another airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Because this recipe for Muddy Buddies is made with Rice Chex, they are gluten-free. If you use another cereal (like Crispix), they will not be. Always double-check the packaging to be completely sure!
Storing Instructions
- Room Temperature: store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3-5 days at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: stored cooled Muddy Buddies in freezer bags for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Classic Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the Chex cereal and set aside.
- In a microwavable bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for about 45 seconds and stir. Heat again for 30 seconds and stir until all of the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Drizzle the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir gently until all the cereal is coated.
- Add half of the cereal mixture to a gallon ziplock bag. Add half of the powdered sugar, seal, and gently shake until the cereal is coated. Repeat with the remaining cereal mixture.
- Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool in a dark, dry place.
- Serve in a large serving bowl, or individual serving cups. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for 3-5 days. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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More Peanut Butter Desserts
- Peanut Butter Bars
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Kiss Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Peanut Butter S’mores Cups
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge
- Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
- More Dessert Recipes
- More No Bake Desserts
More Quick Treat Ideas
- Mint Chocolate Muddy Buddies
- Reindeer Chow
- Churro Bites
- Fall Party Snack Mix
- Oreo Popcorn
- Caramel Popcorn
This classic Peanut Butter Puppy Chow recipe coats each piece of cereal in a thick chocolate peanut butter mixture before covering in powdered sugar. It’s a classic treat that is perfect for all ages and just about any occasion.
