Try these Muddy Buddies (also called Puppy Chow) for a quick and easy snack. No baking needed, and just a few ingredients!
author’s note
The Fastest Way To Get Famous At The Bake Sale!
Every summer, my kids come up with a new “business idea.” Last year it was lemonade. This year, my son announced he was ready for something bigger. So I made a few batches of Muddy Buddies for him to sell at his little stand. By the end of day one, he was absolutely sure it was his ticket to early retirement. He told me he would be a millionaire by the weekend, haha!
He did not, in fact, make a million dollars, but they were a massive hit in the neighborhood. Honestly, they always are. Any time I bring a big bowl of this mix to a party, it disappears long before dessert!
What Are Muddy Buddies?
Also called Puppy Chow, Reindeer Chow, or Monkey Munch.
Muddy Buddies are a fun crunchy snack mix made with cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, butter, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar. The best part? No baking!
They might look like dog food (hence the name Puppy Chow), but they’re super tasty. (Just don’t feed them to your dog since pets and chocolate don’t mix.)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Chex Cereal | Use Rice or Corn Chex or a similar brand. This cereal holds up great with the coating. |
| Creamy Peanut Butter | Any smooth, creamy nut butter works here. |
| Chocolate Chips | Use milk, semi sweet, or dark chocolate chips, whichever you like best in your Muddy Buddies! |
| Unsalted Butter | Keeps the salt level in your control. You can add salt but you can’t take it out. |
| Vanilla Extract | Stir it in after microwaving for the best flavor. |
| Powdered Sugar | Coats the cereal for a sweet finish and helps seal in the chocolate peanut butter mix. |
Featured Comment
“So glad to find this easy and quick recipe! I was craving muddy buddies and my local store was out! I bought the ingredients instead and boom! Muddy buddies at home! It worked out great and taste better than the Chex brand in my boyfriend opinion (after a blind taste comparison). Thank you!”
– Felicity
How To Make This Muddy Buddies Recipe
- Measure: Measure the cereal into a very large bowl.
- Melt: Combine butter, chocolate, salt, and peanut butter, then melt in the microwave.
- Stir through vanilla.
- Combine: Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and toss.
- Coat: Transfer the mixture to a large bag, add powdered sugar, and shake to combine!
Variations
Switch Things Up!
One of the best things about this snack is how easy it is to customize. I’ve made lots of Muddy Buddies variations, and here are my favorites:
- Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies: An Oreo version!
- Muddy Buddy Bars: Make this treat in bar form! It’s perfect for on-the-go, no-bake desserts.
- Make It Seasonal: Try these fun twists for every season: Fall Muddy Buddies, Valentine Muddy Buddies, and Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies.
- Switch Up The Cereal: Don’t have Chex cereal? Use mini Oreos or Nutter Butter bites instead! Alternatively, try S’mores Muddy Buddies and Peanut Butter Puppy Chow for a fun change.
Chelsea’s Tips
My Best Tips For Making Muddy Buddies
- Even Coating: Use 2 gallon-sized plastic bags to toss chocolate-covered Chex with powdered sugar. This helps ensure even coating.
- Avoid Burning: Melt chocolate in the microwave in short bursts (15-30 seconds), stirring in between to prevent burning.
- Be Gentle: Shake the cereal gently with the melted chocolate in the bag to evenly coat and keep from crushing the cereal.
Storage
What To Do With Leftovers:
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, best in 3-4 days.
- Can You Freeze Muddy Buddies: Yes! I love these straight from the freezer! Store in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.
More Delicious No-Bake Desserts:
Muddy Buddies
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 cups corn Chex cereal
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips milk or semisweet, I like Guittard or Ghirardelli
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
- miniature M&M’s
- mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Measure cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a separate large microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter, and salt. Microwave in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring between each burst for 15 seconds until the mixture is melted and smooth. Mix in vanilla. Pour over the cereal. Stir well until the cereal is evenly coated. Take care not to crush the cereal while stirring.
- Pour half the cereal mixture into a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag and pour half the powdered sugar over it. Seal and shake until the cereal is evenly coated. Repeat with the other half of the cereal and powdered sugar. Shake until all the cereal is well coated.
- Pour into a large bowl and enjoy! If desired, stir in a fun addition such as mini M&M’s or mini chocolate chips.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
LOVE the sugar cookie muddy buddies! I’ve never thought about adding cookie dough. That is a perfect treat for a party! Thanks – pinning!
Thanks Rachel! And thanks for pinning 🙂
These look perfect for my sweet tooth! I did have to google ‘rice chex cereal’ though – don’t think we get that on this side of the world 🙁
Oh dangit! Do you have a similar cereal?
These look SO delicious!!
Thanks so much Cate! 🙂 I’m excited it’s been fun to be contributing articles to their site!
Love muddy buddies! And three variations? Eek! Double love.
Haha thanks Nicole! 🙂
This looks so wonderful and addicting!
Thanks so much Beth! Haha I’ve definitely been stuffing my face with way too many versions 🙂
OMG I love muddy buddies. I’m dying. And I’m guessing you and hubs had waaaaay to many muddy buddies at home. Send some my way? 😉
Haha we do have way too many! Sending them your way 🙂
Love your picture with the birthday candle in it….mmmm mmm looks yummy! Haven’t made puppy chow in forever, and have never really ventured to make another flavor (even though i’ve managed to pin a ton of different flavors.) I like how you have the chunks of dough in it…totally need to make this. Maybe this weekend, have some wine too, invite some friends over. Sounds lovely 🙂
Thanks so much Kelly! Haha I’ve pinned so many flavors too! Sounds like a great weekend, I’m already anxious for it to be Friday haha!
I must curtsy to Chelsea, queen of puppy chow! Oh my goodness, these are incredible! Thank you Chelsea!
Haha you are so sweet mary!! Thank you so much! 🙂 and muddy buddies for breakfast? Best idea ever!
You know what. I have never made muddy buddies before. This looks quite yummy! I have a feeling my kids would gobble them up!!! 🙂
Oh wow you definitely need to give them a go sometime! They are a favorite in my family 🙂 thanks Renee!
YUM! This looks delicious 🙂
Thank you Chloe!