Make Christmas Chex Mix Muddy Buddies as an Easy No-Bake Treat!
Chex Mix Muddy Buddies is a treat combining the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with crunchy powdered sugar-coated cereal.
It’s not the holidays without this iconic sweet chocolate snack!
Whether your family calls it Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies, we can all agree this idea is an irresistible treat that is crowd-pleasing and addicting. I love that there’s baking involved here and the ingredients are easy to find and inexpensive. If you opt for Rice Chex this recipe is also gluten-free!
Muddy Buddies are a perfect recipe to make for your next holiday gathering or to enjoy while having a festive Christmas movie night. This is one of those classic treats that can spark nostalgia as many families include it as a holiday baking tradition.
The combination of crunchy sugar-coated cereal with a chocolate peanut butter inside is so GOOD. It’s hard to stop eating once you start!
Chex Muddy Buddies
yield: 6 SERVINGS
prep time: 15 MINUTES
total time: 15 MINUTES
Easy no bake Chex Muddy Buddies using chocolate and peanut butter is a popular holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter, sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 12 oz. box Chex cereal
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 10 oz. bag Holiday M&M's
Directions
1
Combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals until it stirs smooth. (This takes me 60 seconds.)
2
Pour the melted mixture on top of Chex cereal and gently stir until evenly coated in a large bowl.
3
Add powdered sugar to a one-gallon storage bag. Add in the coated mixture, close the bag and shake well it to coat. Transfer the Muddy Buddies to a bowl and mix in the bag of M&M's. Enjoy!
Additional Notes
Recipe adapted from Chex.com
Extra tips for learning how to make muddy buddies:
- Feel free to make this your own by mixing in other add-ins that sound good such as nuts and pretzels.
- You can use any variety of Chex cereal for this idea, and using Rice Chex makes this a gluten-free option!
- Muddy buddies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and in the fridge for up to a week.
- Consider serving with a handy kitchen scoop to easily dish some up!
My 16 year old learned to make Christmas puppy chow from TikTok!
I think this idea has had a little boost in popularity this year as my teenager has been asking to make it for sleepovers and get together with friends. Some people have been making trendy protein Muddy Buddies by using vanilla protein powder, sugar-free chocolate and powdered monkfruit for healthier alternatives.
Package some in a jar or baggie for an easy and frugal snack to share with friends and family as gifts!
Check out this white chocolate version of Chex Muddy Buddies!
I made this version years ago using the vanilla variety of Chex cereal. I swapped the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and festive snowflake sprinkles instead of M&Ms. This recipe would make a cute snack for a Frozen-themed party or special play date.
Do you make Muddy Buddies? Let us know what you add to yours in the comments!
Create the ultimate Christmas hot chocolate snack board this year!
My favorite holiday recipe. I add almond extract instead of vanilla. 🙂
Thanks for sharing the swap you make, Stephanie! 🤗 Glad to hear it’s a favorite!
I just made a double batch for my work Holiday party! So easy. (And Chex is giving away a free tin when you buy three boxes – check for the QR code on the back of the box.) 🙂
Yay! 🎉 A double batch sounds perfect for a holiday party, Tracey – I bet it’s going to be a big hit! 🤩 Good to know to keep an eye out for that free tin offer – thanks for mentioning it! 💕