Most of us grew up eating this snack mix, although maybe we called it different names. Whether you call it Christmas Muddy Buddies, reindeer chow muddy buddies, or reindeer puppy chow, this sweet treat is a holiday family tradition for many! It is an easy treat kids love to help with and is perfect for a Christmas party!
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Table of contents
Why These Muddy Buddies Are The Best!
In my Christmas Muddy Buddies recipe I add a little cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture. I love cinnamon and add it to so many recipes. I love the warmth that it brings. To make this a festive holiday treat, I think the addition of cinnamon brings out the perfect flavor, but if you are a fan of the original Muddy Buddies recipe you can omit it.
This tasty treat will quickly become a staple at holiday parties. It is easy to make, something that kids and adults will enjoy, and is a great holiday gift!
What Are Muddy Buddies And Is Puppy Chow The SameThing?
Muddy Buddies are a chocolate-coated cereal treat that is thought to have originated in the Midwest. It was originally nicknamed puppy chow because of its resemblance to dog food, however when Chex cereal published it on the back of their boxes they named it Muddy Buddies. Depending on where you live you may know this sweet snack as different names, but the recipe is the same.
The best part about this recipe is just how easy it is! You take melted chocolate and peanut butter and mix in cereal. Coat that with a little powdered sugar and you have a snack that is impossible to stop munching on. Trust me I couldn't stop snacking on this treat while I made this recipe, it's that good! This is an easy no-bake holiday treat!
Equipment Needed
microwave-safe bowl- makes melting the chocolate chips very easy in the microwave.
Key Ingredients
Chex cereal- corn Chex is always my go-to for Muddy Buddies or Chex mix, but you can use rice Chex or wheat Chex.
peanut butter- I like to use creamy peanut butter for this recipe. Even though I'm a fan of natural peanut butter it is not recommended for the recipe because of the oil separation.
chocolate chips- I love semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe because I feel milk chocolate with the powdered sugar would be too sweet. You can also use dark chocolate for more of a contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
cinnamon- adds a little warmth to the muddy buddies. This is not in the original recipe, so if you do not like cinnamon you can omit it from the recipe, but I love the flavor that it adds.
holiday M&M's- those little red and green M&M's look so festive in the Muddy Buddies. You can use other candies if you prefer.
Step-By-Step Instructions
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, add the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Microwave chocolate chips on high power in 15 second increments, stirring after each increment. It will take about 90 seconds to completely melt the chocolate chips. This will insure that the chocolate melts evenly. For more tips on melting chocolate in the microwave check out my post on How to Melt Chocolate Chips {In the Microwave}.
Once the mixture of peanut butter and chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Next add the cereal to the bowl. I like to add a few cups at a time and stir with a spoon or spatula. You have to stir very gently so not to crush the cereal. Once the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture let it cool for 5 minutes.
Add a ½ cup of powdered sugar to a large sealable plastic bag along with several scoops of the chocolate coated cereal, followed by more powdered sugar and more cereal. Seal the bag well and shake. It will take a few minutes of shaking to evenly coat the cereal in the powdered sugar. And it may look a little messy, but trust me it is so good!
Once evenly coated spread the cereal mixture on a baking sheet to cool completely. For easier clean up, you can line it with either parchment paper or wax paper. If the chocolate mixture is still warm when you store it, the cereal will become soggy so make sure that it has cooled completely.
Storage Suggestions
Once the Muddy Buddies are cooled you can enjoy immediately. I was munching on this while I was shooting these pictures! They are so good!
Store Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This makes for a perfect make-ahead treat for the holiday season!
Looking For Other Holiday Recipes? Try These!
Cinnamon Bread Pudding {with Cinnamon Bourbon Sauce}
Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats
Mini Egg Easter Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust
Mini Chocolate Ganache Tarts {No Bake}
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Christmas Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice or wheat)
- 1 and ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cups peanut butter
- ½ teapoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Add peanut butter and chocolate chips to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short 15 second increments, stirring after each until chocolate is completely melted, about 90 seconds total.
- Add the cereal a few cups at a time, while stirring careful to not crush the cereal.
- Once the cereal is coated in the chocolate mixture allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Add a ½ cup of powdered sugar to a large resealable freezer bag, followed by a few scoops of the cereal, and then repeat the process until all of the cereal and sugar is in the bag.
- Seal the bag and shake until the cereal is completely coated with powdered sugar.
- Pour the cereal on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let the mixture cool completely. Add holiday M&M's to the mix and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
Holly
When do you use the vanilla??
Mariia Eretnova
Hi, Holly! Once peanut butter and chocolate are melted, stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon! 🙂
Mariia, Blue's Best Life Christmas Helper