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Nothing beats this crunchy and sweet classic recipe. These Muddy Buddies are so simple to make a snack you can’t get enough of. This is made with Chex cereal covered with melted chocolate and peanut butter then covered in powdered sugar.

Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow in large white bowl.
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I have to really limit myself on when I can make this Muddy Buddy (aka Puppy Chow) recipe.

It’s so addicting I could eat the entire batch.

I love making it for friends, parties, and movie nights. And we never end up with leftovers. 

Muddy Buddies on parchment paper closeup.

What are Muddy Buddies:

Growing up we always called this recipe muddy buddies, but I have also heard it called puppy chow, monkey munch, and around Christmas time reindeer chow.

No matter what you call it though this recipe is simple to make a favorite of mine.

How to make Muddy Buddies:

Prep: Pour your Chex Mix cereal into a large bowl for mixing later.

Melt: Melt your chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter and vanilla in the microwave. heat at 30 second intervals with mixing in between so as to not let it burn.

Mix: Once everything is melted and creamy pour it over the Chex cereal and mix it all together well.

Once everything is covered add in the powdered sugar and mix well again.

Serve: Spread the Muddy Buddies over wax paper to allow it to dry and set. Enjoy.

ingredients for muddy buddies.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Chex Cereal: Any square rice or corn cereal like Chex will work.
  • Chocolate Chips: I used semi-sweet chocolate. Milk chocolate will work but be much sweeter.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter:
  • Butter: I used unsalted butter.
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Powdered Sugar: also know as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar.
closeup of Muddy Buddies in white bowl.

Directions:

Step one: Start by placing your cereal in a large mixing bowl.

Then prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

This is a really important step. When melting the chocolate and mixing it onto the cereal you want to move quickly so the chocolate does not harden.

Chex cereal in large bowl for mixing.

Step two: In a microwave-safe bowl melt semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.

Heat for 30 seconds at a time mixing in between until melted and smooth.

  • Tip: If you don’t want to use a microwave you can melt all of this in a saucepan on the stove top. I’d recommend using a double boiler just to be safe.
ingredients in bowl for melting.

Step three: Pour melted chocolate over cereal and toss to coat.

  • Tip: Make sure to mix gently to you don’t crush your cereal.
Chex cereal mixed in with melted chocolate.

Step four: Add in powdered sugar and again gently mix to coat.

Place in your prepared baking sheet to dry.

Muddy Buddies on baking sheet with parchment paper to dry.

Are Muddy Buddies gluten-free?

This would depend on the ingredients you use.

If you need this to be gluten-free make sure to buy Corn Chex Cereal.

Also double-check all other ingredients to make sure they are made gluten-free.

Ingredients can vary from brand to brand.

closeup of Muddy Buddies in a white bowl.

Do I need to refrigerate this recipe?

These muddy buddies can be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days in an airtight container.

My bet is you will eat them pretty quickly but store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they will last longer than 7 days.

closeup of muddy buddies in white bowl.

Can you freeze Muddy Buddies?

Yes, you can freeze Muddy Buddies.

Store them in a freezer safe container or Ziplock bag for up to two months.

Try some of my other favorite treats!

Acorn CookiesAcorn Cookies are a cool No-Bake Candy cookie that is perfect for the Fall. This easy to make treat is made with only three ingredients!

Sour Patch GrapesThese Sour Patch Grapes are the perfect sweet treat or candy substitute to give the kids. Enjoy them right away or freeze them for a cold treat!

Rolo PretzelsThe perfect Christmas snack dessert, these Rolo Pretzels are made with three ingredients for a great treat. Serve it at parties or give it to family and friends as a nice Christmas gift.

If you tried any of my recipes, I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below. You can also connect with me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST. I would love for you to follow along and discover more amazing recipes.

Show me what you are making, use hashtag #TDOARH

Muddy Buddies

Nothing beats this crunchy and sweet classic recipe. These Muddy Buddies are so simple to make a snack you can't get enough of. 
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 2 minutes
Total: 17 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 6 cups Chex cereal
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions 

  • Place cereal in a large mixing bowl. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl melt semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Heat for 30 seconds at a time mixing in between until melted and smooth.
  • Pour melted chocolate over cereal and toss to coat. Gently mix to coat.
  • Add in powdered sugar and again gently mix to coat. Place in your prepared baking sheet to dry.

Notes

Tip: If you don’t want to use a microwave you can melt all of this in a saucepan on the stove top. I’d recommend using a double boiler just to be safe.
Is Puppy Chow gluten-free? This would depend on the ingredients you use. If you need this to be gluten-free make sure to buy corn check cereal.
Also double-check all other ingredients to make sure they are made gluten-free. Ingredients can vary from brand to brand.
Do I need to refrigerate this recipe? These muddy buddies can be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
My bet is you will eat them pretty quickly but store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they will last longer than 7 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 228mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 456IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 11mg
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About Jennie

I'm Jennie!ย I'm a busy mom of three and I love cooking and sharing easy recipes. From slow cooker meals to casseroles all my recipes are simple to make and ones the entire family will love.

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