Muddy Buddies: How to Make This Awesome Snack in Minutes
The Muddy Buddies (also known as "Puppy Chow") is a beloved, crowd-pleasing snack mix that perfectly balances sweet and slightly salty flavors.
Made with crunchy Chex cereal coated in a mix of melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter, then dusted generously with powdered sugar, this snack is both addictive and easy to make in minutes. Whether you’re making it for a party, holiday gathering, or movie night, Muddy Buddies are a quick, shareable treat that never disappoints.
Muddy Buddies became popular in the U.S. in the 1980s and have since become a go-to snack for people of all ages. The name "Puppy Chow" is derived from its appearance, which resembles dog kibble, though it's definitely meant for human consumption! The simplicity of the recipe and the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar make it irresistible.
The beauty of Muddy Buddies lies in its versatility—you can easily customize the mix with fun add-ins like M&Ms, pretzels, marshmallows, or even nuts for an added crunch and flavor boost. It’s a snack that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!), and you can tweak the recipe to make it truly your own.
A fun fact is that while this snack is commonly called "Puppy Chow" in the Midwest, it goes by the name "Muddy Buddies" in other parts of the U.S., but the recipe remains just as delicious no matter what you call it!
Muddy Buddies (also known as "Puppy Chow") is a classic, crowd-pleasing snack mix made with crunchy Chex cereal, creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
It’s a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for sharing—or not! This sweet and slightly salty snack is ideal for parties, holidays, or movie nights.
With our Chef's tips, you can customize it by adding mix-ins like M&Ms, pretzels, or marshmallows for extra flavor and texture.
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Melt the chocolate mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat the cereal: In a large mixing bowl, pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently stir to coat all the cereal evenly.
- Add powdered sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are coated.
- Cool and serve: Spread the Muddy Buddies out on a baking sheet to cool and harden. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container or enjoy immediately!
- You can add mix-ins like pretzels, M&Ms, or mini marshmallows for extra texture and flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week, but trust us, it won’t last that long!
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