Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are the perfect snack to enjoy during cold weather, combining the rich, creamy flavors of hot chocolate with the fun, crunchy texture of the classic Muddy Buddies treat. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or celebrating the holiday season, this sweet snack will become an instant favorite for family gatherings, movie nights, or any cozy occasion.
What Are Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies?
Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, are a beloved snack made from Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. This version adds the warm, comforting flavor of hot chocolate, making it even more indulgent. The combination of melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and marshmallow coating on crispy Chex cereal creates a treat that’s both crunchy and creamy, with a sweet, chocolaty coating that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Recipe
- Perfect for Cold Weather: The hot chocolate flavor is perfect for wintertime or chilly evenings, bringing a warm, comforting taste to your snack.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires just a few ingredients and takes only 15 minutes to prepare.
- Customizable: You can add extras like mini marshmallows or crushed peppermint to make this snack even more festive.
- Great for Sharing: Whether for a party, a holiday gift, or a cozy movie night, Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are a crowd-pleaser everyone will enjoy.
Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Ingredients
To make your own Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies, you’ll need:
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal (or any other Chex variety)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for a marshmallow-like flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, measure out 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal and set it aside.
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined. Add the cocoa powder and stir until the cocoa is completely dissolved, creating a rich chocolatey coating.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal, gently stirring to coat every piece evenly.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until the cereal is evenly coated with the sugary chocolate mixture.
- Optional Marshmallow Touch: For extra flavor, gently fold mini marshmallows into the mix before serving, giving a nostalgic hot chocolate vibe.
- Let It Set: Spread the Muddy Buddies out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it cool to set the coating. This ensures the chocolaty mixture hardens, giving the Muddy Buddies that signature crispy crunch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the Muddy Buddies are fully set and cool, serve them in a large bowl or store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Tips for Making Perfect Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
- Use a large bowl for mixing to ensure even coating of the cereal.
- If you want an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle in a little cinnamon or instant coffee to enhance the hot chocolate taste.
- For added texture, mix in mini marshmallows just before serving to mimic the comforting marshmallow float in a hot chocolate drink.
- You can make these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week, making them great for holiday gifts or batch snacks.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Holidays and Family Gatherings
Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are ideal for gifting during the holiday season. They’re easy to make in large batches and are a fun, festive treat that can be shared with friends, family, or coworkers. Whether you’re enjoying a winter movie marathon or looking for a quick dessert to share at a holiday party, these Muddy Buddies will be a hit.
Conclusion
This Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies recipe is a perfect combination of creamy chocolate, crunchy cereal, and sugary goodness. With simple ingredients and an easy method, you can create a delicious, festive snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Make it for your next gathering or enjoy it as a cozy snack with a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly night. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips for Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
Serving Tips:
- Festive Presentation: Serve your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies in a large bowl for a casual treat, or for a more festive presentation, portion them into cute gift bags or jars. They make great holiday gifts!
- Pair with Hot Chocolate: For the ultimate cozy experience, serve Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate. The two make the perfect pairing on a cold winter evening.
- Garnish with Extra Marshmallows: To enhance the hot chocolate theme, sprinkle some mini marshmallows on top of the Muddy Buddies right before serving. They add a fun, visual element and extra sweetness.
- Snack-sized Portions: If you’re serving at a party or holiday gathering, place small portions in individual cups or treat boxes for easy sharing.
Storage Tips:
- Airtight Containers: To keep your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from becoming stale and keep the chocolate coating intact.
- Room Temperature Storage: These Muddy Buddies can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure the container is tightly sealed to avoid moisture getting in, which could affect the texture.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to keep them for longer, you can store your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies in the freezer. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will last for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Gift Packaging: If you’re planning to give them as gifts, be sure to use decorative gift bags or mason jars. Add a cute label or ribbon for a personal touch. If you’re shipping them, use sturdy containers that won’t crush the snack during transit.
By following these serving and storage tips, your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies will stay fresh, delicious, and ready for enjoyment at any time!
1. Can I make Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies ahead of time?
Yes, Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re a great make-ahead snack for holiday parties, family gatherings, or gift giving!
2. Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Chex?
Yes! While Rice Chex is the most common choice for Muddy Buddies, you can use any other crispy cereal like Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, or even a gluten-free variety if needed. Just ensure the cereal is crunchy for the best texture.
3. Can I add other ingredients like nuts or candy to the Muddy Buddies?
Absolutely! You can customize your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies by adding mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts like almonds or pecans. Just make sure not to overcrowd the mixture so the cereal stays well-coated.
4. How do I store Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies for longer freshness?
Store your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need to store them for longer, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
These Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are a fun and festive twist on the classic treat! Coated with rich chocolate, powdered sugar, and hot cocoa mix, they’re a perfect snack for cozy nights, parties, or holiday gifting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice cereal squares (like Rice Chex)
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet for less sweetness)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional, for a holiday twist)
Instructions
1. Melt the Chocolate Mixture
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the hot cocoa mix and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Coat the Cereal
- Place the rice cereal squares in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until all the pieces are evenly coated.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid.
- Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until the cereal is completely coated.
4. Garnish and Cool
- Spread the muddy buddies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set for about 20 minutes.
- Once set, toss with mini marshmallows and crushed peppermint candies, if using.
5. Serve and Store
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- Customize It: Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or more hot cocoa mix for a stronger chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Option: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Festive Touch: Use holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter to dress up your muddy buddies for special occasions.