My Christmas Muddy Buddy recipe is finally here. Some call these "reindeer chow muddy buddies," a holiday version of the famous Christmas puppy chow recipe. Whatever you call them, this sweet treat starts with Chex cereal, covered in a milk chocolate peanut butter mixture, then tossed with powdered sugar. As if that wasn't enough, holiday M&M candies, peanuts, mini marshmallows, and white chocolate-dipped pretzels are added to this tasty treat. Bagged up in pretty containers, Muddy Buddies make great gifts too!
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Ingredients for Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe:
For the pretzels in my photo, I melted some white chocolate chips in the microwave and dipped the pretzels in.
Full ingredients list & measurements are provided in the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Photo Instructions:
Line a large baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Set aside.
Add the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter to a mixing bowl.
Add the chocolate and peanut butter Chex cereals to a large mixing bowl.
Melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in the microwave per instructions.
Add vanilla extract and pour mixture over the cereal in the mixing bowl.
Stir to cover the cereal with the melted chocolate mixture completely.
Add the cereal and the powdered sugar to a bag. Shake until evenly coated.
Place the muddy buddies on the baking sheet. Cool completely.
Add the mix-ins and place in a serving bowl.
Adaptations to Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe:
The great thing about Muddy Buddies is the versatility of this easy treat.
- Make Hot Chocolate muddy buddies.
- Muddy Buddies are the perfect holiday treat, no matter the holiday, or time of year. Add different colors of M&M candies to the mix like orange and brown for Halloween, pastels for Easter, and red and pink for Valentine's Day.
- Add different snack items like pretzels, nuts, and candies.
- Switch up the chocolate chips for another flavor. I have butterscotch chips just waiting in line!
Recipe FAQ'S:
In January 2022 Mars Wrigley revealed that the M&M characters had been redesigned to be "more inclusive, welcoming, and unifying" within a "more dynamic, progressive world. The green M&M will be "better represented to reflect confidence and empowerment, as a strong female, and known for much more than her boots." This change applies to the mascots, not the actual candy. The green m&m candy will stay!
Puppy chow is also known as monkey munch, muddy buddies, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag. It is the name for a homemade snack mix made in the United States, primarily in midwestern states. It combines rice Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. The end result resembles dog food.
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Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Large Baking sheet
- Spatula
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- One 2-gallon zip-top bag or two 1-gallon bags (optional)
Food Storage Tips:
Store your muddy buddies in a zip-lock bag or an airtight container. They will last about a week at room temperature or two weeks in the refrigerator. They also freeze well!
Expert Tips:
Why did my Muddy Buddies get soggy?
You must cool the Muddy Buddies thoroughly after pouring the chocolate on. If they are not cooled completely the fat in the chocolate will seep into the cereal, making it soggy. Make sure to spread the mixture in a single layer and cool completely.
Note: Spilling it all on the floor as I did, does not count as cooling time! I have Dupuytren's Contracture and I drop and spill everything. If this happens, clean it up and start all over again!
Recipe
Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Large baking sheet
- Spatula
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- One 2-gallon zip-top bag or two 1-gallon bags (optional)
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups Chocolate Chex™ cereal
- 2 cups Peanut Butter Chex™ cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup pretzels optional, drizzled with white chocolate
- ½ cup cocktail peanuts
- ½ cup holiday-colored candy-coated chocolate candies M&M's
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Set aside.
- Add the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter to a microwave-safe mixing bowl.
- Add both the chocolate Chex and peanut butter Chex cereals to a large mixing bowl.
- Melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in the microwave for 30 seconds. Take out and stir with a rubber spatula. If nor melted repeat at 15 second intervals until the mixture is totally melted and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and stir quickly. Do not delay or the chocolate can seize and not be pour able. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal in the mixing bowl.
- Stir to completely cover the cereal with the melted chocolate mixture completely.
- Add the cereal then add in the powdered sugar to a large zip top bag or two smaller bags. Make sure it is zipped tight. Shake until the cereal is evenly coated with powdered sugar.
- Pour the muddy buddies from the bag onto the baking sheet. Spread them out evenly in a single layer. Cool completely.
- Add the mix-ins ( marshmallows, peanuts, pretzels, etc) and place in a serving bowl.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition information is provided as a convenience and courtesy only. You are encouraged to do your own calculations if precise data is required.
We take every effort to ensure that the estimated meal cost per serving is accurate. We use a meal cost analysis application that estimates the cost of a recipe based on groceries purchased at a Walmart store in my geographical area, northern California.
Pria says
I am definitely making these!
Nancy says
The name of this recipe is so cute. It’s a great mix of snacks to graze on!
Marcellina says
Great recipe! So simple and fun! My kids are going to love this!
Giangi Townsend says
I am making this for a gathering this weekend. I love pretzels and any recipe that uses them, it is my recipe.
I cannot wait to make it, sounds easy and fun.
Thank you for sharing.
Helen at the lazy gastronome says
An easy recipe for a delicious and festive snack. Everyone loved this!