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Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies Recipe
If you’re craving a crunchy chocolate snack that’s sweet, fast, and impossible to resist, this Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies Recipe is your new go-to no bake treat for every party, holiday, and movie night.
This classic puppy chow recipe (also called muddy buddies) coats crispy Chex cereal in a silky chocolate peanut butter mixture and a generous powdered sugar coating. It’s the kind of cereal snack mix that disappears faster than you can set it on the table—kid friendly dessert, easy dessert recipe, and holiday snack mix all in one big bowl.
What Is Puppy Chow (a.k.a. Muddy Buddies)?
Let me explain, especially if you grew up in a region where this wasn’t at every bake sale and youth group lock-in.
Puppy chow—or muddy buddies, depending on where you live—is a chex mix dessert made from:
- Crisp rice or corn cereal
- Melted chocolate and peanut butter (sometimes with a bit of butter and vanilla)
- A generous cloud of powdered sugar
You shake everything together and that’s it. No oven, no mixer, no fancy tools. It’s a classic puppy chow snack that’s crunchy on the outside, soft and chocolatey inside, with that sweet dusting that gets all over your fingers in the best way.
Despite the name, this is not for actual puppies—just us humans. Think of it like the cereal snack mix cousin of a peanut butter cup.
I started making this muddy buddies recipe back when my kids were little and we needed a fast sweet party snack for classroom treats. Over the years, it’s turned into:
- Our Christmas holiday snack mix (with red and green candies)
- The go-to Super Bowl snack on the coffee table
- A quick “oh-my-goodness-I-forgot-I-promised-a-dessert” recipe
Honestly, it’s my secret weapon when the calendar is full, the oven is busy with other things, and I still want a homemade muddy buddies treat that feels special.
And if you’re trying to balance things a bit, this version uses less powdered sugar than some older versions and a bit more cereal, so it’s still indulgent but not completely over-the-top.
Why You’ll Love This Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies Recipe
Fast, no-bake magic
You melt, stir, shake, and you’re done—no oven, no baking sheets, no waiting on batches.
Perfect for busy schedules
Takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time, so it’s ideal when you remember that school party… the night before.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
This is the kind of kid friendly dessert adults hover over too—no fancy flavors, just chocolate, peanut butter, and crunch.
Great for holidays and gifting
This makes a wonderful holiday snack mix; pack it into cute bags or jars for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
Budget-friendly snack
Most ingredients are pantry staples, and a big batch goes a long way at potlucks and game days.
Customizable and fun
You can change up the chocolate, add sprinkles or candies, or tweak it for allergies—this muddy buddies recipe is very forgiving.
Stays fresh for days
Stored correctly, this cereal snack mix keeps its crunch, which makes it great for make-ahead party prep.
Portable and sharable
Perfect for road trips, movie nights, lunchbox treats, or stashing in your desk drawer for a 3 p.m. pick-me-up.
Ingredients for the Best Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make a big, shareable batch of this classic chocolate cereal snack. I’ve added tips and simple swaps so you can use what you have.
Cereal
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or a mix – I like 5 cups rice Chex, 4 cups corn Chex)
Tip: Use plain, unflavored cereal. Multi-grain works, too, but avoid “honey” or “cinnamon” versions—they can make this too sweet.
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Coating
-
1 ½ cups (9 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
(You can use milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor, or dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet version.) -
1 cup creamy peanut butter
(Use regular, shelf-stable peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter can separate and make things greasy unless very well stirred.) -
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
(Salted butter works too—just use a slightly lighter hand if you add extra salt.) -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
(Adds warmth and depth to that chocolate peanut butter flavor.) -
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
(A little salt keeps this from tasting flat—don’t skip it, even in a sweet party snack like this.)
Powdered Sugar Coating
- 2 ½–3 cups powdered sugar
(Start with 2 ½ cups; add more if you like a very thick sugary coating.)
Optional Add-Ins (for fun twists)
- 1–1 ½ cups M&M’s or chocolate candies (great for holiday color themes)
- 1 cup mini pretzels (for extra crunch and a salty note)
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup crushed peanuts or other nuts (if no one has allergies)
- Seasonal sprinkles
You don’t have to add extras, but they turn a simple chex mix dessert into something that looks party-ready with almost no extra work.
Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s the thing: the method is as simple as the ingredients, but a few small details make the texture just right. Follow these steps and you’ll have homemade muddy buddies that rival anything from the store.
1. Measure the cereal and get your bags or bowls ready.
Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. You want some room for gentle stirring, so use your biggest bowl if you have it.
Set out a large zip-top bag (or two medium ones) for shaking on the powdered sugar later.
2. Melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This usually takes about 1–1½ minutes total.
You can also melt this gently on the stove using a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly so it doesn’t scorch.
3. Add vanilla and salt.
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt while the mixture is still warm. Taste a small dab (careful, it’s hot) and adjust the salt if you like a slightly more “salted chocolate” flavor.
4. Coat the cereal evenly.
Pour the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl.
Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the cereal, scraping from the bottom and flipping up and over, until every piece is coated.
Take your time here—rushing and stirring too hard can crush the cereal. You want the pieces fully covered but still intact.
5. Add powdered sugar and shake.
Transfer the coated cereal to your large zip-top bag (do this in two batches if needed).
Add 2 ½ cups powdered sugar to the bag, seal it well, and shake like you’re making a cocktail—turning the bag upside down and side to side so the powdered sugar hits every angle.
Check to see if the pieces are fully coated. If you want them whiter and more heavily dusted, add up to another ½ cup powdered sugar and shake again.
6. Cool and set.
Spread the coated puppy chow on a large baking sheet or parchment-lined counter in an even layer.
Let it cool for about 15–20 minutes so the chocolate layer firms up and the powdered sugar coating sticks well. This also helps the cereal stay crisp instead of slightly chewy.
7. Add mix-ins (if using).
Once the mixture is completely cool and dry to the touch (no warm chocolate spots), toss it with any extras: M&M’s, pretzels, nuts, marshmallows, or sprinkles.
Stir gently, or just use clean hands and mix right on the baking sheet—it doesn’t need to be fancy.
8. Serve or store.
Transfer your finished puppy chow to an airtight container or serving bowl. Try not to eat half of it standing at the counter like I do. You know what? If you do, I won’t tell.
Servings & Timing
Yield
This recipe makes about 12 cups of Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies—enough for 10–14 snack-size servings, depending on how generous you are with scoops.
Prep Time
About 15 minutes of prep and mixing.
Cooling Time
15–20 minutes to cool and set the chocolate so it doesn’t smear everywhere.
Total Time
30–35 minutes from start to snack—faster if your kitchen is cool and things set up quickly.
For a party, I like to make it a few hours ahead so the flavors settle and everything is completely dry. It serves beautifully in a big bowl with a scoop and little cups, or portioned into small paper bags.
Variations: Make This Puppy Chow Your Own
Once you nail the basic muddy buddies recipe, you can play around with flavors and colors for every season or event.
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Lovers’ Version
Use half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate chips for extra creamy chocolate peanut butter flavor.
Holiday Snack Mix Puppy Chow
Stir in red and green M&M’s, and add festive sprinkles for Christmas; use pastels at Easter, or team colors for game day.
Peanut-Free Version
Swap peanut butter for creamy sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter, and check your chocolate chips to be sure they’re nut-free.
Cookies & Cream Puppy Chow
Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet and stir in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies once cooled.
Salty-Sweet Pretzel Mix
Add about 1½ cups broken mini pretzels and a light sprinkle of flaky salt at the end for a bolder salty crunch.
S’mores Style
Mix in mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and broken graham crackers after the muddy buddies cool.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
One of the huge perks of this chex mix dessert is how well it keeps. That makes it a smart make-ahead choice for busy weeks and holidays.
Short-Term Storage
- Store puppy chow in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature.
- It stays fresh and crunchy for about 4–5 days, sometimes up to a week if your kitchen isn’t too warm or humid.
Refrigerator Storage
- You can keep it in the fridge if your house is warm, though the cereal may soften a little after several days.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so the chocolate isn’t hard as a rock.
Freezer Storage
- Yes, you can freeze puppy chow. Place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or sturdy freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving. It’s surprisingly good cold, too.
Make-Ahead Planning
- For parties, make it 1–2 days in advance and store at room temperature in a sealed container.
- If adding marshmallows or super colorful candies that might bleed, stir those in the day you plan to serve.
Notes from My Kitchen
Every recipe gets a few “real life” lessons attached to it over the years, and this Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies Recipe is no different.
A few things I’ve learned:
-
Don’t rush the melting.
Heating the chocolate mixture too fast can make it seize or scorch. Short bursts in the microwave with lots of stirring help it stay silky. -
Gentle stirring saves the crunch.
If you stir the cereal too roughly when adding the chocolate, you’ll crush it and lose that wonderful texture. Fold, don’t mash. -
Use fresh cereal and powdered sugar.
Stale cereal or clumpy sugar will give you sad, uneven puppy chow. If your powdered sugar is lumpy, sift it before adding it to the bag. -
Stay slightly under-sugared, then add more if needed.
It’s easier to add an extra ¼–½ cup powdered sugar than to take any away. Start with the lower amount and adjust. -
Temperature matters.
On a hot summer day, let it cool in a cooler room or even in the fridge for 5–10 minutes (in a container, not spread openly) to set the chocolate faster.
A funny thing I’ve noticed over the years: this is one of the most searched “snack mix” recipes during December and big game weekends. It seems like everyone turns to this classic when life feels a little full and we still want something homemade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is puppy chow the same thing as muddy buddies?
Yes—same sweet cereal snack mix, different name. “Muddy buddies recipe” is the branded name Chex uses, while “puppy chow recipe” is what many of us grew up calling it.
Can I make this without peanut butter?
You sure can. Use sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or cashew butter instead. Just keep the same amount and stir very well so the texture stays smooth.
Why is my puppy chow soggy or soft?
Usually this happens if there was too much chocolate mixture for the amount of cereal, or if it didn’t cool fully before storing. Make sure you spread it out to cool and let it dry before packing it up.
How do I avoid chocolate clumps?
Stir the chocolate peanut butter mixture very well before pouring, then toss the cereal gently and thoroughly so no big puddles of chocolate form. Shaking with powdered sugar in a bag also helps break up clumps.
Can I cut the recipe in half?
Absolutely. Use half of every ingredient and follow the same steps. A half batch is great for smaller families or if you don’t want lots of leftovers staring at you from the counter.
Is this safe for kids with nut allergies?
Only if you swap the peanut butter for a safe alternative like sunflower seed butter and double-check that your chocolate chips and cereal are processed in nut-free facilities. Always check with parents and read labels carefully.
Can I use white chocolate instead of regular chocolate chips?
Yes. White chocolate works, but it can be a little trickier to melt. Warm it gently, stir often, and consider adding a tablespoon or two extra peanut butter for a smoother mixture.
How long will it stay good for parties?
On a snack table, it’s fine for several hours at room temperature, even overnight. If your house is very warm, pack leftovers in a container after the party so they don’t get stale.
Final Thoughts
This Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies Recipe is one of those classic, low-stress treats that makes people light up—kids, teens, grandparents, everyone. It’s a no bake treat you can throw together with pantry staples, yet it always feels a little festive, whether you turn it into a holiday snack mix or keep it simple for movie night.
If you make this cereal snack mix, let me know how it goes—tell me what fun twists you tried or how fast it disappeared from your table. And if you enjoyed this, you might like exploring more easy dessert recipes and sweet party snacks from my kitchen; there’s always something crunchy, chocolatey, and a little nostalgic waiting in the wings.
Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal rice, corn, or a mix (e.g., 5 cups rice Chex, 4 cups corn Chex)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips about 9 oz; substitute milk or dark chocolate if desired
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter use regular, shelf-stable peanut butter (not natural, unless very well stirred)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter about 1/2 stick; salted butter also works
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt adjust to taste
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar start with 2 1/2 cups; add up to 1/2 cup more for a thicker coating
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups M&M’s or chocolate candies optional add-in for color and extra chocolate
- 1 cup mini pretzels optional, for extra crunch and saltiness
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows optional
- 1/2 cup crushed peanuts or other nuts optional; only if no nut allergies
- seasonal sprinkles optional, for decoration
Instructions
- Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl, leaving enough room for gentle stirring. Set out one large or two medium zip-top bags for coating the cereal with powdered sugar later.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy (about 1–1 1/2 minutes total). Alternatively, melt gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly so it doesn’t scorch.
- While the chocolate mixture is still warm, stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt until evenly combined. Taste a small dab (carefully, it’s hot) and adjust the salt if you’d like a slightly more salted chocolate flavor.
- Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold and turn the cereal from the bottom up until every piece is evenly coated. Take your time and avoid crushing the cereal by stirring too aggressively.
- Transfer the coated cereal to the large zip-top bag (or divide between two bags). Add 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar to the bag, seal well, and shake vigorously, turning the bag in all directions so the sugar coats every piece. Check coverage; if you prefer a heavier, whiter coating, add up to 1/2 cup more powdered sugar and shake again.
- Spread the coated cereal mixture onto a large baking sheet or parchment-lined counter in an even layer. Let cool for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate layer has firmed up and the powdered sugar coating adheres well. This helps the cereal stay crisp instead of turning slightly chewy.
- Once the puppy chow is completely cool and dry to the touch, gently toss it with any desired mix-ins: M&M’s or candies, mini pretzels, mini marshmallows, nuts, and/or sprinkles. Fold gently in a bowl or mix with clean hands right on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the finished puppy chow muddy buddies to an airtight container or serving bowl. Serve immediately, or store at room temperature until ready to enjoy.
