Christmas Muddy Buddies (Easy Puppy Chow Recipe) - Kim Schob (2024)

Christmas Muddy Buddies are an easy, quick,easy treat that you can whip up in no time! If you are looking for a minty and festive snack, this is perfect for you.

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This Muddy Buddies Chex Mix is perfect for any time of year, from the Christmas season to the Super Bowl! So grab your favorite Chex cereal and get ready for a sweet treat.

What Are Muddy Buddies?

Muddy Buddies, also known as “Puppy Chow,” is a popular snack made primarily from Chex cereal. This Christmas puppy chow recipe coats the Chex mixture in delicious chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and butter, then tosses in powdered sugar until they’re fully covered. The result is a delicious, crunchy, and perfect treat that’s impossible to resist.

Muddy Buddies are quick and easy to make, and they can be customized with different flavors and mix-ins, making them a perfect choice for holiday partiesand casual get-togethers. They also make great gifts to hand out at your next holiday party.

Why You Should Make This Christmas Muddy Buddy Recipe

• Flavorful – What could be more flavorful than rich chocolate combined with crunchy cereal, chocolate, and mint?
• Easy – It’s easy to make this mint muddy buddies because all you have to do is put everything in a bowl and mix it together!
• Delicious – Really, is there any better word for this snack mix?

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy thisPeppermint Bark Muddy Buddiesrecipe.

Ingredients For Christmas Muddy Buddies

• Chex cereal: This is the base ingredient for making Muddy Buddies. It’s a versatile and crunchy cereal that holds up well to the coating process, providing the perfect foundation for the flavors of chocolate and mint to come.
• Andes Mint Chocolates: These are renowned for their creamy and refreshing mint-chocolate flavor. When melted and mixed with the Chex cereal, they infuse every bite with a burst of minty goodness, making the snack even more delightful.
• Powdered Icing Sugar: This is the final touch to perfect your Christmas Muddy Buddies. It’s responsible for giving the snack its classically snowy appearance and adds an extra layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the minty freshness of the Andes chocolates.

Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t find Andes Mint chocolates, substitute peppermint patties.
• For a less sweet version of this easy recipe, use dark chocolate chips instead of the Andes Mint chocolates.
• You can also add 1/4 cup of mini marshmallows to this recipe for a bit of extra sweetness.
• Melted Reese’s Cups make a great peanut butter version of this perfect holiday treat.
• Use crushed candy canes in place of the Andes Mint chocolates for a Christmasy flavor.
• Add 1/4 cup of white chocolatechips when you are melting your Andes Mints for a creamier flavor.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

How To Make Christmas Muddy Buddies

• Place powdered icing sugar in a gallon-sized ziploc bag plastic bag and set aside. (Photo 1)
• Measure Chex cereal into a large bowl. Set aside.(Photo 2)
• Place Andes chocolates in a small microwave-safe bowl and melt for 25 seconds. Stir and reheat as needed. (Photo 3)
• Pour the melted Andes chocolates over the Chex cereal and stir to coat. (Photos 4 & 5)

• Scoop the Chex cereal into the bag with the powdered icing sugar, then seal and shake to coat the cereal completely with the powdered icing sugar. (Photo 6)
• Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and allow the chocolate coating to set completely, approximately 30 minutes, before storing or serving.

Expert Tips

• Mix thoroughly: To ensure the Chex cereal is evenly coated with the melted Andes chocolates, take the time to mix thoroughly. This will result in a more delicious, chocolatey, festive holiday treat.
• Use a large bag for coating: When it comes to coating your cereal in powdered sugar, the larger the bag, the better. A spacious bag allows for more room to shake and toss the cereal, ensuring a more even coating.
• Let it set: It might be tempting to dig in right away, but for the best results, allow the chocolate coating to set completely before serving. This will make your Muddy Buddies crispier and less messy to eat.
• Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors. Try adding some crushed candy canes for a festive touch or melting some white chocolate along with the Andes mints for a creamier flavor. The great thing is you can make it just the way you want.

Storing Tips

Store your Christmas Muddy Buddies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be enjoyed for up to a week when stored properly.

You can freeze this Christmas chex mix by placing them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, just let them thaw at room temperature. They can make a nice, cold, tasty treat during the summer months!

What To Serve With Muddy Buddies

Christmas Muddy Buddies are a versatile treat that can be paired with a variety of beverages and other snacks. For a festive and warming drink, serve them with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine.

If you’re looking for more snack options to accompany your Muddy Buddies, consider a cheese and charcuterie board or other holiday season nibbles like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark. They also make a wonderful addition to a Christmas party dessert buffet alongside pies and cakes.

Do keep in mind, however, that Muddy Buddies are quite sweet, so you might want to balance them out with some savory options if you’re serving them as part of a larger spread.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal for this recipe?

Yes, you can. While Chex cereal is the traditional choice for making Muddy Buddies because of its shape and texture, you can use other types of square or grid-like cereals as a substitute. However, the end result might not be as crunchy or hold onto the coating as well.

Can I make this festive recipe nut-free?

Absolutely. If you’re sensitive to nuts or making this for someone who is, you can replace the Andes Mint chocolates with nut-free chocolate. Just make sure to check the chocolate’s ingredient list to ensure that it doesn’t contain any traces of nuts.

How can I make this simple recipe gluten-free?

Chex cereal is already gluten-free, so you’re halfway there! Ensure that the rest of your ingredients, specifically the chocolate you’re using, are also certified gluten-free.