Muddy Buddies Recipe

Looking for a Muddy Buddy recipe (aka Puppy Chow) that’s truly next level? This version has everything—crispy cereal, creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and even a secret ingredient (shh, it’s worth the wait!). With tips for a flawless powdered sugar coating and mess-free prep, this no-bake treat is freezer-friendly and irresistible. Keep reading for the tricks and secrets to make your batch stand out—you won’t want to miss this!

Puppy chow served in a white bowl on a cloth with chocolate chips on it.

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You’ll love this Muddy Buddy Recipe!

Who knew a snack this easy could be so good? Puppy Chow (a.k.a. Muddy Buddies) is the ultimate quick fix—ready in minutes, loaded with chocolate, peanut butter and that crunch. Messy? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. (Don’t worry, I have tips for managing the powdered sugar chaos!)

Crowd Pleaser: Kids to adults will be asking for seconds.
Fun to Make: Let the kids or grandkids be the “shakers” for hands-on fun.
Great for Gifting: Printable gift tags for homemade goodies.

Secrets to Best Puppy Chow!

Vanilla Bean Paste: My secret weapon or ingredient in this case! Adds amazing flavor and depth, it’s worth the splurge!
Melt in Short Bursts: Chocolate will be smooth and even every time.
Stir While Heating: After every heating, stir well; the residual heat will continue to melt the chocolate, avoiding grainy or seized chocolate.
Even Coating: Toss cereal thoroughly for crunch in every bite.
Ziplock Shake: Keeps powdered sugar contained (and your kitchen clean).
Spread & Store: Dry completely before storing in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for a cold, extra crunchy treat! Like it will last that long 😉 !

This snack is as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re making it with little helpers, gifting it for the holidays, or stashing a batch in the freezer for later, you’ll want to make it again and again. Try it now!

Puppy chow on a baking sheet with a measuring cup scooping some up.

What is Puppy Chow?

Puppy Chow, or Muddy Buddies®, is a no-bake snack made with crispy rice or corn cereal (like Chex) coated in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. This treat is not for dogs; it is for humans—crunchy, sweet, and totally addictive!

This classic snack goes by many names, including Monkey Munch, Reindeer Chow, and Christmas Trash, depending on the season or region. The name Puppy Chow likely comes from its resemblance to dog kibble, but don’t let that fool you—this is a fan-favorite for parties, holidays, or anytime snacking!

Muddy Buddies Recipe Ingredients

Chex® Cereal: Rice or corn Chex provides the perfect crunchy texture and are naturally gluten-free! Or similar cereal.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I prefer using semi-sweet chocolate chips here. They add just the right amount of sweetness and richness! I also like using quality chocolate chips since there are so few ingredients.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter spreads more evenly, whereas chunky or natural peanut butter is more difficult to stir. I like using organic.
Butter: Room-temperature butter is easier to mix with melted chocolate!
Vanilla Bean Paste: You can use vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract. This will add a depth of flavor! And it is my secret weapon!
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar will coat everything beautifully and create the classic puppy chow flavor and look.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the flavors!

Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

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How to make Puppy Chow Chex

Step 1 – Prep & Melt the Chocolate Mixture

Measure 10 cups of cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to each of two gallon-size ziplock bags and set aside.

Combine chocolate chips, room-temperature butter, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on full power in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time until smooth. The mixture will continue melting as you stir, so avoid overheating. You shouldn’t need more than 2 minutes tops, usually about 1 ½ minutes.

Stir in vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Powdered sugar divided into two large ziplock bags. — Place powdered sugar in two ziplock bags.

Butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter and salt in a mixing bowl. — Place powdered sugar in two ziplock bags.

Step 2 – Combine with Cereal

Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir (folding, really. I like this spatula) until evenly coated.

If you want a dry, white-coated look, allow the mixture to cool for 3-4 minutes before adding powdered sugar. Add powdered sugar after a minute or immediately for a more blended or “muddy” look. Add up to ¼ cup of additional powdered sugar until coated to the desired consistency.

Divide the coated cereal evenly between the two prepared ziplock bags. Seal and gently shake to coat.

Chex cereal mixed in with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture. — Combine with the cereal.

Chocolate coated chez cereal added to the bags of powdered sugar. — Combine with the cereal.

Step 3 – Cool & Enjoy

Spread the puppy chow onto a lined baking sheet or lay parchment on the countertop. Spread and let it dry completely. Enjoy! To speed it up, place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Finished puppy chow on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. — Cool on a baking sheet.

Muddy Buddy Variations

Try one of these or create your own:

Nutella Lovers: Use Nutella instead of peanut butter for extra chocolate or a combination.
S’mores Style: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows for a campfire treat.
White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for an extra sweet treat.
Christmas Muddy Buddies: Great for gifts! Use cookie butter in the chocolate mixture and add red and green M&M’s for a holiday touch.
Cookies & Cream: Add crushed Oreos and white chocolate for crunchy, creamy goodness. If you need a gluten-free treat, be sure to use Gluten-Free Oreos.
Peanut Butter Cup: Mix in chopped mini Reese’s Cups for double the peanut butter.
Mint Chocolate: Use crushed mint candies or Andes mints with dark chocolate for a minty twist.
Cinnamon Roll: Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet and stir in 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the mix. Or use Cinnamon Toast Crunch ceral.
Trail Mix: Add nuts, dried fruit or pretzels for salty sweet.

Puppy chow served in separate bowls next to some peanut butter and chocolate chips.

How to store this Puppy Chow Snack

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For extra crunch, freeze for up to 2 months and enjoy straight from the freezer!

Muddy Buddy Recipe FAQs

Why are my muddy buddies soggy?

Sogginess typically occurs when the chocolate mixture is too hot when you add the powdered sugar. To prevent this, allow the chocolate-coated cereal to cool for 3-4 minutes before adding the powdered sugar, and always start with fresh, dry cereal!

Why did my Puppy Chow turn stale?

Puppy Chow becomes stale when exposed to humidity or stored improperly. For best results, store your treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid climate, storing them in the refrigerator can help maintain freshness longer.

Why is my Puppy Chow clumpy?

It can become clumpy when the chocolate mixture is too thick or when you add too much powdered sugar at once. To avoid this, work in two batches when coating the cereal, stir thoroughly but gently, and shake well to ensure even distribution. Then, allow it to cool spread out on a baking sheet so it doesn’t stick in large clumps while cooling.