If you’re looking for the easiest muddy buddy recipe (also known as puppy chow), this is it. With just a few key ingredients and a few minutes of prep, this treat is perfect for holiday parties, Valentine’s Day, or a sweet snack to share with your kids or coworkers. I grew up eating muddy buddies at school parties and from goodie bags, so this recipe brings back all those memories!
Whether you call them muddy buddies or puppy chow, this Chex-based treat is chocolatey, peanut buttery, and coated in just the right amount of powdered sugar. Bonus? It’s super easy to make in one bowl with minimal mess. You can even make them a little healthier by using my homemade chocolate instead of store-bought chips. I do it all the time!
Why This Is the Best Muddy Buddy Recipe
- Just a handful of pantry staples
- No stovetop needed. This recipe is microwave-friendly (but you can also melt everything on the stove or in the oven if you prefer)
- Takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish
- You can make a large batch quickly, which is great for parties and gatherings
- Kid-approved and sharable
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
What You’ll Need
Chex Cereal (4 cups)
Rice or corn Chex both work great. This gives the snack its classic crunch and texture.
Creamy Peanut Butter (1/4 cup)
Helps bind everything together and adds that cozy peanut butter flavor everyone loves.
Dark Chocolate Chips (3/4 cup)
Or, use 1/2 cup of melted homemade chocolate for a slightly healthier twist.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
Adds richness and makes the mixture extra smooth and creamy.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Adds a warm depth of flavor to the chocolate mixture.
Powdered Sugar (3/4 cup)
Use more or less to taste. This coats the cereal and keeps everything from sticking together. I don’t mind chunky puppy chow, so I tend to use less powdered sugar.
Optional Add-Ins
Toasted pecans, mini M&Ms, crushed pretzels, or extra cereal are all fun ways to make it your own!
How to Make Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)
- Melt Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Butter, and Vanilla: In a large mixing bowl, microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. (Note: You can also melt everything together in a saucepan over low heat or in an oven-safe bowl).
- Stir in the Cereal: Add the Chex cereal to the bowl and stir until all the pieces are well coated.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the mixture to a large sealable bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake until everything is evenly coated. You can adjust the sugar depending on how sweet you like it.
- Chill and Serve: Let the muddy buddies cool in the fridge for about 10 minutes so everything sets. Then dig in!
Variations
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter.
- Festive Add-Ins: Mix in red and pink M&Ms for Valentine’s Day or green and red for Christmas.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted pecans, mini pretzels, or crispy rice cereal.
- Healthier: Substitute the chex for toasted nuts.
Storage & Make Ahead
Store muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge if you prefer them chilled. They also freeze well! Just thaw for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Stir the cereal gently so it doesn’t get crushed. Chex is a delicate cereal, so stir lightly!
- A paper grocery bag works great for coating with powdered sugar if you don’t have a large zip-top bag.
- Make a double batch; you’ll be glad you did!
When to Serve Muddy Buddies
Muddy buddies are one of those snacks that work for any occasion. We love making them for class parties, Valentine’s treats, holiday snack bowls, or road trips. They also make a cute little homemade gift if you portion them out into mason jars or treat bags.
Related Recipes
- Muddy Buddy Recipe | Puppy Chow Recipe
- How to Make Chocolate (With Only 3 Ingredients!)
- Easy Pie Crust Recipe with No Shortening (Just Butter)
FAQs
Yes! Puppy chow and muddy buddies are two names for the same delicious treat.
Absolutely—Crispix or other crunchy cereals work well too. Get creative!
If you use gluten-free Chex, then yes!
Use less powdered sugar and swap in homemade chocolate. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra nutrients.
Yes, they store great and taste just as good a few days later.
Easy Muddy Buddy Recipe (Puppy Chow)
Ingredients
- 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips or 1/2 cup melted homemade chocolate
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar or more to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup toasted pecans or other mix-ins
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, microwave peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. You can also melt in a saucepan over low heat or in an oven-safe bowl in the oven.1/4 cup creamy peanut butter, 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Stir in cereal and mix gently until evenly coated.4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal, Optional: 1/2 cup toasted pecans or other mix-ins
- Transfer to a large zip-top bag, add powdered sugar, and shake until fully coated.3/4 cup powdered sugar
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Make sure to stir gently so the cereal holds its shape.
- Add more powdered sugar if you want them extra sweet or less sticky.
- Use a big bowl for mixing, as it helps prevent cereal from spilling over.
- Homemade chocolate works beautifully in this recipe and adds a richer, more natural flavor.
- A great make-ahead snack for parties, road trips, or lunchbox treats.
- Try flavor variations like adding a dash of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract.
- Can be stored in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life.
- For gifting, pack in cellophane bags or mason jars and tie with ribbon.
This is THE easiest puppy chow recipe! So quick, which is exactly what I needed.
This takes me right back to school parties! I also like how versatile it is—I’d love to try adding dried fruit or even some pretzels for extra crunch next time.