Muddy buddies (aka puppy chow) is a classic snack made with crunchy Chex cereal, a chocolate peanut butter coating then tossed in powdered sugar. An easy no-bake snack!

Chex muddies buddies coated in chocolate and peanut butter with powdered sugar coating in a white bowl for serving.

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Jamielyn Nye

Chex Mix Muddy Buddies is a Family Favorite

Sweet and crunchy, muddy buddies, also known as puppy chow, has always been one of my favorite quick snacks to make. This no-bake recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect when you need something fast and delicious.

Simply coat Chex cereal in melted chocolate and peanut butter, then toss in powdered sugar for an irresistible sweet finish. The result is crunchy, creamy, sweet, and chocolatey in every bite, and nearly impossible to resist.

While the classic version is the one I grew up enjoying, I also love experimenting with fun variations like trail mix muddy buddies or lemon muddy buddies. This treat always disappears fast when serving a crowd!

Ingredients Needed

Chex cereal, powdered sugar, peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter and vanilla on the counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Chex cereal: I personally think Rice Chex cereal has the best flavor and texture and is best if gluten-free is needed. Corn Chex or Crispix cereal also work.
  • Chocolate chips: Semi sweet chocolate chips are my favorite to use.
  • Peanut butter: I like to use a little bit more peanut butter than the original recipe calls for. It adds the perfect flavor. Make sure to use the creamy kind (not drippy or oily). I prefer Jiff or Skippy.
  • Butter: This mixes with the chocolate and peanut butter to add a layer of richness.
  • Vanilla: Add a dash of pure vanilla extract for an extra boost of flavor.
  • Powdered sugar: This coats the muddy buddies for the perfect hint of sweetness.

How to Make Muddy Buddies

Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a bowl in the microwave. Then stir the mixture until completely smooth. Once smooth, mix in the vanilla extract.

Chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a bowl.
Chex cereal in a bowl with melted peanut butter chocolate mixture.

Pour the cereal into a large bowl, then pour the melted chocolate on top. Gently stir until the cereal is fully coated.

Chex in a bowl coated in peanut butter chocolate mixture.
Powdered sugar being poured into a ziploc bag with Chex.

Transfer the chocolate mixture into a gallon sized zip top bag and pour in the powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake until all of the muddy buddies have a nice coating of sugar.

Pour onto a piece of wax paper to cool completely.

Close up photo showing chocolate peanut butter powdered sugar coated muddy buddies in a white bowl.

Recipe Tips

  • Avoid the chocolate burning. Heat it in 15 to 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. This gives you more control and helps keep the mixture silky.
  • Coating in sugar. I like to work in two batches or use two bags. This makes it easier to shake and ensures every piece gets evenly coated for that sweet muddy buddies finish.
  • Variations: Try festive twists like Christmas reindeer chow with peanut butter cups, or make Reese’s muddy buddies by adding Reese’s Pieces.
  • Mix-ins: Always wait to add mix-ins like M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces until after the muddy buddies are coated in chocolate and powdered sugar. This prevents them from melting, clumping, or sticking to the cereal.
A hand reaching into a bowl of muddies buddies.

Want more no-bake desserts? Try these chewy Golden Graham bars, no bake peanut butter bars or these popular no-bake cookies.

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Muddy buddies made with Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate and powdered sugar in a bowl.

Muddy Buddies

5 from 12 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Muddy buddies (aka puppy chow) is a classic snack made with crunchy Chex cereal, a chocolate peanut butter coating then tossed in powdered sugar. An easy no-bake snack!
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Ingredients 

Instructions

  • Pour 4-5 cups Chex cereal in a large bowl. Set aside.
  • Melt chocolate and peanut butter. Combine 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/3 cup peanut butter and 2 Tablespoons butter in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for one minute. Stir until melted. Microwave an additional 15 seconds if needed. Alternatively you could cook over a double broiler. Remove and let sit 1-2 minutes to cool slightly.
  • Coat. Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla into the chocolate and then pour chocolate over Chex cereal. Stir until well coated. 
  • Toss. Place Chex mix in a zip top bag. Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar and shake. Add more powdered sugar if desired. Pour onto a piece of wax paper to cool.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Variation: Feel free to add in extras like M&M’s (we love to add in peanut butter M&M’s), chocolate chips, chopped oreos, nuts or mini marshmallows. 
Storage: Store in air tight container or zip top bag for up to 1 week. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 252mg, Potassium: 248mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin A: 417IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 78mg, Iron: 10mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Why is it called muddy buddies?

The name comes from the look of the powdered sugar–coated cereal pieces, which resemble little “muddy” clumps. Some say it looks like like dog food, which is why it is also commonly known as puppy chow (but don’t feed it to your dog!). You may also hear it called Reindeer chow or Monkey Munch.

Can I use a different cereal?

Chex is a classic choice, buy any bite-sized cereal squares will work.

How to store?

Keep muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days up to 1 week.

Can I freeze muddy buddies?

Yes. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving or eat cold straight from the freezer!