Introducing Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies. Whether you're looking for the perfect snack for the holiday season or want something sweet and crunchy for movie night, this new take on the classic muddy buddies recipe is for you!
This recipe is made without peanut butter and with real hot cocoa mix, so it tastes exactly like a steaming cup of your favorite cozy comfort drink.
You would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't tried some variation of Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies. It's a Wintertime classic snack mix, featuring sweet and salty flavors with plenty of crunch.
This version is a fun twist on the classic, featuring hot chocolate-inspired flavors like marshmallows and cocoa.
It's the perfect yummy treat for a Holiday party, and makes a charming food gift when packaged up in a cute bag with a bow. One thing's for sure: it's always a crowd pleaser!
Why You'll Love It:
- A delicious treat. Everyone loves this classic recipe, but it's made even more delicious when hot chocolate-ified. Trust me!
- Easy recipe. With no oven time needed, this easy no-bake treat is the perfect thing to make when your oven is already occupied (or you're just tired of cooking).
- Made without peanut butter. Whether it's a preference or an allergy, it's always great to have a few peanut-free recipes in your back pocket. Muddy Buddies normally call for peanut butter, but this one doesn't! That means you get pure hot chocolate taste. It's also gluten-free!
Ingredients
- Chex cereal: We recommend rice Chex cereal, as it tends to keep a nice crisp texture. Corn Chex or chocolate Chex can be used instead, or you can use a mix.
- Powdered sugar: This helps to absorb the moisture from the chocolate, ensuring the cereal doesn't get soggy. It also makes for a perfectly sweet layer over the top of the muddy buddies. I like to use enough that every piece is lightly "dusted" in snow.
- Hot chocolate mix: This gives it an authentic "hot chocolate" flavor! We recommend Stephen's Gourmet hot chocolate or Starbucks.
- Chocolate chips: We used milk chocolate chips for this recipe, but you can use semi-sweet if you prefer.
- Cocoa powder: This adds a little extra chocolatey flavor without added sweetness - we have enough from the powdered sugar.
- Mini marshmallows: What's hot cocoa without a few mini marshmallows!?
You will also need:
- Butter
- Coconut oil (refined; unflavored)
- Vanilla extract
How to Make Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies
Whether you want to call it muddy buddies or hot chocolate puppy chow, one thing is for sure: it's EASY to make!
- Step one: Add the powdered sugar, hot chocolate mix, and cocoa to a large bag.
- Step two: Shake it up, or stir gently to combine. Set aside.
- Step three: Add the chocolate chips, butter, and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Step four: Heat in 15-30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between each turn. As soon as the chocolate chips melt, you're ready to go.
Note: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can "seize" and become hard instead. - Step five: Measure out the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- Step six: Pour the warm chocolate over the cereal and fold it together gently, until the cereal is evenly coated in the melted chocolate mixture.
Bringing it All Together
- Step seven: Add the chocolate-coated Chex cereal mixture to the bag, along with the powdered sugar mixture.
- Step eight: Seal the bag and shake well (in all directions) until the cereal is lightly and evenly dusted in the powdered sugar, hot chocolate mix, and cocoa powder.
Cooling and Finishing Up
- Step nine: Spread the mixture onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes, or until room temperature.
Note: We don't recommend wax paper, as the warm Chex mixture can cause the wax to melt and stick.
- Step ten: Once the Muddy Buddies are completely cool, add in 1 cup of mini marshmallows (or ½ cup of dehydrated marshmallows) and stir gently.
Serve or Store for Later!
How to Store Puppy Chow
- First, ensure the cereal mixture is completely cooled to room temperature. Any warmth in the storage container will create condensation (AKA moisture), which will lead to loss of texture and spoilage.
- Transfer your snack mix to a large storage bag, an airtight container, or individual gift bags.
- Store at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Expert Tips
- Be careful when melting the chocolate. If you're using the microwave, be very cautious when melting the chocolate. Do so in 15-30 second intervals, stir in between sessions, and heat just enough to melt the chocolate when stirred. Overheated chocolate will seize, which causes it to harden and become unusable.
- Cut the butter into pieces. To ensure the butter melts without overcooking the chocolate, we recommend slicing it into small pieces first.
- They are better on the second day! These taste amazing on day one, but honestly? The chocolate flavor is much improved on day two. I think it just has a chance to permeate and work its magic.
Flavor Variations
Reindeer chow: Add 1 cup of Holiday M&M's (or your preferred candies) to the mixture after it has cooled.
Mexican Hot Chocolate: Use cinnamon Chex for at least half of the Chex cereal and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the powdered sugar mixture.. This adds a nice cinnamon flavor, reminiscent of the beloved Winter beverage.
With white chocolate: You can substitute the chocolate chips for your favorite white chocolate chips, but be careful to melt them very slowly and carefully, as they are more prone to seizing than traditional chocolate.
The Perfect Food Gift Idea
Who wouldn't want an adorable gift bag full of a sweet and crunchy snack mix!?
Whether you want something for neighbors, teachers, or friends, some festively-inspired Muddy Buddies are the perfect choice
- Fill mini cellophane gift bags with the cereal mixture.
- Add a cute bowl, some twine, or a paper tag.
- Include the recipe on a recipe card for bonus points!
More Snack Mix Recipes:
If you loved this recipe for Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies (AKA Puppy Chow)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar also known as confectioners' sugar (260 grams)
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix we recommend Stephen's Gourmet or Starbucks (23 grams)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (7 grams)
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal (about 6 ounces/171 grams)
- 1 cup chocolate chips milk or semi-sweet (about 6oz or 171 grams)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56 grams or half of a stick)
- 2 tablespoons refined* coconut oil (1oz or 28 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 grams)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (50 grams)
Instructions
- Line a rimmed sheet pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a gallon-sized food storage bag (like Ziploc), add the powdered sugar, hot chocolate mix, and cocoa powder. Mix the ingredients with a whisk, or seal the bag and shake it gently. Set aside.
- Measure out the Chex cereal and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips, butter (cut into chunks), and coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds and immediately stir together. Continue to microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between each one, just until smooth and completely melted. Note: Be careful to stir between intervals and not to overheat, as microwaved chocolate can easily seize if overheated.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the Chex cereal, and use a silicone spatula to gently fold it in until the cereal is completely coated.
- Add the chocolate-covered cereal to the Ziploc bag of dry ingredients. Seal the bag and shake (in all directions) until it is completely coated in the sugar mixture.
- Spread the finished muddy buddies onto the prepared cookie sheet to cool for about 30 minutes (or until room temperature).
- Once the cereal mixture is completely cool, add 1 cup of mini marshmallows and stir gently to combine.
- Serve and enjoy, or package in cellophane bags for a charming food gift!
Notes
- Chocolate chips
- Holiday candies
- M&m's
- Dehydrated marshmallows (instead of mini marshmallows; use about half as much)
Nutrition
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Dorothy Bigelow says
These are so chocolate-y and delicious! Love that they are gluten free and peanut free too. Easy to make, and perfect for small gifting during the holidays.
Katie says
These were so fun and easy to make! Plus, they tasted delicious!