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–+ servings
A mug of muddy buddies, dotted with random mini marshmallows.

Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies (AKA Puppy Chow)

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These Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies are the perfect DIY food gift idea, and great for parties. Best of all? They are made without peanut butter!
Course Snack, Snacks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cooling time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 301
Author Dorothy Bigelow

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)
US Customary - Metric

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

*Coconut oil: We recommend using refined coconut oil, as it does not contain any coconut flavor. If you do not have coconut oil, shortening may be used instead. 
Gluten-free: Many varieties of Chex cereal are gluten-free, including the rice and corn versions. Most hot chocolate mixes are gluten-free as well, but be sure to check the packaging, especially if they are claiming to be "malted", which often contains barley. 
Storage: Transfer cooled Muddy Buddies to a large airtight container or food storage bag. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They lose a little bit of their crunch in the refrigerator, but still taste great!
Additional Mix-ins: If you like, you can add other candies or ingredients after the mix has cooled completely to room temperature. Here are some ideas:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Holiday candies
  • M&m’s
  • Dehydrated marshmallows (instead of mini marshmallows; use about half as much)

Nutrition

Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 135mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 368IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 5mg