This recipe for small batch Muddy Buddies (or puppy chow!) is deliciously fun and insanely addicting, so it might be a good idea to make just enough for a few servings rather than a whole batch! This popular recipe uses Rice Chex cereal that is coated in creamy peanut butter, melted chocolate, and a layer of powder sugar for a perfect crunchy treat.
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Over the years I have had a number of readers reach out asking how to make recipes in small batches and I am more than happy to oblige! If you are looking for more small batch recipes, be sure to try our Small Batch Brownies, Small Batch Triple Chocolate Cookies, Small Batch Sticky Buns, and Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Now you might say to yourself, I can just cut the recipe in half! But it's not always so simple.
Sometimes the measurements are hard to split up or maybe a recipe calls for one egg. You can be sure these are tried and tested recipes for a small batch with the best proportion of ingredients for the best flavor!
Muddy buddies, also known as puppy chow, monkey munch, reindeer chow, etc. is a family favorite that I have made ever since I was a kid.
With my family of four, we love making small batch recipes for a quick treat that can be enjoyed without the extra goodies to tempt us. It's a perfect amount to eat while watching a movie or to bring along for a road trip treat.
We love these muddy buddies because of the perfect amount of peanut butter, semisweet chocolate, and that nice crunch from the Rice Chex cereal. But the original recipe can really feed a crowd since it typically uses 7-9 cups of cereal, so it is nice to have a smaller batch option. Plus, sometimes we only have a partial box of Chex leftover and want to use it up.
Why You'll Love These Muddy Buddies
- Quick and Easy. 15 minutes tops from start to finish! With very few ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to make.
- No bake. A quick no-bake treat? That's a no brainer.
- Gluten free. If you can't have gluten, this is a great little treat to enjoy! You can also easily make them dairy free or vegan with the right ingredients.
- Easy mix ins. Let the kids help and add in some fun mix-ins like pretzels, M&M's, sprinkles, marshmallows, graham cracker pieces, oreos, and more!
What You'll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Salted butter - Unsalted is fine too but I usually just have salted butter on hand. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture.
- Creamy peanut butter - You can use chunky peanut butter for more of a crunch and little peanut pieces (so yummy!). You can also substitute the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, sunbutter, or even cookie butter.
- Semisweet chocolate chips - Semi-sweet is my favorite but you could also go with dark or milk. Milk chocolate will definitely make these sweeter.
- Vanilla extract - This ingredient provides depth and balance and its rare that I leave it out of a recipe.
- Rice Chex Cereal - You can use corn chex, wheat or chocolate chex, or whatever type you have on hand, although Rice Chex is our preference. You can use Crispix as well, but keep in mind Crispix is not gluten free.
- Powdered sugar - This provides that sweet outer coating that makes this treat irresistible.
How to Make Small Batch Muddy Buddies
- Melt butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Place the three ingredients in a large microwave-safe bowl for 60-90 seconds, stirring every 20-30 seconds until smooth. Be sure to stir in increments so you don't overcook the chocolate. Stir in vanilla extract after the chocolate is melted.
- Add Chex cereal to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir together gently with a rubber spatula to coat.
- Add powdered sugar and chocolate-covered Chex cereal mixture to a large ziplock bag. Seal it tight, then shake well until everything is evenly coated in powdered sugar.
Recipe FAQ's
Muddy Buddies are a sweet, crunchy cereal snack made with Chex® cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.
I have heard a lot of different names for muddy buddies! Puppy chow, monkey munch, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag are some of the more common names!
Yes! Muddy Buddies are gluten free. Using Rice Chex cereal, they're naturally gluten free. You can also easily make them dairy free and vegan with the right ingredients.
To make sure they don't turn stale, keep them in an airtight sealed container. They should last 1 to 2 weeks if stored properly.
Nope! Muddy Buddies can stay on your counter in an airtight, sealed container or bag. If you do find yourself in a hot kitchen or going on a picnic outside, I would try and keep the muddy buddies cool. The chocolate can easily melt and make a messy, albeit delicious snack!
Substitutions and Mix-Ins
There are so many fun additional mix-ins you can do to create your own special muddy buddy treat! Make it festive for a holiday by adding specific sprinkles or candies or try adding any of the following mix-ins for a specialized snack mix!
- Pretzels
- Mini M&M's
- Sprinkles
- Crushed Oreo cookies
- Butterscotch chips, mint chips, or peanut butter chips
- Reese's pieces
- Chopped nuts
- Crushed candy cane
- Basically any small candy would work!
Storage Instructions
- How to store: Store in an airtight container that seals well. It should stay fresh for up to two weeks. If not stored properly, it can go stale pretty quickly. Also, it does not need to be refrigerated but if you find yourself in a warm environment, keep the muddy buddies cool. The chocolate will melt and make these tricky to eat. But still delicious.
- How to freeze: For a quick little treat you can easily freeze them. Put the muddy buddies in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
More Fun Dessert Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
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Small Batch Muddy Buddies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- â…“ cup creamy peanut butter
- â…” cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Melt butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl for 60-90 seconds, stirring every 20-30 seconds until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add Chex cereal to the melted chocolate mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula to coat.
- Add powdered sugar and chocolate-covered Chex cereal mixture to a large ziplock bag. Seal it tight, then shake well until everything is evenly coated in powdered sugar.
