Decadent Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Recipe

Sinfully Rich Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Chocolate lovers seek the ultimate sweet treat that combines irresistible hot chocolate muddy buddies with pure indulgence.

This delightful snack captures the essence of comfort and joy in every crunchy bite.

Powdered sugar cascades over crisp cereal, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors.

Each handful delivers a rich, chocolatey experience that melts in your mouth with delectable warmth.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an addictive snack perfect for movie nights or casual gatherings.

Snack enthusiasts will fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary treat that promises to satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings.

Prepare to be swept away by this irresistible goodness that’s sure to become your new favorite indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 13

What Makes Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies So Addictive

For Base Ingredients:
  • Rice Chex Cereal: Crispy foundation that provides delightful crunch and absorbs chocolate coating perfectly, select fresh and crisp cereal for best texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth chocolate mixture, choose unsalted butter for better flavor control.
For Chocolate Coating:
  • Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter, Cocoa Powder: Creating decadent chocolate layer that transforms simple cereal into irresistible treat, select high-quality chocolate chips for deeper flavor profile.
For Finishing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates signature dusty coating that adds sweetness and prevents stickiness, sift sugar to prevent clumping.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Optional ingredient that brings nostalgic hot chocolate experience, select soft and fresh marshmallows for best texture.

Tools to Help Mix and Coat Muddy Buddies Evenly

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for preparing and mixing Chex cereal.
  • Medium saucepan: Perfect for melting chocolate, butter, and peanut butter smoothly.
  • Large resealable plastic bag: Crucial for coating cereal with powdered sugar.
  • Baking sheet: Needed for spreading and cooling Muddy Buddies.
  • Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring cereal and ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring chocolate mixture and coating cereal.

Shake Up Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Without a Mess

  • Create a Chocolate Base

Grab a saucepan and melt together butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips over low heat. Stir until everything transforms into a silky smooth mixture. Blend in cocoa powder for an extra rich chocolate punch.

  • Coat the Cereal

Pour the decadent chocolate mixture over Rice Chex cereal. Gently mix to ensure every single piece gets completely drenched in chocolatey goodness.

  • Sugar Shake

Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal into a large sealed bag. Dump in powdered sugar and shake vigorously until each piece is completely blanketed in sweet white powder.

  • Add Marshmallow

Toss in some mini marshmallows for that dreamy hot chocolate feel. These fluffy little gems will make your snack feel like a cozy winter treat.

  • Cool and Set

Spread the muddy buddies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them chill and harden, creating that perfect crispy crunch everyone loves.

  • Store and Devour

Once cooled, transfer to a serving bowl or storage container. These delightful morsels will stay fresh for about a week – if they last that long!

Add Marshmallows, Mints, or Whatever You Like

  • Use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals to prevent chocolate from burning, ensuring a smooth, silky coating for your cereal.
  • Swap regular cocoa powder with dark or Mexican hot chocolate mix for a more intense, sophisticated chocolate flavor that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter to make the recipe nut-free, perfect for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
  • Sprinkle crushed candy canes during the holiday season, add toasted coconut flakes, or mix in mini marshmallow bits for extra texture and excitement.
  • Keep Muddy Buddies crisp by storing in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain that perfect crunch.

Serve in Bowls or Little Snack Bags

  • Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these hot chocolate muddy buddies with a steaming mug of classic hot cocoa for the ultimate winter treat.
  • Snack Attack Platter: Create a fun movie night spread by arranging the muddy buddies alongside popcorn, chocolate pretzels, and mini marshmallows for a delightful mix of textures.
  • Party Favor Delight: Package the muddy buddies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for holiday gatherings or children's birthday parties as a delectable take-home gift.
  • Gifting Glory: Wrap the muddy buddies in mason jars decorated with holiday-themed stickers or ribbons, making them a charming homemade present for friends and family during winter celebrations.

Store Muddy Buddies Without Losing That Crunch

  • Keep your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies crisp and delicious by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents moisture from making the cereal soggy and maintains the perfect crunch.
  • Seal the Muddy Buddies in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to restore their original texture.
  • Make a large batch ahead of time and portion into individual snack bags. These grab-and-go treats work perfectly for movie nights, game days, or unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Place a small piece of paper towel inside the storage container to absorb any excess moisture, keeping the Muddy Buddies crisp and preventing clumping of the powdered sugar coating.

FAQs

  • What are Muddy Buddies?

Muddy Buddies are a sweet snack made by coating cereal with chocolate and powdered sugar, creating a deliciously crunchy treat that’s perfect for munching.

  • Can I use a different type of cereal?

Rice Chex works best because of its shape and texture, but you can experiment with similar crisp cereals like Corn Chex or Wheat Chex for slight variations.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love helping coat the cereal and shaking the bag with powdered sugar, making it a fun family cooking activity that’s easy and enjoyable.

  • How do I prevent the chocolate mixture from burning?

Always use low heat and stir frequently when melting chocolate and butter. This gentle approach ensures a smooth, perfectly combined mixture without scorching.

Print
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Decadent Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Recipe

Decadent Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Irresistible hot chocolate muddy buddies combine sweet Chex cereal with rich cocoa powder and melted chocolate. Dusted with powdered sugar, these addictive snacks promise delightful comfort in each delectable bite you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (1.4 l) rice cereal squares (like Rice Chex)
  • 1 cup (170 g) milk chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup hot cocoa mix
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup mini marshmallows
  • ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Arrange Rice Chex cereal in a spacious mixing bowl, ready for chocolate infusion.
  2. Chocolate Fusion: Melt butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips in a saucepan, stirring until achieving a perfectly smooth, glossy texture that promises decadent flavor.
  3. Flavor Intensification: Whisk cocoa powder into the molten chocolate mixture, creating a deep, luxurious chocolate essence that will coat every cereal morsel.
  4. Coating Technique: Pour the warm chocolate blend over the cereal, using a folding motion to ensure each piece receives an even, sumptuous chocolate embrace.
  5. Sugar Transformation: Seal the chocolate-coated cereal in a large plastic bag, adding powdered sugar and shaking vigorously to create a delicate, frost-like exterior that completely enrobes each piece.
  6. Optional Indulgence: Scatter mini marshmallows throughout the mixture, evoking the comforting warmth of a classic hot chocolate experience.
  7. Cooling and Setting: Spread the coated mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing the chocolate to solidify and develop a satisfying, crisp texture. Let cool completely before transferring to a serving container or airtight storage, where these delectable Muddy Buddies will maintain their irresistible crunch for up to a week.

Notes

Achieve Perfect Coating: Ensure the chocolate mixture is warm but not scorching hot when pouring over cereal to prevent sogginess and maintain crisp texture.

Prevent Sugar Clumping: Sift powdered sugar before adding to the bag to create a smoother, more even coating on each cereal piece.

Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular cereal with gluten-free Rice Chex, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for allergen-friendly version.

Control Sweetness Level: Adjust powdered sugar quantity based on personal preference – less sugar creates a more intense chocolate flavor, while more sugar adds extra sweetness.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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