Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
Kids and adults alike will love these chocolatey Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies, a fun twist on the classic cereal snack that captures the essence of a cozy cup of cocoa. This quick and easy winter treat is a family favorite, perfect for the holidays, offering a delightful chocolate crunch that’s sure to be a hit.
Also called reindeer chow, hot chocolate puppy chow is the perfect holiday treat! You can hand it out to party guests in little bags or munch on it at home in a bowl. The rich chocolate flavor reminds you of hot cocoa – the perfect drink on a cold winter day.
If you’re hosting a party, make this! The hot chocolate flavor sets it apart from regular puppy chow recipes, making it the perfect party mix. From the crunchy Chex to the super-sweet marshmallow fluff and the rich flavors of sweet chocolate chips, you’ll fall in love with this fun variation of the classic snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, no-bake dessert. This easy snack idea takes just 30 minutes for the chocolate to set.
- Festive holiday flavors. With rich hot cocoa flavors, it’s the next best thing to a mocha.
- Perfect make-ahead recipe for the holiday season. Keep it in the refrigerator until the day of your party.
- Tastes like a warm cup of hot chocolate. The hot cocoa mix gives it an extra boost of chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.
This holiday muddy buddies recipe is so sweet and crunchy that it’s hard to stop eating it!
- Chocolate Chips: Milk chocolate chips can be used for a sweeter result, and dark chocolate chips give a less sweet result. Any combination of chocolate chips can be used as well.
- Butter: You may use unsalted butter if needed, but I recommend adding extra salt for balance.
- Salt: To enhance all the other flavors, I used Sea salt.
- Marshmallow Cream: This sweetens the snack and helps all the ingredients stick together at the same time.
- Rice Chex Cereal: This recipe works with corn or wheat Chex cereal. However, be aware that the change will slightly affect the flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: The powdered sugar sweetens it and coats the crunchy cereal in a light dust of sweetness.
- Hot Chocolate Mix: I used two packets of Nestle hot chocolate for this recipe; however, you can use your favorite type instead. You can adjust the flavor slightly using flavored hot chocolate instead.
- Mini Marshmallows: These are optional, but adding mini marshmallows to hot chocolate makes this snack mix even more fun.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
- Step One: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt one ⅓ cup of chocolate chips, salted butter, and salt together for 1 minute in the microwave and stir well.
- Step Two: Continue heating, if necessary, in 30-second increments and stirring well until the chocolate is completely melted and combined. Do not overheat.
- Step Three: Stir in the marshmallow cream until smooth. It will be somewhat thick and foamy as well.
- Step Four: Gently toss in the Rice Chex and combine until completely coated.
- Step Five: Whisk the powdered sugar and hot chocolate mix in a separate, medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Step Six: Place ⅓ of the powdered sugar mixture into a large sealable bag and add ½ of the Chex mix.
- Step Seven: Add ⅓ of the powdered sugar and the rest of the Chex mix.
- Step Eight: Finish with the rest of the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and gently toss everything together until the Chex mix is completely coated.
- Step Nine: Spread the muddy buddies onto a piece of parchment or wax paper and allow to cool and set completely for at least 30 minutes.
- Step Ten: Once set, combine the mini marshmallows and an extra 1 cup of chocolate chips in a large serving bowl and serve.
What to Serve with Them
This is the perfect snack to enjoy while watching holiday movies or to serve at a party! Here are some more desserts that will taste delicious with it.
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Ramen Bars
- S’Mores Puppy Chow
- Eggnog Donuts
- Sweet Spiced Pecans
Variations and Substitutions
- Use white chocolate chips. This will change the flavor and color of the snack, but it will taste incredible.
- Use Mexican hot chocolate mix. This will make the puppy chow taste richer and bolder.
- Store in mason jars decorated for Christmas.
- Add butterscotch chips. Don’t melt the butterscotch with the chocolate; sprinkle them with the cereal.
- Mix in some crushed peppermint candies. Hot cocoa tastes delicious with peppermint.
Storage Instructions
Store your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies in an airtight container or a large sealable plastic bag. Store the muddy buddies at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Depending on the freshness of the ingredients, they can be stored this way for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
If you have a larger batch or want to store them longer, you can freeze the Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies. Follow the same steps of allowing them to cool and set completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or airtight freezer bags. The muddy buddies can be stored in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Carefully melt the chocolate. Do not overheat and stir frequently in 30-second increments.
- Be gentle as you mix the marshmallow cream to avoid ruining the fluffy consistency.
- Add the powdered sugar ⅓ at a time to prevent it from creating dust in your kitchen.
- To help the chocolate set faster, spread it into a single layer on the baking sheet.
Can I Make Ahead?
Yes, you can make this delicious treat up to three days before the party. Keep them in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place, and keep the air off them. I like to store them in an airtight container or a gallon ziploc bag.
Are They the Same As Puppy Chow?
Yes, muddy buddies are the same thing as puppy chow. Both involve combining a cereal mixture with a chocolate mixture and some powdered sugar. You might have also heard it called monkey munch or muddy munch.
Holiday Treats
Want to make some easy recipes you can make over the holiday season? Here are some of my favorites:
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Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
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Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- 1 jar marshmallow creme 7oz jar
- 9 cups rice Chex cereal
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup hot chocolate mix 2 packets
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 ⅓ cup chocolate chips, salted butter, and salt together for 1 minute in the microwave and stir well.
- Continue to heat, if necessary, in 30-second increments and stir well until the chocolate is completely melted and combined. Do not overheat.
- Stir in the marshmallow creme until smooth. It will be somewhat thick and foamy.
- Gently toss in the rice Chex cereal and combine until coated.
- Whisk the powdered sugar and hot chocolate mix in a separate, medium mixing bowl until completely combined.
- Place ⅓ of the powdered sugar mixture in a resealable bag and add ½ of the Chex mix.
- Add ⅓ of the powdered sugar and the rest of the Chex mix.
- Finish with the rest of the powdered sugar and then seal the bag and gently toss everything together until the Chex mix is completely coated with powdered sugar.
- Spread the muddy buddies onto a piece of parchment paper or wax paper and allow to cool and set completely for at least 30 minutes.
- Once set, combine with the mini marshmallows and an extra 1 cup of chocolate chips in a large serving bowl and serve.
Notes
- Makes 10 cups.
- Store in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature in a cool, dry place for 1 to 2 weeks.
- You can also freeze them for up to 2 to 3 months when stored properly in a freezer-safe bag.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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