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 Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies

• 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.

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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 you add mini marshmallows to hot chocolate, so it’s fun to add them to this snack mix. 

How to Make Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies

• Step One: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt one ⅓ cup 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 completely 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.

Equipment Needed

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• Mixing Bowl: This must be big enough to hold all the ingredients. 
• Large Microwave-Safe Bowl: You’ll use this to melt chocolate chips in the microwave.  
• Ziptop bag or other sealable plastic bag: It should be large enough to hold all ingredients – this will be how you mix everything. 
• Large Bowl for Serving: You can serve it in a large serving bowl or mini bowls for each guest. 
• Parchment Paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to let the melted chocolate set without sticking to the baking sheet. 
• Cookie Sheet: This should be large enough to spread everything in one layer. 

What to Serve with Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies

This is the perfect snack to eat while you watch holiday movies or 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 fresh 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. 

Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Tips and Tricks

• Carefully melt the chocolate. Do not overheat and stir frequently in between 30-second increments. 
• Be gentle as you mix the marshmallow cream to avoid ruining the fluffy consistency. 
• Add the powdered sugar 1/3 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 gallon ziploc bag. 

Best Way To Melt Chocolate For Muddy Buddies

The best way to melt chocolate is to use a double boiler. The steam from the boiling water heats the chocolate in a small pan on top. If you stir it frequently, it melts the chocolate so slowly and evenly that it won’t burn. Most people choose to use the microwave. If you do this, only heat it in 30-second intervals and stir it well in between. This will prevent the chocolate chips from burning. 

What Are Muddy Buddies?

Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies, also known as Hot Cocoa Puppy Chow, is a sweet and addictive snack that combines the flavors of hot chocolate and muddy buddies (also known as puppy chow). They are made by coating rice Chex cereal with melted chocolate, butter, and marshmallow cream and then tossing it in powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix.

The result is a crunchy, chocolatey, powdered sugar-coated treat with a hint of marshmallow flavor. Mini marshmallows are often added at the end to add sweetness and a marshmallow texture.

Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are popular in winter and are often enjoyed as a festive and indulgent snack. They are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a mug of hot cocoa.

Are Muddy Buddies 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.  

FAQ

Holiday Treats       

Want to make more easy recipes you can make over the holiday season? Here are some of my favorites:

• Eggnog Dip
• Candy Cane Dip
• Reindeer Chow
• Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
• Eggnog Cupcakes

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