Christmas Muddy Buddies

5 from 1 vote

This Christmas Muddy Buddies recipe (aka puppy chow or reindeer chow) is a classic no-bake holiday treat. Made with Rice Chex cereal, creamy peanut butter, semisweet chocolate chips, and festive M&M candies, it's the perfect sweet snack mix for holiday parties, gifting, or late-night freezer raids.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: All Recipes, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 200kcal

Author: Jeri Walker

Ingredients

9-10 cups Rice Chex cereal (1 box)
1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups powdered sugar
¾ cup mini Christmas M&Ms (red and green)

Instructions

Prep the cereal. Pour the Rice Chex into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Melt the chocolate mixture. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. (You can also melt on the stove over low heat or in the air fryer on the reheat setting at 360°F for 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.) Stir in vanilla.
Pour and mix. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Working quickly, toss gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until evenly coated. Scoop from the bottom of the bowl to prevent the cereal from breaking.
Shake with sugar and candies. Add ¾ cup powdered sugar to a large Ziploc bag. Add half the coated cereal and half the M&Ms. Seal and shake until fully coated. Repeat with the remaining cereal, sugar, and candies.
Cool. Spread muddy buddies on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set.
Store. Transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Melt slowly: Stir often to prevent scorching the chocolate.
Mix quickly: Toss while the chocolate is still warm to evenly coat the cereal.
Longer storage: Keep muddy buddies in a Ziploc bag in the freezer for easy snacking.
Add-ins: Mini peanut butter cups, sprinkles, or pretzels make fun additions.

Nutrition