Irresistible Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies (Peanut-Free Puppy Chow)
Get ready to discover your new favorite snack: Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies! This delightful twist on the classic Muddy Buddies recipe (also known as Puppy Chow) is an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re searching for the perfect festive treat to share during the holiday season, a cozy movie night snack, or a unique edible gift, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
What makes this version truly special? It’s crafted without peanut butter, making it a fantastic option for those with allergies or simply a preference for a different flavor profile. Instead, it uses genuine hot cocoa mix, ensuring every crunchy bite tastes exactly like a warm, comforting mug of your favorite hot chocolate, complete with a dusting of “snow” (powdered sugar) and mini marshmallows.
It’s challenging to find someone who hasn’t encountered some variation of Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies. This beloved snack mix is a timeless classic, especially popular during colder months. It perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors with an incredibly satisfying crunchy texture, making it universally appealing. Our hot chocolate rendition takes that familiar comfort and infuses it with even more warmth and festivity.
This fun and innovative spin on the traditional recipe brings together beloved hot chocolate elements like rich cocoa, fluffy marshmallows, and a sweet powdered sugar coating. It’s the ultimate yummy treat for any holiday gathering, potluck, or school event. Packaged in a charming bag tied with a bow, it transforms into a thoughtful and charming homemade food gift that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and spread smiles wherever it goes.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies:
- An Unforgettable Treat: While the classic Muddy Buddies are always a hit, this hot chocolate version elevates them to a new level of deliciousness. The authentic hot cocoa flavor combined with crispy cereal creates a truly unique and addictive snack that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Effortlessly Easy & No-Bake: Forget turning on the oven! This super easy, no-bake recipe is a lifesaver when your oven is already busy with other holiday dishes, or when you simply want a quick and stress-free dessert. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or busy parents looking for a fun activity with kids.
- Peanut-Free & Allergy-Friendly: Traditional Muddy Buddies often rely heavily on peanut butter. Our recipe is specifically designed without peanut butter, ensuring that those with peanut allergies or dietary preferences can safely enjoy this scrumptious snack. This means pure hot chocolate goodness, unhindered by other flavors. Plus, by choosing appropriate ingredients, it’s also naturally gluten-free, making it accessible to even more people!
- Perfect for Gifting: Homemade gifts are always cherished, and these Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are ideal. They look charming in cellophane bags or decorative tins and make wonderful presents for neighbors, teachers, colleagues, or friends during the festive season.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: From Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations to casual family movie nights or simply a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe fits perfectly into any setting. Its festive appeal makes it particularly popular during autumn and winter.
Essential Ingredients for Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies
Creating this delightful hot chocolate snack mix requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips for each:
- Chex Cereal: We highly recommend using Rice Chex cereal. Its light, crisp texture holds up beautifully, preventing the snack mix from becoming soggy. Corn Chex or even Chocolate Chex can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile, or you can combine varieties for an interesting mix.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it absorbs excess moisture from the chocolate mixture, keeping the cereal wonderfully crisp. Secondly, it creates that iconic, perfectly sweet, snowy coating that defines Muddy Buddies. Don’t be shy – a generous “dusting” ensures every piece is coated in delicious sweetness.
- Hot Chocolate Mix: This is the star ingredient that infuses our snack with authentic hot chocolate flavor! For the best results, choose a high-quality hot chocolate mix. Brands like Stephen’s Gourmet or Starbucks are excellent choices that deliver rich, satisfying cocoa notes. Avoid mixes that are overly sweet, as we’re already adding powdered sugar.
- Chocolate Chips: We used smooth milk chocolate chips for a classic, sweet taste that melts beautifully. However, if you prefer a slightly less sweet or richer flavor, semi-sweet chocolate chips work wonderfully too. Experiment to find your perfect balance!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: To intensify the chocolatey depth without adding more sweetness, a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder is included. This enhances the overall hot chocolate experience and complements the flavor from the hot chocolate mix.
- Mini Marshmallows: What’s a cup of hot cocoa without fluffy marshmallows floating on top? Mini marshmallows are stirred in at the end to complete the hot chocolate theme, adding a delightful chewiness and extra touch of sweetness.
Additional Essentials You Will Need:
- Unsalted Butter: Helps create a smooth, rich chocolate coating that adheres well to the cereal.
- Refined Coconut Oil: Using refined coconut oil is key here, as it’s unflavored and won’t impart any coconut taste to your muddy buddies. It helps thin the chocolate slightly, making it easier to coat the cereal evenly and contributes to a better texture when cooled. Shortening can be used as an alternative if coconut oil isn’t available.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the chocolate flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note to the snack mix.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Large Gallon-sized Food Storage Bag (like Ziploc)
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Silicone Spatula or Large Spoon
- Rimmed Sheet Pan or Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Craft Your Delicious Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies
Whether you refer to it as Muddy Buddies or Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow, one thing is universally true: this recipe is incredibly straightforward to make! Follow these easy steps for a perfect batch every time.
- Step One: Prepare Your Coating Mix. Begin by lining a large rimmed sheet pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. In a gallon-sized food storage bag (such as a Ziploc bag), combine the powdered sugar, hot chocolate mix, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Seal the bag and shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds, or stir gently with a whisk, to ensure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set this bag aside.
- Step Two: Measure Your Cereal. Carefully measure out the Chex cereal (we recommend Rice Chex for optimal crispiness) into a large, sturdy mixing bowl. This bowl needs to be big enough to comfortably mix the cereal with the melted chocolate later.
- Step Three: Melt the Chocolate Mixture. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, unsalted butter (cut into small chunks for faster melting), and refined coconut oil. Microwave this mixture for 30 seconds. Immediately remove it and stir thoroughly with a silicone spatula. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
- Important Note: Melting chocolate requires care! Do not overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to “seize,” making it hard, lumpy, and unusable. Stirring frequently between short microwave bursts helps prevent this.
- Step Four: Add Vanilla. Once your chocolate mixture is smooth and melted, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Step Five: Coat the Cereal. Pour the warm, melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in the large mixing bowl. Using your silicone spatula, gently fold and stir the cereal until every piece is evenly coated in the rich chocolate. Work quickly but carefully to avoid crushing the cereal.
Bringing it All Together
- Step Six: The Powdered Sugar Shake. Carefully transfer the chocolate-coated Chex cereal mixture into the gallon-sized food storage bag that contains your powdered sugar and hot chocolate mix.
- Step Seven: Shake, Shake, Shake! Seal the bag tightly, making sure there’s enough air inside for the cereal to move freely. Now, shake the bag vigorously and in all directions for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cereal pieces are thoroughly and evenly coated in the sweet powdered sugar, hot chocolate mix, and cocoa powder. This creates that iconic “muddy” or “snow-dusted” appearance.
Cooling and Finishing Up
- Step Eight: Cool Completely. Spread the coated Muddy Buddies onto the parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer. Allow them to cool and set for at least 30 minutes, or until they reach room temperature and the chocolate has fully hardened. This step is crucial for achieving that signature crisp texture.
Note: We do not recommend using wax paper for cooling, as the warmth from the chocolate-coated cereal can sometimes cause the wax to melt and stick. Parchment paper is the superior choice.
- Step Nine: Add the Marshmallows. Once your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are completely cooled and set, add 1 cup of mini marshmallows (or about ½ cup of dehydrated marshmallows for a different texture). Gently stir them into the mix. These add a delightful chewiness and complete the hot chocolate experience.
Serve or Store for Later!
Once cooled, your delicious Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them in a large bowl for easy snacking at parties, or portion them into smaller bowls for individual servings. They make a fantastic addition to any dessert table or snack spread.
How to Store Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow
Proper storage is essential to keep your Muddy Buddies fresh, crisp, and delicious for as long as possible. Follow these simple steps:
- Ensure Complete Cooling: This is perhaps the most critical step. Before storing, make absolutely certain that the cereal mixture is completely cooled to room temperature. Any residual warmth in the snack mix, when sealed in a container, will create condensation (moisture). This moisture is the enemy of crispiness and can lead to a soggy texture and premature spoilage.
- Choose the Right Container: Transfer your cooled snack mix to a large, airtight food storage bag (like a heavy-duty Ziploc) or a rigid airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. If gifting, individual cellophane bags work perfectly.
- Storage Duration:
- Store at **room temperature** in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They maintain their best crispness this way.
- For longer storage, keep them in the **refrigerator** for up to 2 weeks. While they might lose a tiny bit of their initial crunch due to the colder environment, they will still taste absolutely wonderful.
Expert Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
- Handle Melting Chocolate with Care: When melting chocolate, especially in the microwave, precision is key. Use short bursts (15-30 seconds), stirring diligently between each interval. Only heat the chocolate just enough until it’s smooth when stirred. Overheating is the primary cause of chocolate seizing, where it becomes thick, grainy, and unusable. A double boiler method on the stovetop is also a great alternative for more controlled melting.
- Slice the Butter for Even Melting: To ensure the butter melts smoothly and completely without overcooking the chocolate, it’s best to cut it into small, uniform pieces before adding it to the microwave-safe bowl. This promotes even heat distribution.
- The Second-Day Secret: While these Muddy Buddies are undeniably delicious on day one, many find that their flavor truly deepens and improves by the second day. Allowing the chocolate and hot cocoa flavors to meld and permeate the cereal overnight works its magic, creating an even more harmonious and rich taste experience. Consider making them a day ahead for optimal flavor!
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cooling. Spreading the mixture thinly on parchment paper and allowing it to cool completely ensures the chocolate sets properly, resulting in a perfectly crisp snack mix. Rushing this step can lead to a sticky, less enjoyable texture.
- Gentle Mixing is Essential: When coating the cereal with chocolate, use a silicone spatula and a gentle folding motion. This prevents the delicate cereal from breaking into small pieces, preserving its ideal texture.
Creative Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Flavor Variations
One of the best things about Muddy Buddies is how easily you can customize them! Here are some exciting variations to try, building on our hot chocolate theme:
- Festive Reindeer Chow: After the Muddy Buddies have cooled completely, stir in 1 cup of holiday-themed M&M’s, festive sprinkles, or other small candies. The colorful additions make it perfect for Christmas gatherings and add an extra pop of sweetness and texture.
- Zesty Mexican Hot Chocolate: For a delightful kick, use Cinnamon Chex for at least half of your cereal, and add a pinch (¼ to ½ teaspoon) of cayenne pepper to your powdered sugar mixture. The subtle heat and warm cinnamon notes perfectly mimic the beloved Mexican hot chocolate beverage, creating a sophisticated twist.
- Elegant White Chocolate Version: Substitute the milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips with your favorite white chocolate chips. Be extra cautious when melting white chocolate, as it is more prone to seizing than traditional chocolate. Melt it very slowly, in even shorter intervals, and stir constantly for a smooth, creamy result. This creates a visually stunning “snowy” white snack mix.
- Mint Chocolate Dream: For a refreshing twist, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to your melted chocolate mixture along with the vanilla. You can also mix in crushed candy canes or Andes mint pieces after the snack has cooled.
- Caramel Hot Chocolate: Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of melted caramel sauce over the cooled Muddy Buddies before adding marshmallows, then gently toss. This adds a chewy, rich caramel layer to the chocolate goodness.
- Gingerbread Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to your powdered sugar mixture for a warm, spicy, and festive flavor profile reminiscent of gingerbread cookies.
The Perfect Food Gift Idea for Any Occasion
Who wouldn’t be absolutely delighted to receive an adorable gift bag brimming with a sweet, crunchy, and homemade snack mix? Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a wonderful expression of thoughtfulness.
Whether you’re looking for a delightful token for neighbors, a special thank you for teachers, a festive treat for friends, or a charming hostess gift, some festively-inspired Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are the perfect, universally loved choice.
Here’s how to create enchanting food gifts:
- Choose Your Packaging: Fill mini cellophane gift bags, small mason jars, or decorative tins with your homemade cereal mixture. Clear packaging beautifully showcases the “snow-dusted” appearance.
- Add a Personal Touch: Enhance the presentation with a cute bow made from twine or ribbon, or attach a small, handmade paper tag. You can even include a little scoop or a mug alongside the gift bag for an extra special touch.
- Include the Recipe: For bonus points and to share the joy, print out the recipe on a small recipe card and attach it to the gift. Your recipients will appreciate being able to recreate this delightful treat themselves!
More Delicious Snack Mix Recipes:
- Classic Chex Mix
- Homemade Honey Almond Granola
- Wholesome Trail Mix
- Slow Cooker Chex Mix
If you loved this recipe for Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies, we’d love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a 5-star review in the comments below. You can also share your delicious creations by tagging us on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies (AKA Puppy Chow)
These Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies are the perfect DIY food gift idea, and great for parties. Best of all? They are made without peanut butter and are naturally gluten-free!
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Dorothy Bigelow
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar, 260 grams)
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix (we recommend Stephen’s Gourmet or Starbucks, 23 grams)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (7 grams)
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal (about 6 ounces / 171 grams)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet, about 6oz or 171 grams)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56 grams or half of a stick)
- 2 tablespoons refined* coconut oil (1oz or 28 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 grams)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (50 grams)
Instructions
- Line a rimmed sheet pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a gallon-sized food storage bag (like Ziploc), add the powdered sugar, hot chocolate mix, and cocoa powder. Mix the ingredients with a whisk, or seal the bag and shake it gently. Set aside.
- Measure out the Chex cereal and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips, butter (cut into chunks), and coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds and immediately stir together. Continue to microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between each one, just until smooth and completely melted. Note: Be careful to stir between intervals and not to overheat, as microwaved chocolate can easily seize if overheated.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the Chex cereal, and use a silicone spatula to gently fold it in until the cereal is completely coated.
- Add the chocolate-covered cereal to the Ziploc bag of dry ingredients. Seal the bag and shake (in all directions) until it is completely coated in the sugar mixture.
- Spread the finished muddy buddies onto the prepared cookie sheet to cool for about 30 minutes (or until room temperature).
- Once the cereal mixture is completely cool, add 1 cup of mini marshmallows and stir gently to combine.
- Serve and enjoy, or package in cellophane bags for a charming food gift!
Notes
*Coconut oil: We recommend using refined coconut oil, as it does not contain any coconut flavor. If you do not have coconut oil, shortening may be used instead.
Gluten-free: Many varieties of Chex cereal are gluten-free, including the rice and corn versions. Most hot chocolate mixes are gluten-free as well, but be sure to check the packaging, especially if they are claiming to be “malted,” which often contains barley.
Storage: Transfer cooled Muddy Buddies to a large airtight container or food storage bag. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They lose a little bit of their crunch in the refrigerator, but still taste great!
Additional Mix-ins: If you like, you can add other candies or ingredients after the mix has cooled completely to room temperature. Here are some ideas:
- Extra chocolate chips
- Holiday candies or sprinkles
- M&M’s
- Dehydrated marshmallows (instead of mini marshmallows; use about half as much for intensity)
Nutrition
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