Prepare to fall in love with these utterly delightful Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies, also affectionately known as Puppy Chow. This irresistible no-bake treat perfectly marries the comforting essence of hot chocolate with the satisfying crunch of Chex cereal, all enrobed in a luscious chocolate coating and dusted with a sweet veil of powdered sugar. It’s the ultimate combination for any sweet craving, especially when the weather turns chilly.
Irresistible Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies: The Ultimate Cozy Snack
I must confess, I’m completely captivated by Muddy Buddies, and for good reason! These incredibly simple-to-make snacks deliver an explosion of flavor that is truly amazing. They are the epitome of an easy dessert, requiring no baking and coming together in mere minutes, making them a perfect last-minute solution for any gathering or a delightful treat for a quiet evening at home.
Today, we’re thrilled to share our beloved Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies recipe, a treat that some also refer to as Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow. This particular variation elevates the classic Muddy Buddies experience with the rich, chocolatey warmth of hot cocoa, complete with the delightful surprise of mini marshmallows tucked within the mix.
The name debate is something I often ponder. While “Muddy Buddies” sounds whimsical and fun, “Puppy Chow” still makes me pause. Although widely recognized, I find it a little challenging to introduce “puppy chow” to guests at a party or to friends, as it simply doesn’t quite convey the delicious human-grade treat it actually is. However, regardless of what you call them, their deliciousness remains undisputed!
My profound affection for Muddy Buddies truly began after discovering the incredibly popular Apple Cider Muddy Buddies recipe we shared just a few weeks prior. That recipe opened up a world of creative possibilities, and ever since, I’ve been experimenting with exciting new flavor combinations. The versatility of this snack is truly astounding, allowing for endless customization to suit any season or occasion.
These addictive little squares are so remarkably easy to prepare that they naturally become the quintessential holiday treat. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for an impromptu get-together or a festive addition to your holiday spread, Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are always a crowd-pleaser. The simple steps make them ideal for involving kids in the kitchen, fostering a love for cooking and creating lasting memories.
The great “Muddy Buddies vs. Puppy Chow” discussion is quite active, even sparking a lively debate on our Facebook page. It seems everyone has a strong opinion on the matter! Where do you stand in this passionate discussion about food names? Do you lean towards the playful “Muddy Buddies” or the more traditional “Puppy Chow”? Ultimately, the name might differ, but the joy and deliciousness they bring are universally understood.
Crafting Your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies: The Essential Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the minimal, readily available ingredients required. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies so uniquely addictive.
- Vanilla Chex Cereal: The foundation of our muddy buddies. Vanilla Chex offers a subtle sweetness and a perfectly crisp texture that holds up beautifully to the chocolate coating. Its square shape and porous surface are ideal for absorbing the melted candy and clinging to the powdered sugar, ensuring every bite is uniformly delicious. While other Chex varieties can work, Vanilla Chex truly complements the hot chocolate flavor profile.
- Vanilla Almond Bark: This is our secret weapon for a smooth, rich, and easy-to-melt chocolate coating. Vanilla almond bark provides a wonderful creamy base that sets quickly and gives the muddy buddies their signature firm, yet melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can also use white chocolate chips or candy melts, but almond bark is particularly forgiving and easy to work with for beginners.
- Hot Cocoa Mix with Mini Marshmallows: This ingredient is where the “hot chocolate” magic truly happens! Using a hot cocoa mix ensures that authentic, comforting flavor we all love. The inclusion of mini marshmallows in the mix is a brilliant touch, adding pockets of gooey sweetness and contributing to the overall festive theme. If your mix doesn’t contain marshmallows, you can always add a handful of extra mini marshmallows to the dry mix before shaking.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners Sugar): The final flourish! Powdered sugar not only adds an extra layer of sweetness but also gives the muddy buddies their distinctive “snow-dusted” appearance and prevents them from sticking together. It creates a delightful contrast against the chocolate coating, both visually and texturally.
For an extra indulgent touch, consider stirring in a handful of chocolate chips or additional mini-marshmallows right before serving. This elevates the presentation and adds another dimension of flavor and texture, transforming a simple snack into an even more decadent dessert!
Expert Recipe Tips for Flawless Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few clever tips can ensure your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies turn out perfectly every time, achieving that coveted sweet, crunchy, and non-clumpy texture. These insights are gathered from years of making countless batches of this beloved snack!
One of the most valuable tools for this recipe, especially when making larger quantities, is a set of Ziploc Bag Holders. These stands keep your gallon-sized zippered bags upright and open, making it incredibly easy to pour in ingredients without any spills or the frustrating collapse of the bag. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them!
Pay Close Attention to Step #4: The Powdered Sugar Shake! This step, where you add the powdered sugar and shake the bags vigorously, is absolutely crucial. And I say this from personal, slightly messy experience! While it’s vital to zip the bag tightly to prevent a cloud of powdered sugar from covering your kitchen (and yourself!), there’s a deeper reason for ensuring a thorough, immediate shake.
I once made the mistake of leaving a bag of freshly coated muddy buddies (before the powdered sugar step) overnight, thinking I’d finish them later. What happened? They all fell deeply and madly in love with each other, forming one giant, inseparable block of muddy buddies! The chocolate coating had set, essentially gluing all the cereal pieces together into a solid brick that was nearly impossible to break apart without crumbling them. Lesson learned: the powdered sugar acts as a barrier, preventing this bonding from occurring. So, don’t delay – once the chocolate coating is on, get that powdered sugar in and shake!
To ensure an even coating of powdered sugar and to further prevent any potential clumping, I highly recommend spreading the Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies out on a baking tray or a large sheet of parchment paper immediately after shaking them in the bag. Gently move them around with a spatula or your hands (once cool enough) for a minute or two. This small extra step helps separate any pieces that might have initially stuck together and allows the powdered sugar to adhere evenly, creating that beautiful, snowy finish.
These delightful treats also make for fantastic DIY holiday gifts. They’re personal, delicious, and always appreciated. I particularly enjoy packaging them in these cute holiday gift bags. They instantly add a festive touch and make the gift feel extra special. It’s a fun project that kids can definitely help with, from shaking the bags to tying ribbons on the finished packages, making it a wonderful activity for the entire family during the holiday season.
If you’re a true hot chocolate aficionado, be sure not to miss out on our extensive collection of Hot Chocolate Recipes for more cozy inspiration!
More Great Dessert Snack Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the ease and deliciousness of these Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic dessert snack recipes:
Ruffles Marshmallow Treats: A perfect blend of salty and sweet, these treats offer an irresistible crunch and gooey marshmallow goodness that will satisfy any craving.
2 Ingredient Cherry Bars: Impossibly easy and bursting with fruity flavor, these bars are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
Smores Brownies: Bring the campfire experience indoors with these rich, fudgy brownies topped with toasted marshmallows and chocolate – a classic favorite in brownie form.
Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Bright, tangy, and wonderfully creamy, these bars offer a refreshing citrus twist that’s perfect for a lighter, yet equally indulgent, dessert.
Candied Pecans: Sweet, spiced, and incredibly crunchy, these candied pecans are an addictive snack or a delightful addition to salads and desserts.
This recipe is also a stellar addition to our curated Road Trip Snacks Collection, proving its versatility as a grab-and-go treat.
Do you love discovering new and exciting recipes? Then you’ll want to check out our wide array of culinary creations, including our popular copycat recipes for recreating restaurant favorites at home, our indulgent dessert recipes for every sweet occasion, and our incredibly convenient Crock Pot Recipes for easy, flavorful meals.
Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
10 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
24
241
kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 12.1 Ounce Vanilla Chex Cereal
- 24 Ounce Vanilla Almond Bark
- 2 Hot cocoa mix with mini marshmallows
- 1.5 cups Confectioners Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Divide Vanilla Chex into 2 1-gallon size zippered bags. This helps ensure even coating and makes shaking easier.
- Pour the hot cocoa mix into each bag. Securely close the bags and shake them gently to coat the cereal.
- Melt the Vanilla Almond Bark according to its package instructions. Once melted and smooth, pour half into each bag. Reseal the bags tightly and shake vigorously until the cereal is completely coated.
- Evenly distribute the powdered sugar over the top of the coated cereal in each bag. Zip up the bags tightly (this is critical!) and shake it all about once more until every piece of muddy buddy is thoroughly coated with the powdered sugar.
- Immediately spread the muddy buddies out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and prevent clumping. Once cooled, place in a serving bowl and enjoy this delightful treat!
Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl (for melting, if not using microwave-safe bags)
- Ziplock Bag Holder Stand (optional, but highly recommended for ease)
- Gallon-sized Zippered Bags
- Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper (for cooling)
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 72
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This recipe was originally shared on December 5, 2013, and has been updated in September 2020 to bring you the best possible experience and enhanced tips. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies as much as we do!