Cozy Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Recipe for Sweet Snacking

Crafting homemade hot chocolate muddy buddies brings pure winter delight to snack time.

Sweet chocolate lovers will adore this playful twist on classic treats.

Cozy moments demand something special that melts hearts and satisfies cravings.

Powdered sugar coats each morsel with irresistible charm and decadent flavor.

Crisp cereal pieces transform into magical bites that dance between chocolate and sweetness.

Unexpected ingredients create a surprising blend of comfort and excitement.

You’ll want to share these addictive morsels with everyone around.

This recipe promises pure indulgence in every single bite.

Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies That Feel Cozy

• Capture the warmth of hot chocolate in a crunchy, sweet snack that brings nostalgic winter vibes to any gathering.
• Perfect for movie nights, holiday parties, classroom treats, or casual snacking with its universally appealing chocolate flavor.
• Store in an airtight container for up to a week, making it an ideal make-ahead treat that stays fresh and delicious.

Ingredient List for Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies

• Rice Chex Cereal: Crunchy base for the snack, provides structure and texture.
• Chocolate Chips: Melts smoothly to create rich chocolate coating.
• Butter: Helps chocolate melt and adds smooth richness to the mixture.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy depth and helps bind the chocolate coating.

• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor, mimics hot chocolate taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates sweet, fine coating that clings to cereal pieces.
• Mini Marshmallows: Optional ingredient that adds classic hot chocolate nostalgia.

• Parchment Paper: Helps cool and set Muddy Buddies without sticking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Used for initial cereal mixing and coating.
• Large Resealable Plastic Bag: Perfect for evenly coating cereal with powdered sugar.

Simple Prep for Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies

Step 1: Prepare the Chex

Pour Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ensuring enough space for mixing.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Mixture

• Butter
• Peanut butter
• Chocolate chips

Melt ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Incorporate cocoa powder, mixing until completely blended.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Drizzle chocolate mixture over Chex, gently folding to ensure every piece gets an even chocolate embrace.

Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar

Transfer chocolate-covered Chex into a large resealable plastic bag. Sprinkle powdered sugar inside, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until cereal is completely coated.

Step 5: Optional Marshmallow Boost

Fold mini marshmallows into the mixture for a cozy hot chocolate inspired twist.

Step 6: Cool and Set

Spread Muddy Buddies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool at room temperature until chocolate coating hardens and becomes crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Store

Transfer to a serving bowl or store in an airtight container. Enjoy within one week for maximum freshness and crunch.

Tips to Keep Muddy Buddies Rich and Sweet

• Prevent Clumping: Stir the cereal gently and continuously while coating to ensure each piece gets an even chocolate layer without sticking together.
• Control Chocolate Consistency: Melt chocolate mixture on low heat and stir constantly to avoid burning or separating, creating a smooth and glossy coating.
• Customize Marshmallow Mix: Add mini marshmallows right before serving to maintain their soft texture and prevent them from getting hard or soggy.
• Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cocoa powder types or add a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder for a unique hot chocolate twist.
• Storage Smart: Keep Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum crispness and prevent moisture from making them soft.

Keep Your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Fresh

• Store Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, avoiding moisture and heat that can make them soggy.
• Keep the sweet treat in a sealed container for up to 7 days, maintaining its crispy texture and delightful chocolate flavor.
• Freeze the Muddy Buddies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Allow frozen Muddy Buddies to thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying, ensuring they retain their original crunch and taste.

Best Beverages for Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies

• Brew a rich, steaming mug of classic hot chocolate to echo the recipe's flavors, creating a cozy and indulgent snacking experience.
• Serve alongside a cold glass of whole milk to balance the sweet and chocolatey snack, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Arrange the Muddy Buddies with soft chocolate chip cookies or brownies for a delightful dessert spread that satisfies chocolate lovers.
• Enjoy these snacks during holiday movie nights or after outdoor winter activities, making them a perfect comfort food companion.

Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddy Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies: Replace Rice Chex with gluten-free corn or rice cereal to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining the same rich chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips, creating a creamy alternative for those avoiding dairy products.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit powder, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the sweet chocolate essence.
• Nutty Alternative: Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty undertone, perfect for those wanting to explore alternative nut flavors or with peanut allergies.

Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate magic meets irresistible Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies in this winter snack wonderland. Crispy Chex cereal coated with rich cocoa, marshmallow powder, and chocolate chips creates a quick, addictive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights when snacking calls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups rice cereal squares (like Rice Chex)
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Coating and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup hot cocoa mix
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Optional Garnish Ingredients:

• ¼ cup mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies

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Instructions

1. Empty the Rice Chex cereal into a spacious mixing vessel, preparing for the chocolatey transformation.
2. Create a velvety chocolate base by gently melting butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips in a saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture achieves a silky-smooth consistency.
3. Incorporate cocoa powder into the molten chocolate mixture, whisking thoroughly to ensure complete integration and develop a deep, rich chocolate flavor profile.
4. Carefully cascade the warm chocolate blend over the cereal, using a gentle folding technique to guarantee each cereal piece receives an even, luxurious chocolate coating.
5. Transfer the chocolate-drenched cereal into a large, sealable plastic bag, introducing powdered sugar as the final transformative element.
6. Vigorously shake the sealed bag, allowing the powdered sugar to create a delicate, frost-like exterior that completely envelops each morsel.
7. Optionally, sprinkle mini marshmallows throughout the mixture, evoking the comforting essence of a classic hot chocolate experience.
8. Distribute the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, permitting the chocolate to solidify and develop a satisfying, crisp texture.
9. Allow the Muddy Buddies to cool completely, then transfer to a serving bowl or hermetically sealed container, which will preserve their delectable crunch for up to seven days.

Notes

• Toast the Chex cereal lightly in the oven before coating to enhance its crispiness and prevent sogginess during mixing.
• Sift powdered sugar through a fine-mesh strainer for an even, smoother coating that prevents clumping and creates a more professional look.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa content to elevate the rich, deep chocolate flavor and improve overall taste complexity.
• Include dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make the recipe suitable for vegan and lactose-intolerant individuals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts, Drinks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg