Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
I always find myself in need of a quick, sweet snack that can keep everyone happy, especially when the kids have friends over. Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies fit the bill perfectly! These little morsels are a delightful mix of crunchy, chocolatey goodness that just feel like a warm hug. We whip them up for our movie nights, or you know, when Donald needs a quick pick-me-up after a long day of programming. Trust me, once you try these, you'll find yourself reaching for them every chance you get. Discover our delightful Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
These Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies are super easy to make with real, simple ingredients. They come together in just about 45 minutes, including cooling time, which means you can have a delicious snack on the table in less than an hour. The best part? No baking necessary!
Ingredients
- 10 cups rice chex cereal
- 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff/creme
- 1.5 ounces hot cocoa mix dry
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3.1 ounces Snow Caps candy
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Step-by-step instructions
- Add cereal to a large container (with cover) or 2-gallon Ziploc bag, set aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter together at 30-second intervals, stirring between each one until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the hot cocoa mix and powdered sugar.
- Add the chocolate and peanut butter mixture to the bag with the cereal and shake until the cereal is fully coated.
- Then add the powdered sugar mixture and shake until fully coated.
- Place two wire racks on two large baking sheets and spread the muddy buddies out to cool. Allow them to cool for about 30 minutes before packing up and enjoying.

Recipe tips & variations
If you're like us and love experimenting, try adding a bit more marshmallow fluff to make these gooier. And if you don't have Snow Caps on hand, mini chocolate chips are an easy swap. For a festive touch, sprinkle some colorful candies on top, especially around holidays.
Storage & reheating
To keep your Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, we usually find they don't last that long around here! If you're planning to store them longer, a quick pop in the microwave for about 10 seconds will regain that lovely gooeyness before serving.

FAQs
How do you keep Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies from clumping together?
The key is in the shaking! Make sure each step of coating is done thoroughly, and spread them out evenly to cool to prevent clumping.
Can you make Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the rice chex cereal with a certified gluten-free cereal option, and you're all set.
What type of chocolate works best for Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies?
Bittersweet chocolate chips bring out a rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the marshmallow and powdered sugar. However, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate if that's your preference.
How long should Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies cool before storing?
Let them cool for about 30 minutes on wire racks before you put them into airtight containers. This will help them to firm up nicely.
Recipes you may like
For more delightful treats, don't miss out on our scrumptious Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost and the refreshing Pineapple Green Smoothie.
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Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for delicious Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies that will delight everyone.
Ingredients
- 10 cups rice chex cereal
- 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff/creme
- 1.5 ounces hot cocoa mix dry
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3.1 ounces Snow Caps candy
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Add cereal to a large container (with cover) or 2-gallon Ziploc bag, set aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter together at 30-second intervals, stirring between each one until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the hot cocoa mix and powdered sugar.
- Add the chocolate and peanut butter mixture to the bag with the cereal and shake until the cereal is fully coated.
- Then add the powdered sugar mixture and shake until fully coated.
- Place two wire racks on two large baking sheets and spread the muddy buddies out to cool. Allow them to cool for about 30 minutes before packing up and enjoying.
Notes
- If you love experimenting, try adding a bit more marshmallow fluff for more gooiness.
- Mini chocolate chips can replace Snow Caps if needed.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle colorful candies on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg





