There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about Muddy Buddies (or “puppy chow” as some call it), but this Mint Chocolate version elevates the classic snack to a whole new level of deliciousness. The cool, refreshing hint of mint perfectly balances the rich chocolate coating, creating a treat that’s both familiar and excitingly different.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, packing treats for a road trip, or simply craving something sweet to munch on while binging your favorite show, these Mint Chocolate Muddy Buddies will disappear faster than you can say “just one more handful.” The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required – just melt, mix, and shake!
- The perfect balance of chocolate richness and cool mint freshness
- Customizable sweetness level to suit your taste preferences
- Makes a great homemade gift in a decorative jar or bag
- Stays fresh for days (if it lasts that long!)
Ingredients
- 10 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
- 6 ounces chocolate chips
- 6 ounces green candy melts
- 2 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 1 cup mint M&M’s
- 1 cup Andes chocolate mints, chopped
Instructions
- Set out two large microwave-safe bowls, measuring cups, and large zip-top bags. Measure out your ingredients and divide the Chex cereal into two equal portions (5 cups each).
- Place the chocolate chips in one of the large microwave-safe bowls. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
- Pour 5 cups of Chex cereal into the bowl with the melted chocolate. Gently stir until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated with chocolate.
- Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to the chocolate-coated cereal and mix well until all pieces are coated with powdered sugar. You can either continue mixing in the bowl or transfer to a large zip-top bag, seal, and shake to coat.
- In the second large microwave-safe bowl, melt the green candy melts. Microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until completely melted and smooth. Green candy melts can be more sensitive to heat than chocolate, so shorter intervals are recommended.
- Add the remaining 5 cups of Chex cereal to the melted green candy melts. Stir gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the green candy-coated cereal to a large zip-top bag, add the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until all pieces are well coated with powdered sugar.
- Transfer both the chocolate-coated cereal and the green candy-coated cereal into one large zip-top bag or a large mixing bowl. If your bag isn’t large enough, you may need to divide into two bags.
- Add the mint M&M’s and chopped Andes mints to the bag or bowl with the coated cereal. Seal the bag and gently shake, or stir carefully in the bowl, until the candies are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Place the muddy buddy mix in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate and candy coating to set completely.
- Serve immediately after chilling or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment. The muddy buddies can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger mint flavor, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract, but be careful – a little goes a long way!
- Try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Add crushed candy canes during the winter holidays for a festive peppermint crunch.
- For a fun twist, mix in some green M&Ms or mint chocolate chips after coating.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar to 1 1/2 cups.
- Make it extra decadent by drizzling with melted green candy melts after cooling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Mint Chocolate Muddy Buddies in small paper cups or mason jars for individual portions at parties. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a crunchy topping, or alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate chocolate lover’s experience.
For a festive touch, serve in a large glass bowl surrounded by fresh mint leaves or alongside other snack mix favorites for a grazing table that will have everyone coming back for more.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.
- The flavor actually improves after sitting for a day as the mint melds with the chocolate.
- If the mixture becomes too sticky during coating, add a little more powdered sugar.
- For gifting, portion into cellophane bags and tie with ribbon – include a cute label with the recipe name.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal?
Yes! While Chex is traditional, you can substitute with Crispix or even plain rice squares. Avoid sweetened cereals as they’ll make the final product too sweet.
Is there a difference between mint extract and peppermint extract?
Yes! Mint extract has a more balanced, subtle flavor while peppermint extract is stronger and more intense. Either will work, but reduce the amount if using peppermint.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! These actually taste better after sitting for 24 hours as the flavors meld. Make up to 5 days in advance and store in an airtight container.
My mixture turned out too sticky. What went wrong?
You may have added too much chocolate or butter. Try adding more powdered sugar during the coating process, or spread on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes before continuing.
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