Sweet Festive Muddy Buddies Mix

This Reindeer Food transforms simple Chex cereal into a festive holiday treat that practically vanishes as fast as I can make it. The sweet chocolate and peanut butter coating dusted with powdered sugar creates an irresistible snack that's become our family's official Christmas movie night tradition.

I first made this recipe five years ago when we were snowed in on Christmas Eve, and now my kids insist we make it every December weekend. It's become the unofficial signal that holiday season has officially begun in our home.

Ingredients

• 12 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal provides the perfect crunchy base and holds the coating beautifully. Choose fresh cereal for maximum crispness.
• 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips creates the rich chocolatey coating. Use high quality chips for the smoothest melt.
• 1½ cups creamy peanut butter adds that classic nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Room temperature peanut butter mixes more easily.
• ½ cup unsalted butter gives the coating a silky texture. Make sure it's at room temperature for even melting.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors. Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference here.
• 4 cups powdered sugar creates that signature sweet coating. Sift it first if you notice any lumps.
• 1½ cups holiday M&Ms brings festive color and chocolate crunch. The red and green ones make it truly Christmas themed.
• 1 cup mini pretzels optional but adds extra saltiness and texture. Choose fresh ones for maximum crunch.
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or festive sprinkles optional for extra holiday flair. The peppermint adds a refreshing contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Station

Pour all 12 cups of Chex cereal into an extra large mixing bowl ensuring you have plenty of room to fold without crushing the cereal. Then line your counter with parchment paper to create a cooling surface for later. This preparation makes the process much smoother.

Melt The Chocolate Mixture

Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a large microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each until completely smooth about 1½ to 2 minutes total. The mixture should be glossy and uniform with no streaks. Stir in the vanilla extract which will slightly thin the mixture and add depth of flavor.

Coat The Cereal

Pour your warm chocolate mixture over the cereal gradually, folding gently with a silicone spatula after each addition. Continue folding until every piece is evenly coated with a rich chocolate layer. Take your time here to ensure even coverage without breaking the cereal pieces.

Add The Powdered Sugar

Divide the chocolate coated cereal between two large zip top bags to give plenty of room for movement. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar to each bag, seal tightly removing excess air, then shake vigorously until every piece is completely coated in white powdery goodness. The contrast between the chocolate layer and the white sugar creates that classic puppy chow look.

Cool The Mixture

Spread your sugar coated cereal across the parchment paper in an even layer allowing air to circulate. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes until completely set, or speed up the process by chilling for 10 minutes in the refrigerator. This step prevents the candy mix ins from melting when added.

Add The Festive Mix Ins

Once the cereal mixture has cooled completely, gently fold in the holiday M&Ms, mini pretzels, and crushed peppermint or sprinkles if using. Use a light hand to prevent breaking the coated cereal pieces. The mix ins should distribute evenly throughout the mixture creating pops of festive color and flavor contrast.

Bookmark

The vanilla extract is my secret ingredient that truly elevates this recipe. I once forgot to add it and immediately noticed the difference in flavor depth. My grandmother always said vanilla is to baking what salt is to cooking it enhances everything around it without overwhelming.

Storage Tips

This Reindeer Food stays fresh and crunchy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For best results, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. I find glass containers or metal tins maintain freshness better than plastic bags. If you notice any softening after a few days, you can refresh the batch by spreading it on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes at room temperature.

Allergy Friendly Variations

This festive treat can be easily adapted for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For a nut free version, substitute SunButter or cookie butter for the peanut butter. Those with gluten sensitivities should stick with Rice Chex and either omit the pretzels or use certified gluten free alternatives. For dairy free needs, use dairy free chocolate chips and vegan butter. The basic technique works perfectly regardless of these substitutions, making it an inclusive holiday treat everyone can enjoy.

Gifting Ideas

Reindeer Food makes a charming homemade gift that recipients absolutely adore. Package portions in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon, or fill decorative mason jars adorned with holiday tags. For an extra special touch, include a handwritten note explaining that this is "magical reindeer food" that helps Santa's reindeer fly on Christmas Eve. I send my children's teachers home with jars every December, and they tell me it's their favorite classroom gift.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own as a snack, this Reindeer Food can be incorporated into your holiday entertaining in creative ways. Serve in paper cones for a portable Christmas movie night treat, use as a topping for vanilla ice cream, or create a dessert board with this as the centerpiece surrounded by fresh berries and cookies. My family particularly enjoys it served alongside hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for our annual Christmas tree decorating night.

Your Questions Answered About This Recipe

→ How long does this Reindeer Food treat stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this sweet snack will stay fresh for up to one week. For best results, make sure it's completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation that could make it soggy.

→ Can I make this treat allergen-friendly?

Yes! For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with SunButter (sunflower seed butter). For gluten-free, use Rice Chex cereal and gluten-free pretzels. For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter substitute.

→ Why is powdered sugar used instead of granulated sugar?

Powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar) creates the signature light coating that gives muddy buddies their classic look and texture. It adheres better to the chocolate-coated cereal and provides a smooth, sweet finish without the graininess that granulated sugar would create.

→ What are some creative ways to serve this holiday treat?

Package it in cellophane bags with festive ribbons for homemade gifts, serve in decorative holiday bowls at parties, use it as a topping for ice cream sundaes, or create a holiday snack board with this as the centerpiece surrounded by fruits, nuts, and cookies.

→ Can I customize the mix-ins for different holidays?

Absolutely! While red and green M&M's are perfect for Christmas, you can easily adapt this treat for other holidays by changing the candy colors - orange and black for Halloween, pastels for Easter, red and pink for Valentine's Day, or team colors for game day celebrations.

→ Why does the recipe suggest making a double batch?

This sweet and crunchy treat tends to disappear quickly at gatherings! The irresistible combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy cereal makes it highly snackable, and guests often come back for multiple servings. A double batch ensures you'll have enough for everyone (and maybe some leftovers).