If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and utterly addictive snack to share this holiday season, you’ve got to try this Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe. Imagine crunchy Chex cereal enveloped in luscious peanut butter, melted candy coating in bright red and green colors, and then dusted with powdered sugar for that perfect snowy finish. This treat is not only quick to whip up but also brings a burst of holiday cheer in every bite. It’s a snack that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together magically to create the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crispy textures complemented by vibrant Christmas colors. Each item is essential for delivering the classic Muddy Buddies experience with a festive twist.
- 8 cups Chex cereal (divided): The crunchy base that catches every delicious coating and remains satisfyingly crispy.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (divided): Adds that irresistible creamy richness and nutty flavor that binds the ingredients perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil (divided): Helps smooth out the melted candy and peanut butter, ensuring an even coating.
- 1 cup red candy melts: Bright, festive color and a sweet, smooth coating that makes the snack pop visually and flavor-wise.
- 1 cup green candy melts: Completes the holiday palette with a luscious green coating that tastes just as good as it looks.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (divided): Provides that signature snowy finish and a sweet dusting that balances all the flavors.
- 2 gallon-sized ziplock bags: Essential for shaking and evenly coating the cereal with powdered sugar without turning your kitchen into a mess.
How to Make Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Red Candy Coated Muddy Buddies
Start by placing 4 cups of Chex cereal in a large bowl. Then, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of red candy melts, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, and 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat the mixture on high for 30 seconds, stir well, and continue microwaving in 15-second bursts until smooth and silky. Pour this beautiful red mixture over the cereal and toss delicately to ensure every piece is coated. Transfer the coated cereal into a gallon ziplock bag, add half of the powdered sugar (3/4 cup), seal the bag tightly, and shake until every piece is dusted with powdered sugar. Spread the coated cereal on parchment or wax paper to set.
Step 2: Repeat with Green Candy Melts
Now it’s time for the green team! Simply repeat the same process using the remaining 4 cups of Chex cereal, 1 cup of green candy melts, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil, and the last half of the powdered sugar. This creates a colorful counterpart that pairs perfectly with the red batch, making your Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe irresistibly festive and fun.
Step 3: Let Set and Store
Once both batches are coated and set, combine or keep them separate depending on your preference. Store your Christmas Muddy Buddies in an airtight container where they will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making them an excellent make-ahead holiday snack.
How to Serve Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe
Garnishes
While the red and green candy coating already makes this snack show-stopping, you can sprinkle tiny festive accents such as edible glitter, mini candy canes crushed to bits, or holiday-themed sprinkles on top before the mixture sets. These garnishes add an extra layer of visual charm and subtle textural surprises that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Christmas Muddy Buddies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine, making them an excellent choice for cozy gatherings. You can also serve alongside a cheese platter with mild cheeses and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness with savory elements for a delightful party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unforgettable holiday presentation, portion the Muddy Buddies into clear festive bags tied with red and green ribbons and personalized tags for gifting. Alternatively, arrange them in mason jars layered with other sweet treats or in a decorative holiday bowl for an inviting snack table centerpiece everyone will gravitate towards.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to keep your hands off all that deliciousness, store leftover Christmas Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them crunchy for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking throughout your holiday celebrations without losing that fresh homemade feel.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not recommended for this treat as the candy coating can degrade in texture and the powdered sugar may clump. For best results, enjoy your Christmas Muddy Buddies fresh or within a week of making them.
Reheating
Since this snack is best enjoyed crunchy and cool, reheating is not advised. To refresh slightly soft Muddy Buddies, a brief 5-minute time in a low oven (about 250°F) can restore some crispness, but be sure to watch closely to avoid melting the candy coating again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cereal for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Chex cereal is classic because of its shape and crunch, you can try other cereals like Crispix or even Cheerios for a fun twist. Just be mindful that different cereals may alter the texture slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the peanut butter with a nut-free butter like sunflower seed butter to accommodate allergies. The candy melts and powdered sugar will still provide that amazing sweet coating you love.
How long does it take for the candy coating to set?
Once coated, letting the Muddy Buddies sit on parchment or wax paper for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature is usually enough for the candy to firm up nicely before packaging or serving.
Can I prepare these for a large party?
Definitely! This Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe scales up easily. Just double or triple the ingredient quantities and use larger mixing bowls and ziplock bags to accommodate the bigger batches without stress.
Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?
No special equipment needed! A microwave-safe bowl, large mixing bowls, and ziplock bags for shaking the powdered sugar are all that’s required. It’s perfect for anyone, from beginners to seasoned snack makers.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe is a joyful, festive treat that captures the spirit of the holidays with every crunchy, sweet bite. It’s so easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles around your holiday table. I can’t wait for you to make it and share this beloved snack with your family and friends – it’s pure holiday magic in a bowl!
Print
Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the festive season with this easy and colorful Christmas Muddy Buddies recipe. Using crunchy Chex cereal coated in creamy peanut butter and vibrant red and green candy melts, these sweet and crunchy snacks are perfect for holiday parties or gifting. The powdered sugar coating adds a delightful sweetness and a snowy finish to these crunchy treats.
Ingredients
Chex Cereal
- 8 cups Chex cereal, divided
Peanut Butter Mixture
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter, divided
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
Candy Melts
- 1 cup red candy melts
- 1 cup green candy melts
Coating
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, divided
Other
- 2 gallon-sized ziplock bags
Instructions
- Prepare Red Candy Coated Cereal: Place 4 cups of Chex cereal in a large bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup red candy melts, 1/4 cup peanut butter, and 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until the mixture is smooth. Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal to a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Add half of the powdered sugar (3/4 cup) into the bag, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until the cereal is thoroughly coated. Spread the coated cereal on parchment or wax paper and allow it to set.
- Repeat for Green Candy Coated Cereal: Repeat the same process using the remaining 4 cups of Chex cereal, 1 cup green candy melts, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil, and the remaining 3/4 cup powdered sugar to create the green-coated portion of the muddy buddies.
- Store the Muddy Buddies: Once set and cooled, store the Christmas Muddy Buddies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Notes
- Ensure the candy melts and peanut butter mixture is smooth before coating the cereal to achieve even coverage.
- Shaking the ziplock bags vigorously is key to evenly distributing the powdered sugar on the coated cereal.
- Use parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking while the coated cereal sets.
- These treats can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with a safe alternative like sunflower seed butter.
