Chex Mix Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) - Fed & Fit (2024)

Whether you call it puppy chow or muddy buddies, this classic Christmas recipe is easy to make, always a crowd favorite, and makes a perfect DIY gift this holiday season!

Chex Mix Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) - Fed & Fit (1)

Every year, we like to share a DIY Christmas gift – something easy to make that is perfect for gifting to friends, coworkers, neighbors, and teachers. When we were brainstorming this year, the first thing that came to mind was puppy chow! We had it every year around Christmas time so it just screams holiday season to me. This mix is sweet, crunchy, and has the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

Is it Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow?

You may have grown up calling this mix puppy chow or muddy buddies. Puppy chow is thought to have originated in the midwest and was named because of its resemblance to dog kibble. Later, Chex caught on to the popularity of the snack and began publishing a recipe for ‘Muddy Buddies’ on the back of its boxes, which is why the two common names exist. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘monkey munch’ and ‘reindeer chow.’

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How to make Muddy Buddy Chex Mix

One of the best things about muddy buddies is how easy they are to make! This is a GREAT recipe to get the kids involved in making. All you’ll need to make it is rice or corn Chex, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter (you can use sunbutter if you need to be nut-free), and powdered sugar. Once you’ve got your ingredients, follow the steps below:

  1. Melt the chocolate. First, you’ll melt the chocolate chips. Our preferred way to do this is by microwaving and stirring it in 20-second intervals until melted, but you can also use the double boiler method if you prefer!
  2. Stir in the peanut butter. Next, you’ll stir the peanut butter into the chocolate until smooth.
  3. Place the Chex and chocolate mixture in a bowl or Ziplock bag. The easiest method for making muddy buddies is to place all of the ingredients in a Ziplock bag – this way you can simply shake it up and not worry about spilling powdered sugar. However, you can mix it all in a bowl if you’d like! For this first step, you’ll place the Chex and the chocolate peanut butter mixture in a bag and shake it to combine.
  4. Add the powdered sugar.Next, you’ll add the powdered sugar to the bag and shake again until the puppy chow is coated with powdered sugar. After that, it’s ready to eat!

How to gift Chex Mix Puppy Chow

Once you’ve made your puppy chow, you can either keep it for yourself or gift it. For a fun gift, we chose to package the puppy chow up in mason jars. To do this, you’ll simply make a cone out of parchment paper, then stick it in the mason jar and pour in the puppy chow. While you don’t have to use the parchment paper cone, it goes a long way toward minimizing mess! Once you have poured the puppy chow into mason jars, simply tie your favorite ribbon around the top and attach a gift tag, and you’ve got an adorable (and tasty) DIY holiday gift.

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How to store Muddy Buddies Chex Mix

How long does homemade muddy buddies last?

Puppy chow will stay good for about 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature. After this, the mix starts to become stale.

Do Muddy Buddies need to be refrigerated?

Puppy chow doesn’t need to be refrigerated, but some people prefer it cold. If this is the case, refrigerate it in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.

Can I freeze puppy chow?

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and either eat it frozen or let it sit at room temperature for about an hour to defrost.

Puppy Chow Recipe (Chex) FAQ

How many cups are in a box of Chex?

A family size (18 ounces) box of Chex has a little bit over 17 cups of Chex (enough for 2 batches of Muddy Buddies!), and a regular, 13.8-ounce box of Chex yields 8 cups (perfect for 1 batch of Muddy Buddies!).

We hope you love this recipe! If you’re looking for more Chex Mix recipes, check out our Chex Mix 3 Ways post, where we share recipes for original, spicy, and honey nut Chex Mix. Whichever type you make, these are all perfect for your next holiday party.

Chex Muddy Buddies

5 from 1 vote

By Amber Goulden

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

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This puppy chow is sweet, crunchy, and loaded with chocolate peanut butter flavor!

Ingredients

For the Puppy Chow

For the Gift Packaging

Instructions

Melt the dark chocolate using one of the methods below:

  • Double-boiler method: place the chocolate in a medium-sized glass bowl that can rest on top of a pot without falling in. Fill the pot with a couple inches of water, place the bowl of chocolate over top, and bring the water to a boil. Use a spatula to constantly stir the chocolate until it's melted and smooth.

  • Microwave method: place the chocolate in a medium-sized glass bowl and microwave it in 20-second increments, stirring well between each spell, until it's melted and smooth.

  • Stir the peanut butter into the melted chocolate until smooth.

  • Place the Chex in a large Ziplock bag or bowl, and pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over top. Shake the bag (or stir the mixture) until evenly coated.

  • Pour 1 cup of powdered sugar over the puppy chow mix, and shake or stir again until it is fully coated with the powdered sugar. Then, taste the puppy chow and add the additional 1/2 cup powdered sugar, if desired.

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

To Make Gift Jars:

  • Roll a sheet of parchment paper into a cone and place it into a 16-ounce mason jar. Then, pour 1 1/2 cups puppy chow into the jar. Repeat for all 5 jars then seal them.

  • Tie a ribbon around each jar, then attach the gift tag.

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 282mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 1002IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 9mg

Additional Info

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 372

Keyword: chex mix, christmas, holiday, monkey munch, muddy buddies, puppy chow, reindeer chow

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Chex Mix Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) - Fed & Fit (2024)

FAQs

Is it Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow? ›

There's sort of an ongoing debate about the name of this chocolate-covered cereal treat. Some people call it puppy chow, while others know it by different names: muddy munch, monkey munch, or muddy buddies. Muddy Buddies is actually the official name of the recipe marketed by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal.

What came first, Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies? ›

In 2002 General Mills developed Muddy Buddies, the same recipe as Puppy Chow. But it can't be said that General Mills invented the recipe since Midwesterners recall seeing it and eating it long before the early 2000s.

Why do some people call Muddy Buddies Puppy Chow? ›

Its brown kibble-like appearance harkens back to the chow of the Purina company, and the name wasn't subtle, people called it Puppy Chow, knowing well that the dog food company manufactured that cereal. While party mix was a little more universally known for many decades, Puppy Chow was a neat quirk of the Midwest.

What is Puppy Chow made of? ›

What Is Puppy Chow? “Puppy chow” (a.k.a. muddy buddies) is the name for a homemade candy or snack that's made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. General Mills sells their own version of the popular treat, but it's easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

Is puppy chow better than dog chow? ›

Puppy food does have slightly higher levels of calcium and phosphorous when compared to most adult dog foods. Puppy food also has a higher fat and protein content, meaning there are more calories per bite than the adult version of the same brand.

Is puppy chow a wisconsin thing? ›

The puppy chow belt runs through the Dakotas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, fanning out into the surrounding areas.

Can dogs eat Muddy Buddies? ›

Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies) is a great last-minute snack that can be completely ready in under 10 minutes! Loaded with plenty of peanut butter and chocolate, this is a super crave-able snack. Please note that this recipe is for humans only and is not dog-friendly!

Is puppy chow just a Midwest thing? ›

Puppy chow is a party staple in the Midwest, but not everywhere else. Puppy chow — a snack mix made of Chex cereal covered in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar — is often a fixture at parties. People outside of the Midwest have often never heard of it, and they don't know what they're missing.

What is a funny name for puppy chow? ›

Puppy chow, also known as monkey munch, muddy buddies, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag, is the name for a homemade candy made in the United States, primarily in the Midwestern States.

Are chex mix Muddy Buddies bad for you? ›

Muddy Buddies (or Puppy Chow, whatever you call it!) are the EPITOME of an unhealthy treat. It's a chocolatey, peanut buttery, sugary snack known for it's crunchy and delicious, bite-sized goodness. Recipes call for margarine, lots of powdered sugar, and a ton of chocolate and peanut butter.

Can chex mix be frozen? ›

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

To freeze: Chex mix freezes great!

How many cups of Chex are in a box? ›

One standard-size (12-ounce) box of Rice Chex cereal contains about 11 cups of cereal. Save yourself the hassle of measuring out 9 cups and dump the entire box into your largest bowl. It's easier, it feeds more people, and you don't have an awkward amount of cereal left over.

How long have muddy buddies been around? ›

The history behind Muddy Buddies: “Multiple Midwesterners happily shared stories of the prevalence of puppy chow going back to the '60s, but General Mills, the owner and producer of the Chex cereal brand since 1996, says that the Muddy Buddies recipe was developed in 2002.

Does puppy chow go bad? ›

Puppy chow is best stored in a sealable plastic bag or other airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If refrigerating, it will last up to 2 weeks.

Is there chicken in puppy chow? ›

Made with real chicken, this meaty wet puppy food recipe is specially formulated to give puppies all the nutrients and calories needed to support all facets of their growing and developing bodies.

What is another name for muddy buddies? ›

Puppy chow, also known as monkey munch, muddy buddies, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag, is the name for a homemade candy made in the United States, primarily in the Midwestern States.

What is the nickname for puppy chow? ›

I'm a midwesterner (born and raised) so I call this treat “Puppy Chow.” It has other names too, like muddy buddies, monkey munch, etc., but no matter what you call it, it's delicious. I make this dessert more than any others on my website (except for our famous chocolate chip cookies).

Is puppy chow only a Midwest thing? ›

Puppy chow is a party staple in the Midwest, but not everywhere else. Puppy chow — a snack mix made of Chex cereal covered in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar — is often a fixture at parties. People outside of the Midwest have often never heard of it, and they don't know what they're missing.

Is puppy chow a brand name? ›

Puppy Chow Puppy Food

Nourish the now with the expertly formulated nutrition of Purina Puppy Chow. Offered in both dry and wet puppy food, you can ensure your puppy is getting the right levels of all the nutrients he needs to jump start a long and healthy life.

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