If you want a holiday snack that tastes like a steamy mug of cocoa and disappears by the handful, these Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies are it. Think chocolate-coated Chex showered in powdered sugar and hot cocoa mix, then finished with mini marshmallows. Chocolatey, crunchy, totally giftable.
Best part? No baking, just melt-toss-shake. Kids can help, it scales for parties, and it looks adorable in cellophane bags with a ribbon. Make one batch for sharing…and another for “taste testing.”
Why You’ll Love Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
- Zero Baking Required: This is a no-heat, no-fuss situation. Just melt, mix, and munch!
- The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit with kids, adults, and everyone in between. This is the snack that disappears first from the party table.
- Perfect for Gifting: Packed in a cute bag with a ribbon, it’s a heartfelt and delicious homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, and friends.
- Endlessly Customizable: I'll give you the perfect base recipe and then all the fun ways you can run with it!
David
Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, are the perfect blend of hot cocoa and snack mix. You get all the cozy, chocolatey flavor of a mug of hot chocolate, wrapped around crunchy cereal, powdered sugar, and soft little marshmallows. No baking, no fuss, shake, coat, and snack.
This version tastes like hot cocoa you can eat by the handful. The base is crispy Chex cereal, covered in a warm mix of chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, hot cocoa, and powdered sugar. Add mini marshmallows and candy, and you have a winter snack that disappears fast at parties, movie nights, and snow days.
If you already love classic Puppy Chow, this hot chocolate twist will feel familiar and fun. It has all the usual crunch, but with extra cocoa flavor and that marshmallow vibe that feels like childhood in a bowl.
Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddy Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex Cereal: I'm Team Rice Chex for its light, neutral crunch, but Corn Chex will give you a stronger corn flavor and a sturdier bite. Want something next-level? Cinnamon Chex will add a wonderful warmth that plays so well with the hot cocoa!
- ¼ cup Salted Butter, melted: The salt in the butter is KEY here. It balances the intense sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop. Trust me on this!
- 1 cup Chocolate, melted: I use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a perfect balance, but this is your chance to customize! Dark chocolate will make it more sophisticated and less sweet, while milk chocolate will be a kid-favorite.
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar, Sifted: Do not skip the sifting! This is the #1 pro-tip for preventing lumpy, uneven coating. Sifted sugar creates that smooth, classic “muddy” look.
- 2 packets (½ cup) Hot Cocoa Mix: This is our magic ingredient! Using a mix that includes dry milk powder and cocoa gives you that authentic, creamy hot chocolate flavor. I find the classic name-brand packets work perfectly.
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows: Add these after the coating is done. They represent the fluffy marshmallows floating in your mug!
Variations and Add-Ins
You can keep this basic or dress it up for the holidays. Use what you love and what you have.
- Swap the cereal
- Rice Chex
- Corn Chex
- Chocolate Chex
- Crispix
- Make it festive Toss in red and green M&M’s, holiday sprinkles, or seasonal candies.
- Extra mix-ins Try adding:
- Sprinkles
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Mini chocolate chips
- Hershey’s Kisses (add after cooling)
- Gluten-free option Use a gluten-free Chex variety and double check the ingredients on your hot cocoa mix to confirm it is gluten-free.
My Tips for Muddy Buddy Perfection
- Melting Chocolate Like a Pro: Microwave your chocolate in 20-second bursts on 50% power, stirring in between. This prevents it from seizing and keeps it smooth and creamy.
- Keep it Crispy: For the crunchiest result, let the finished muddy buddies sit spread out on the baking sheet for 15-20 minutes before bagging them up. This allows the chocolate to fully set.
- Gifting Like a Boss: Use clear cellophane bags and tie them with a festive ribbon or twine. Add a cute tag that says “Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies” – it’s the perfect personal touch.
- Mix-In Mania: After coating, feel free to stir in a handful of holiday M&Ms, peppermint bits, or even mini chocolate chips for extra texture and fun!
Storage and Gifting
- Room temp: Airtight container or zip bag up to 3 days, but it won't last that long in your house!
- Make ahead: Coat, let set, then portion into cellophane bags and tie with ribbon.
- Freezer: Not recommended—condensation can dissolve the sugar coating and also create a different texture by softening.
For even more Christmas recipes, you may like these:
Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex cereal
- ¼ cup salted butter melted
- 1 cup chocolate melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2 packets ½ cup hot cocoa mix
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Pour the cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the melted butter over the cereal, then gently toss to coat.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal, then gently toss again to coat.
- Sift the powdered sugar over the chocolatey cereal.
- Pour in the hot cocoa mix.
- Gently toss to coat the cereal in the powdered sugar and cocoa mix.
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows over top, then serve.
Notes
Quick Tips
- Gentle tosses: Chex is delicate—use a wide scraper and lift from the bottom.
- Melt smart: Microwave chocolate in 20-second bursts, stirring between each; stop when just smooth.
- Even coat: Sift the powdered sugar so it clings in a fine, uniform layer.
FAQs: Your Muddy Buddy Questions, Answered!
Can I use a different cereal?
Absolutely! Crispix is a great substitute with a similar texture. You could even use a hearty cornflake or a gluten-free cereal of your choice.
How long does this last, and how should I store it?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cereal will start to lose its crispiness after that. I do not recommend storing it in the fridge, as it can cause the powdered sugar to become moist.
My chocolate got clumpy when I melted it. What happened?
That means it likely got too hot and “seized.” A tiny drop of flavorless oil (like vegetable or coconut) can sometimes help smooth it out. The best method is to always melt low and slow!
Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
Easily! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and butter. Ensure your hot cocoa mix and Chex cereal (Rice Chex are gluten-free) are certified gluten-free if needed.
