Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies
Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies are the ultimate snack mix for anyone craving a sweet, crunchy treat with a nostalgic twist. This recipe combines your favorite cereal with crushed Oreo cookies, creamy peanut butter, and a luscious coating of chocolate and powdered sugar. The result? A perfectly balanced, addictive snack that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re prepping for a movie night, a party, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these muddy buddies are sure to become a staple in your snack rotation.
Why This Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies Stands Out
What makes this version of Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies truly special is the delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The crispy 9 cups of Chex cereal provide the perfect crunchy base, while the 15 Oreos, crushed into bits, add that iconic cookies and cream flavor throughout. The creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips melt together to coat the cereal in a rich, velvety layer that’s then dusted with powdered sugar for the perfect final touch. The vanilla extract enhances the sweet notes, making every bite taste like a decadent dessert.
Unlike other snack mixes, this recipe balances the sweetness without being overwhelming, thanks to the blend of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s quick to whip up but feels like a gourmet treat—ideal for sharing or enjoying solo.
What You’ll Gather
- 9 cups Chex cereal (any kind – rice, corn, or a mix works beautifully)
- 15 Oreo cookies (crushed into small pieces)
- ½ cup (57g) butter (salted or unsalted, based on your preference)
- ½ cup (133g) peanut butter (smooth for the best coating)
- 1 cup (85g) milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips (choose your favorite!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar (for that classic muddy buddy dusting)
Equipment Breakdown
- Large mixing bowl – to combine your cereal and crushed cookies
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler – for melting butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the melted mixture
- Large resealable plastic bag or a big bowl with a lid – to shake and coat the cereal in powdered sugar
- Baking sheet or large tray – for spreading out the finished muddy buddies to cool
Directions: Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Place the 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Add the 15 Oreo cookies, which you should crush into small chunks or crumbs for that signature cookies and cream texture. Gently toss to distribute the crushed Oreos evenly through the cereal.
Step 2: Melt the Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the ½ cup butter, ½ cup peanut butter, and 1 cup chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler for gentle melting. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the cereal and Oreo mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold everything together to ensure every piece of cereal is coated in the luscious mixture.
Step 4: Add the Final Touch
Transfer the coated cereal mix into a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl with a lid. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are well coated and look that classic muddy buddy white.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Spread the Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies out on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Allow to cool completely and set for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container or serve immediately and enjoy!
Year-Round Variations
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before cooling for a sweet and salty twist.
- Mix in some white chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished muddy buddies for a double-chocolate delight.
- Swap Oreos for Peppermint Oreo Fudge 3 Ingredients cookies around the holidays to add a festive flavor.
- Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to add crunch and texture.
- Mix in mini marshmallows for a gooey surprise in every bite.
- Use Peppermint Oreo Icebox Cake No Bake cookies for an extra minty touch.
Notes on Ingredients
- Chex Cereal: Any kind works here, but rice or corn Chex give that classic crispy texture.
- Oreo Cookies: Use original Oreos for the best traditional cookies and cream flavor. Crushing them into small pieces ensures they coat the cereal evenly.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted butter will both work. Salted butter adds a slight savory balance, but unsalted gives you more control over salt content.
- Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter is best for coating. Natural peanut butter with no added sugar can be used if you prefer less sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips: Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips both work well. Choose according to your sweetness preference.
- Powdered Sugar: This creates the signature dusty coating that transforms the snack into “muddy buddies.”
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies are best enjoyed fresh but also hold up well for several days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, to keep them crunchy. They will typically stay fresh for up to one week.
If you want to prepare them ahead of time, make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to prevent any sogginess. For longer storage, you can freeze the muddy buddies in a sealed container for up to one month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why is my Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies too sticky?
If the muddy buddies are sticky, it may be because the chocolate and peanut butter mixture wasn’t fully cooled before mixing with the powdered sugar. Make sure the coating is warm but not hot and work quickly to coat the cereal. Also, shaking in powdered sugar thoroughly helps reduce stickiness.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but keep in mind the texture will change slightly. The crunchy bits might make the coating less smooth, but it can add a nice extra texture if you like a bit of crunch in every bite.
How do I make this recipe nut-free?
To make nut-free Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a soy-based spread. Both options melt well and provide a similar creamy texture.
Can I use a different type of cookie instead of Oreos?
Absolutely! While Oreos are classic for the cookies and cream flavor, other sandwich cookies with cream filling can work too. Just make sure to crush them finely so they mix well with the cereal.
Reader Favorites
- Peppermint Oreo Fudge 3 Ingredients – a quick and festive fudge recipe perfect for the holidays.
- Peppermint Oreo Icebox Cake No Bake – a no-bake dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Ready to Cook?
Gather your ingredients, pull out your mixing bowl, and get ready to whip up this irresistible batch of Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this snack mix is sure to delight every palate with its perfect crunch and creamy sweetness. Follow the simple steps, experiment with variations, and enjoy the smiles that come with every bite. Happy snacking!
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Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Add the 15 Oreo cookies, crushed into small chunks or crumbs. Gently toss to distribute evenly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup butter, ½ cup peanut butter, and 1 cup chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth and melted. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and Oreo mixture. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat all pieces evenly.
- Transfer the coated cereal mix into a large resealable plastic bag or bowl with lid. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until well coated.
- Spread the muddy buddies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow to cool and set for about 30 minutes. Store in airtight container or serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any Chex cereal variety for different textures and flavors.
- Ensure the chocolate and peanut butter mixture is warm but not hot before coating to avoid stickiness.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to one month.
