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

What is the difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies? ›

This classic chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar Chex™ Mix recipe has been a beloved part of families' kitchens for years. Transform Chex™ cereal into a delicious treat in just 15 minutes. We call it Muddy Buddies™, but you may know it as Puppy Chow.

Why is it called puppy chow? ›

How Puppy Chow Got Its Name. Chex cereal, originally made by the Ralston Purina Company, debuted in grocery stores in 1937. Because the company referred to their dog food as “dog chow” and cat food as “cat chow,” they jokingly called their new cereal line “human chow,” according to Taste.

Why did my muddy buddies get soggy? ›

To avoid soggy muddy buddies, move quick! After you add the melted chocolate and peanut butter, stir carefully but if you stir too slowly it will cause the cereal to be soggy. You can easily customize this recipe for any holiday!

What is another 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.

Why is puppy chow hard to find? ›

If pet food aisles seem sparse, it's likely due to supply chain issues. A familiar issue lately for stores and consumers (especially over the past few years), supply chain issues have affected almost everything you can think of. In this case, these supply chain issues are significantly impacting smaller stores.

Can adults eat puppy chow? ›

Because puppy foods are formulated to deliver higher amounts of protein and fat, along with other nutrients needed for a puppy's rapid initial growth, feeding puppy food regularly to a healthy adult can cause unwanted weight gain, among other health problems.

How long can you keep Chex Mix? ›

Make Ahead Instructions: Chex mix tastes freshest when served within 2-3 days of making it, but it will last stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Freezing Instructions: Chex mix freezes great! Store in freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

What is puppy chow slang for? ›

Slang for Heroin

Black tar, smack, H, Negra/o, puppy chow, dog food, onyx, beat, BT, black girl and the frequently used term “sh*t” all reference Heroin.

What is the Southern name for puppy chow? ›

This quick, no-bake puppy snack mix will also answer to other names such as Muddy Buddies, Muddy Munch, Monkey Munch, or Reindeer Chow. Think of it as sweet chocolate and peanut butter Chex mix. You need only pantry basics to make a big batch of this snack, so you might have already have everything on hand.

Why do my muddy buddies taste stale? ›

Chex Cereal: Make sure you start with fresh cereal, not an opened box that went unfinished. This will ensure your Muddy Buddies stay crunchy and don't taste stale.

What does puppy chow taste like? ›

We're taking Chex cereal, coating it in chocolate and peanut butter, and tossing it in powdered sugar. It's a bit like dessert Chex Mix, and a whole lot of YUM. I grew up making and eating puppy chow, and it's always been a staple at our house, especially during the holidays.

How do you crisp soggy Chex Mix? ›

You can bring them back to an edible state by heating them in the oven. This works wonderfully for snacks like crackers, Chex mix, tortilla chips, pretzels and even whole loaves of bread.

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.

Does Purina make puppy chow? ›

Nourish the now with the expertly formulated nutrition of Purina Puppy Chow.

How many Chex mix flavors are there? ›

In total, General Mills produces 13 varieties of Chex Mixes, not including limited editions. These flavors can be broadly divided into three categories: savory, chocolate (usually marketed as "Muddy Buddies"), and sweet 'n salty. Sometimes, limited edition varieties of Chex Mix are released.

What is a puppy chow snack 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.

What is the difference between puppy chow and regular dog food? ›

According to standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) — which regulates dog food manufacturing — the minimum amount of crude protein in dry puppy food is 22%, compared to 18% for adult diets. Puppy food also has more amino acids, fat, and minerals than adult dog food.

When should I switch from puppy chow? ›

“Growth” foods necessary at the puppy stage have higher protein levels and calorie counts to meet your pup's developmental needs. But once your pup is six to 12 months old those needs change. That's usually when your puppy is nearing his adult height and can transition to adult food.

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