Christmas Muddy Buddies

Christmas muddy buddies are a classic holiday recipe that is the perfect Christmas party snack and favorite holiday treat. And makes a delicious muddy buddy Christmas gift that is always enjoyed and devoured.

I love making this delicious confection. Whether you call it puppy chow, muddy buddies, monkey munch, reindeer chow or one of the other name variations, this mix is pure, sweet heaven. I make it for all holidays, and sometimes, I’ll simply make it to keep on hand as a snack for a few days. I love how easy it is to change up the recipe to suit my needs whenever I make it. This version is yet another Christmas-themed variety that I think you’re really going to love.

Christmas Muddy Buddies

This particular recipe is one that I make almost as often as I make my white chocolate puppy chow mix. It uses the traditional muddy buddy base that we all know and love. Then I add holiday M&Ms along with mini marshmallows and pretzels to complete the mix. It makes for a delicious sweet and salty snack that has all the wonderful colors of the Christmas season. It’s the perfect recipe to bring to holiday parties, to keep on hand at your home, or to place in pretty tins and give as edible Christmas gifts!

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you dive into the recipe, take a second to read over this FAQ. It answers all the most commonly asked questions regarding this popular snack mix, so it’s worth the read.

Why is Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Called Puppy Chow?

Puppy chow got its name because of the Chex cereal that it’s made with. Chex was originally brought to market by the Ralston Purina Company, makers of Dog Chow. In the beginning, people called Chex “People Chow” because the company made animal feed. Somewhere along the way, the name puppy chow was applied to the snack mix that was introduced later on.

What are Other Popular Names for Muddy Buddies?

There are actually quite a few names for this sweet and salty snack mix. Of course, you probably already know puppy chow and muddy buddies, along with the ever-popular Christmas-themed name, reindeer chow. However, it also goes by some names that you may not have heard of. It’s also called monkey munch, muddy munch, and doggy bag, depending on where you live. So when you want a delicious snack, try this Christmas puppy chow recipe, aka muddy buddy.

Is Puppy Chow a Midwest Thing?

It used to be. We actually think that puppy chow was invented in the midwest. However, like all delicious food, its popularity spread over time. Today, you’ll find this snack mix being made all across the country.

Who Invented Puppy Chow?

As I just said, no one is completely certain. The prevailing story, however, is that a woman named Elizabeth Cooney first created the sweet snack. The only thing we know for certain is that the recipe was definitely developed in the Midwest.

Can I Freeze Puppy Chow?

Absolutely! Puppy chow will actually keep for quite a long time in the freezer. To serve, simply leave it out at room temperature to thaw or serve it frozen. Yes, some people love frozen muddy buddies.

Christmas Muddy Buddies Variations

One of the great things about this kind of snack mix is that you can play with it. Change up different aspects of the recipe to make it your own. It’s easy to do, and it’s so much fun to see what happens.

Different Cereal

You can use any kind of Chex cereal for this recipe. You can even use Crispix! Pick your favorite flavor and give it a try. Chex has a variety of flavors, from their classic rice and corn varieties to chocolate, peanut butter, and more.

Different Chocolate

This mix is delicious with either milk or dark chocolate. Each one has its own particular flavor profile, and they’re both fantastic.

Change the Mix-Ins

You can add any kind of mix-ins you like with this recipe. I used M&Ms, but you could also use other candies like Reese’s Pieces, milk balls, mini Reese’s Cups, mini Peppermint Patties, or any other bite-sized candies. You can also change up your salty options, as well, using different kinds of pretzels or even salted peanuts. 

Storage

You can store this muddy buddy mix at room temperature in a resealable food-storage bag or gallon size plastic bag for a 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

Christmas Muddy Buddies Ingredients

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make these delicious Christmas muddy buddies. Almost all of them are Christmas staples, so you might not have to go shopping at all, depending on what you have in your kitchen. If you do have to go shopping, everything required for this recipe is easily found at your local grocery store.

• Chocolate Chex Mix cereal
• Semisweet chocolate chips
• Peanut butter
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Holiday milk chocolate M&Ms (can use plain, peanut of both)
• Mini marshmallows
• Mini pretzels or pretzel pieces
• Powdered sugar

How to Make Christmas Muddy Buddies

Making these Christmas muddy buddies is as easy as the ingredient list. It only takes a few simple steps, and none of them are labor-intensive. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like it takes so much more work than it actually does.

Step 1: Prep

Place waxed paper or parchment paper on a baking sheet and set aside. Add the Chex cereal to a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Base

Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a microwavable bowl and microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the mixture is smooth. Next, stir in vanilla then pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir to combine. 

Step 3: Finish the Base Mix

Add powdered sugar over the coated cereal mixture and stir to coat. Then, pour mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and allow it to cool completely.

Step 4: Finish the Mix

Once cool, add the chocolate candies, mini marshmallows, and pretzels, and toss to mix.

Try These Christmas Muddy Buddies Today

This Christmas muddy buddies recipe is so delicious and so easy, it’s the perfect holiday treat. It comes together super quickly, and it’s almost impossible to ruin it. It’s basically foolproof. Give this one a try, and I know you’re going to love it. You’ll soon find yourself making multiple batches to keep on hand or to give as gifts.

Looking For More Holiday Candy Recipes?

Homemade Peppermint Bark – A classic holiday candy recipe, this peppermint bark is super easy to make with milk chocolate (or dark chocolate), white chocolate, peppermint extract, coconut oil and crushed peppermint candy.

And, these Chocolate Cookie Butter Crispy Balls from Great Grub, Delicious Treats are always a fun holiday snack as well.

Here are a few more pics that are perfect to save to your favorite Pinterest boards.