Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies

Enjoy the ultimate winter snack with these delightful Hot Chocolate Muddy Muddies – with a rich hot cocoa chocolate coating and a dusting of powdered sugar sweetness. They are the perfect treat during the holiday season, or as an edible gift for friends and neighbors.

I love all the delicious varieties of muddy buddy Chex mix recipes – try my Andes Mints Muddy Buddy Chex Mix, Muddy Buddy Bites, and classic Muddy Buddy Chex Mix also called puppy chow.

Muddy Buddies With Hot Chocolate Mix

Hot chocolate muddy buddies, also known as hot cocoa puppy chow, is a sweet and addictive snack mix that combines the flavors of hot chocolate and muddy buddies (aka – puppy chow).

I love creating fun twists to classic hot chocolate – like this Hot Chocolate Poke Cake or this smooth, creamy, sweet homemade White Hot Chocolate. My latest creation is this No Bake Hot Chocolate Cream Pie.

They’re made by coating rice Chex cereal with melted chocolate and marshmallow cream, then tossing the them in powdered sugar and dry hot cocoa mix.

The result is a delicious twist to classic muddy buddies with a crunchy, marshmallowy, chocolatey, powdered sugar treat that tastes like a cozy cup of hot cocoa.

Enjoy this treat during a family movie night, add it to a treat platter for gatherings and parties, and it also makes for a really fun and yummy edible gift for neighbors and friends – I like to put it inside a clear bag and then tie the bag with some festive Christmas ribbon.

How To Make Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies (Printable Recipe Card)

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and salt for 1 minute in the microwave. Stir well until it’s smooth and completely melted.

Stir in the marshmallows cream until thoroughly combined. The mixture will be somewhat thick and foamy which is ok.

Add in the rice Chex cereal and stir until the cereal is completely coated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and hot chocolate mix.

Layer the ingredients Inside a gallon-sized Ziplock bag. Place 1/3 of the powdered sugar mixture and then 1/2 of the Chex cereal mixture. Then add in another 1/3 of the powdered sugar mixture and the remaining half of the Chex cereal mixture. Finish off with the remaining powdered sugar mixture on top.

Securely seal the bag and gently toss everything together until all the Chex cereal is coated in powdered sugar. Gently massage the bag and move it side to side, up and down, to coat the cereal well.

Spread the muddy buddies onto a piece of parchment paper or wax paper on the countertop (or on a cookie sheet). Allow it to cool and set, at room temperature, for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Once set, transfer the hot chocolate muddy buddies to a serving bowl and garnish with the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. You can leave them as a garnish or mix them into the muddy buddies for serving.

Substitutions & Ingredient Notes

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips : Milk chocolate chips can be used for a sweeter result, and dark chocolate chips give a less sweet result. Any combination of chocolate chips can be used as well.
• Salted Butter : I prefer baking with salted butter, but if you prefer unsalted then that can be used as well.
• Rice Chex : Other Chex varieties will work but please note that it will affect the flavor, which is why I highly suggest only using Rice Chex cereal.
• Hot Chocolate Mix : I used two packets (1/4 cup) of regular, chocolate hot cocoa mix. However, you can adjust the flavor slightly by using other varieties of hot cocoa mix.
• Miniature Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips : The mini size is best for the garnish ands Erving because of the smaller size and texture. If wanted, you can use regular sized semi-sweet chocolate instead or even white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips.

How To Store Muddy Buddies

Store muddy buddies in an airtight container, or large sealable Ziplock bag, at room temperature in a cool & dry place for up to 1 week. I would avoid storing them in direct sunlight as it will melt and soften the chocolate, and then everything will start to stick together.

The texture does start to get a little stale the longer they’re stored, so I recommend serving them the day they’re made for the best texture and taste.