This Cookie Monster Muddy Buddies recipe is a fun and indulgent treat for cookie lovers of all ages! Crunchy cereal is coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter mixture, dusted with blue-tinted powdered sugar, and topped with mini cookies and chocolate chips. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or a sweet snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and colorful: The blue-tinted powdered sugar and cookie mix-ins make this snack as eye-catching as it is delicious.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Swap out mix-ins to suit your taste.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for kids’ parties, potlucks, or game nights.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) box Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup smooth peanut butter (not natural)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, divided
- ½ teaspoon powdered blue food dye
- 8 ounces mini chocolate chip cookies
- 8 ounces mini Oreo cookies
- 1 cup milk chocolate morsels
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Gallon-size zip-top bag
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pan and Cereal
Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside. Pour the Rice Chex cereal into the largest mixing bowl you own and set it aside.
Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and salt. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until almost melted (about 45 seconds more). Stir until completely smooth and mix in the vanilla extract.
Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a spatula to gently fold and stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Add the Powdered Sugar
Place the powdered sugar and powdered blue food dye in a gallon-size zip-top bag. Seal the bag and shake until the powdered sugar is evenly tinted blue.
Combine the Coated Cereal and Sugar
Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag of powdered sugar. Seal and shake vigorously until the cereal is evenly coated. If needed, remove well-coated pieces and shake the remaining cereal again to ensure even coverage.
Cool and Mix
Pour the coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chip cookies, mini Oreos, and milk chocolate morsels over the muddy buddies.
Serve or Store
Transfer the Cookie Monster Muddy Buddies to an airtight container or zip-top bag until ready to serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve in a large bowl for parties or package in small treat bags for gifts.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Colorful twist: Use different food dye colors to match holidays or themes.
- Nut-free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
- Extra crunch: Add pretzel pieces or chopped nuts to the mix.
- White chocolate: Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate for a different flavor.
Helpful Notes
- Stir the chocolate mixture frequently while melting to prevent scorching.
- Use a gentle folding motion when coating the cereal to avoid crushing it.
- Adjust the amount of food dye for a lighter or more vibrant blue.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Mary Berry: “Use fresh ingredients for the best results, especially when working with chocolate.”
- Ina Garten: “A silicone mat ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking when cooling treats.”
- Ree Drummond: “Experiment with mix-ins like marshmallows or candy-coated chocolates for a personal touch.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Natural peanut butter isn’t recommended as it can separate and affect the consistency of the chocolate mixture.
Q: What if I don’t have powdered food dye?
A: Gel food coloring can be used, but mix it into the powdered sugar with a fork to distribute evenly.
Q: How do I prevent the cereal from clumping?
A: Shake the cereal in batches and spread it out to cool quickly to avoid clumping.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free Rice Chex and certified gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This recipe stores well and can be made a day or two in advance for convenience.
This Cookie Monster Muddy Buddies recipe is a whimsical and delicious snack that’s sure to bring smiles to anyone who tries it. Perfectly crunchy, chocolaty, and sweet, it’s a fun twist on a classic treat!
