Cookies and Cream Dream Bites

Irresistible Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies: The Ultimate Peanut-Butter-Free Treat!

Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies offer a delightful, crunchy, and utterly irresistible twist on the beloved classic. This recipe features light and crispy Chex cereal generously coated in a decadent blend of white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate, then thoroughly tossed with finely crushed Oreo cookies and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a fantastic, peanut-butter-free alternative to traditional muddy buddies, perfect for anyone with allergies or simply looking for a new flavor adventure!

A large serving bowl filled with delicious Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies, showcasing the mix of white and dark chocolate coated Chex cereal with crushed Oreo pieces.

Muddy Buddies: A Timeless Holiday & Party Favorite!

Muddy Buddies, also affectionately known as Puppy Chow, have long held a special place in our hearts, particularly during the holiday season. The traditional recipe typically involves coating Chex cereal with a rich mixture of melted chocolate, butter, and peanut butter, then tossing it all in powdered sugar. The result is a delightfully sweet, crunchy, and slightly messy snack that’s impossible to resist.

However, for those seeking a muddy buddies recipe without peanut butter, or simply yearning for a fresh, exciting flavor profile, these Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies are a game-changer! Instead of peanut butter, this innovative recipe leverages the universally adored taste of crushed Oreo cookies. This simple swap transforms a classic into a contemporary sensation, delivering all the familiar crunch and sweetness with a distinct cookies and cream twist that’s sure to become your new festive must-have.

Imagine the joy of a snack that perfectly captures the essence of cookies and cream in every bite, offering a tantalizing combination of smooth chocolate, crispy cereal, and the unmistakable crunch of America’s favorite cookie. This recipe does exactly that, making it an ideal treat for Christmas gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy movie night at home.

Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies artfully arranged in a large festive serving bowl, with twinkling Christmas decorations subtly blurred in the background, hinting at holiday cheer.

What makes this recipe even better? You only need 5 simple ingredients to whip up a batch of these delectable treats! Prepare to impress your friends and family with minimal effort and maximum flavor. You can find the full, detailed instructions and quantities in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies

Crafting these delicious muddy buddies requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and iconic cookies and cream flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Rice Chex Cereal: The ideal base! Its light, crispy texture and distinct ridges are perfect for holding all the delicious coating without becoming soggy.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provides a rich, classic chocolate flavor that beautifully complements the Oreos.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Essential for that true “cookies and cream” aesthetic and adds a creamy, sweet counterpoint to the semi-sweet chocolate.
  • Oreos: The star of the show! These chocolate sandwich cookies with their creamy filling are crushed to create the signature flavor and speckled appearance.
  • Powdered Sugar: The final magical dusting that gives muddy buddies their iconic snowy finish and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Ensuring you have these five ingredients on hand is the first step to creating a batch of Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies that everyone will rave about. High-quality chocolate chips will always yield the best flavor, so choose your favorites!

A flat lay photograph showcasing the five key ingredients needed for Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies: a box of Rice Chex cereal, bags of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, a package of Oreos, and a bowl of powdered sugar.

How to Make Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies is incredibly straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time!

Step 1: Prepare Your Oreo Dust. Begin by taking your Oreos and placing them into a food processor. Process until they become a fine, dusty crumb. This fine consistency is key for an even coating and maximum flavor distribution. If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry! You can achieve similar results by placing the Oreos in a sturdy ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Just make sure to crush them as finely as possible.

Whole Oreo cookies being added to a food processor bowl, ready to be crushed.
Finely ground Oreo cookie dust inside a food processor, perfectly crushed for the muddy buddies recipe.

Step 2: Divide the Cereal. In two separate large mixing bowls, measure out 4 cups of Rice Chex cereal into each. Keeping them separate will allow us to create two distinct chocolate coatings before combining them.

Two separate bowls, each filled with precisely 4 cups of crisp Rice Chex cereal, ready for coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating Bags. Grab two gallon-sized sealable bags. Into each bag, place half of your finely crushed Oreo dust and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Give the bags a little shake to lightly combine these dry ingredients. These bags will be where the magic happens, coating your chocolate-covered cereal.

Two clear gallon-sized ziploc bags, each containing a mixture of finely crushed Oreos and powdered sugar, ready for the next step.

Step 4: Coat with Semi-Sweet Chocolate. Melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are completely smooth and glossy. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, or using a double boiler. Once melted, pour the chocolate over one of the bowls of Chex cereal. Gently stir, or use a rubber spatula, until the cereal is evenly coated. Then, transfer this chocolate-covered Chex to one of your gallon-sized bags with the Oreo dust and powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake vigorously (but carefully!) until every piece of cereal is beautifully coated.

Rice Chex cereal in a bowl being gently mixed with melted semi-sweet chocolate, ensuring an even coating.
Semi-sweet chocolate muddy buddies coated with powdered sugar and crushed Oreos inside a ziploc bag after shaking.

Step 5: Coat with White Chocolate. Repeat the process with your white chocolate chips. Melt them until smooth, then pour over the second bowl of Chex cereal. Stir gently to ensure all the cereal is coated. Transfer this white chocolate-covered Chex to the other gallon-sized bag containing the remaining Oreo dust and powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake until thoroughly combined. You’ll love the contrasting colors of these two batches!

Rice Chex cereal in a bowl being coated evenly with melted white chocolate, creating a light base for the cookies and cream flavor.
White chocolate muddy buddies, perfectly coated with powdered sugar and crushed Oreos, visible inside a ziploc bag.

Step 6: Combine and Serve. Once both batches of cereal are perfectly coated, pour them into a large serving bowl. Gently mix the chocolate-covered Chex cereal with the white chocolate-covered Chex cereal to create a beautiful, speckled, and irresistible Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies blend. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.

A large serving bowl showcasing the delightful combination of both chocolate and white chocolate muddy buddies, mixed together to create the cookies and cream effect.

Storing Your Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies

One of the best things about muddy buddies is how well they store, making them ideal for making ahead of time or enjoying over several days. Leftover Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight bag or container for up to a week. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture or live in a warmer climate, you can also store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Just make sure they are completely sealed to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other odors.

Why You’ll Adore These Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies

These muddy buddies aren’t just a snack; they’re an experience! Every bite is a delightful explosion of chocolatey Oreo flavor, combined with the satisfying crunch of Chex cereal and the sweet, powdery coating. The dual chocolate layers – semi-sweet and white – create a depth of flavor and a visual appeal that’s truly captivating.

Beyond being a fantastic holiday gathering snack, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You could even chop up any leftover Oreos (or dedicate a few extra!) and toss them into the final mix for an added layer of texture and intensified Oreo goodness. Why not, indeed?

These treats are so good, they’re practically guaranteed to bring smiles all around. I bet Santa himself would be thrilled if you left some of this unique “Puppy Chow” for him on Christmas Eve. They’re easy enough for kids to help prepare, making them a wonderful family activity, and quick enough to whip up for an impromptu movie night or playdate. Say goodbye to plain old snacks and hello to your new favorite cookies and cream creation!

A close-up of the delicious Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies, showing the variety of coated Chex pieces and crushed Oreos mixed together.

More Festive Holiday Favorites to Explore

If you loved these Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other delightful recipes perfect for holiday celebrations, gift-giving, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Explore these popular Christmas favorites:

  • Cake Mix Christmas Cookies: Super easy, festive, and customizable cookies.
  • Hot Chocolate Dip: A warm, chocolatey, and comforting dip perfect for dessert dippers.
  • Chocolate Peppermint Bark: Classic holiday treat with refreshing peppermint and rich chocolate.
  • No Bake Avalanche Cookies: Quick and easy clusters of deliciousness.
  • Ritz Cracker Cookies: A salty-sweet sensation that’s surprisingly addictive.
  • Christmas Crack: The easiest, most addictive toffee-like treat you’ll ever make.
  • Graham Cracker Toffee: A simple, buttery, and caramel-infused delight.
A hand reaching into a serving bowl filled with Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies, picking up a handful of the delicious snack.
A festive holiday setup featuring a large bowl of Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies, surrounded by subtle Christmas decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Cookies and cream muddy buddies in a large serving bowl

Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies

By: Joy Shull

These cookies and cream muddy buddies are a fun and delicious twist on the traditional holiday favorite dessert, offering a delightful peanut-butter-free option!

Prep: 20 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 16
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Ingredients

  • 8 cups rice chex cereal
  • 1 ⅓ cups semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 ⅓ cups white chocolate chips
  • 14 Oreos, crushed
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Use two separate bowls and place 4 cups of rice chex cereal into each one.
  2. Use a food processor or a bag and rolling pin to crush the Oreos into a fine dust.
  3. Get two gallon-sized sealable bags out. In each bag, place half of the Oreo dust and ½ cup of powdered sugar.
  4. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over one of the bowls of Chex cereal and gently stir to combine.
  5. Melt the white chocolate chips until smooth. Pour the melted white chocolate over the other bowl of Chex cereal and gently stir to combine.
  6. Add the semi-sweet chocolate-coated Chex to one bag with Oreo dust and powdered sugar; shake to combine. Add the white chocolate-coated Chex to the other gallon bag and shake to combine thoroughly.
  7. Combine the contents of both Chex bags into a large bowl and mix gently. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 cup, Calories: 285kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 164mg, Potassium: 93mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 29g, Vitamin A: 255IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 102mg, Iron: 7mg