Looking for a fun holiday treat that doubles as an activity with kids? Christmas Muddy Buddies make the best classroom snacks, teacher and neighbor gifts, or afternoon snack this holiday season. They look great displayed in glass jars or cellophane bags wrapped with a big, festive bow. Let's spread the cheer this holiday season!

An overhead shot of a large white bowl filled with finished Christmas muddy buddies (red and green Chex cereal coated in powdered sugar and mixed with various Christmas sprinkles). Several smaller bowls of sprinkles are in the background.

Recipe Ingredient Notes

Corn or rice chex cereal - You are welcome to choose the brand and variety you like best, like corn Chex or rice Chex, as long as it's crunchy and bite-sized. You can also make it gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free Chex cereal.
White chocolate chip - We like to use white chocolate for its light vanilla flavor and because it easily takes on the color of the dye. You can use other types of chocolate, but be aware that the vivid red and green colors won't show up as vividly. You Mat also use melt 'ems.
Shortening - Vegetable oil is also acceptable, as its main purpose is to keep the chocolate silky smooth as it melts.
Food dye - Those with food dye sensitivities can simply omit the food coloring or use non artificial dyes, the colors won't be as bright, but the flavor will be just as delicious!

Ways to Enjoy Every Bite

This chex muddy buddies recipe is perfect for gifting! Package it in holiday-themed bags or jars lined with wax paper or parchment paper, then add festive ribbons for a cute finishing touch.

Want to elevate your holiday spread? Serve this festive treat alongside other seasonal favorites like the gingerbread cake recipe. Once you learn how to make muddy buddies, you'll be making this festive treat for every brunch, dinner party, cookie exchange, and holiday gathering, your guests will absolutely love it! Try Halloween Snack Mix in the fall.

How to Make Muddy Buddies

An overhead shot showing the ingredients for muddy buddies on a marble countertop: a large glass bowl of Chex cereal, a bowl of powdered sugar, and a bowl of white chocolate chips.

A close-up overhead shot of a clear glass bowl filled with a large pile of white chocolate chips. A solid block of white shortening rests on top of the chips, and a hand is visible holding an inverted small clear glass measuring cup above the ingredients, suggesting it was just used to add the shortening.

Step 1: Pour cereal into a large mixing bowl and prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Melt white chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave (1 minute, then 30-second intervals, stirring between). Pour melted chocolate into two bowls to add food coloring: 5-6 drops of each color. Stir until well incorporated.

A close-up overhead shot of square-shaped cereal pieces evenly coated in a creamy, off-white icing, contained within a clear glass mixing bowl. A red and white striped kitchen towel is visible beneath the bowl.

Two separate glass bowls are shown on a marble countertop. One bowl holds Chex cereal coated in a reddish-pink powdered sugar mixture, and the other holds cereal coated in a light green powdered sugar mixture.

Step 3: Pour over cereal and stir to coat completely. Divide coated cereal evenly into two 1-gallon zip-top bags. Add ¾ cup powdered sugar to each bag, seal, and shake to coat.

Step 4: Seal and shake until evenly colored, adding more drops if needed. Mix all cereal and any add-ins (sprinkles, chocolate, etc) together in one bag or airtight container Store at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Why Are My Chex Muddy Buddies Soggy?

Learning how to make muddy buddies is easier than you think, and once you master this simple recipe, it'll become your go-to for every holiday gathering, cookie exchange, and party! One common mistake when making muddy buddies is not letting the chocolate cool slightly after coating the cereal. Let it rest for a minute or two before tossing in the powdered sugar to prevent clumping and ensure a perfectly crispy, powdery coating.

A large glass jar with a latch lid is filled with the finished Christmas muddy buddy snack mix.

Recipe Tips from Mrs. G

Work quickly when coating the cereal. Once you pour the melted chocolate over the cereal, stir immediately and thoroughly. The chocolate starts to set as it cools, so working fast ensures every piece gets evenly coated before it hardens.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors. Gel food coloring produces more intense, saturated colors than liquid drops and won't add extra moisture to your puppy chow. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you achieve your desired shade of red and green.
Shake the bags gently but thoroughly. When coating with powdered sugar and food coloring, shake the bags in a gentle tumbling motion rather than aggressively. This prevents the cereal from breaking while ensuring even coverage. Make sure the bags are fully sealed to avoid a powdery mess!

Storing Leftovers

No need to refrigerate chex muddy buddies, just store in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week. Let cool in a single layer before sealing. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze in small portions to prevent clumping.

A wide shot of a white rectangular serving dish filled with red and green Chex muddy buddies with sprinkles. A stack of small bowls is visible in the background.

A close-up, overhead shot of a white bowl filled with red and green Chex muddy buddies, featuring various festive sprinkles.

Christmas Puppy Chow

Renae Gerhardstein

Christmas Muddy Buddies are the perfect quick, festive treat for the holidays. Ready in less than 15 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 3

Total Time 13

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 people

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

large mixing bowl
microwave safe bowl
silicone spatula
gallon-sized Ziploc bags

Ingredients

6 cups crispy corn cereal and/or rice cereal; like Chex, Crispix, or other brand.
1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or other types of chocolates
1 tablespoon shortening or vegetable oil
1 ½ cups powdered sugar divided
red and green food color drops or gel

Instructions

Pour the cereal into a large mixing bowl.
Add the chocolate chips and shortening (or oil) to a medium-sized microwave safe bowl (we use a 2-cup glass measuring cup). Microwave on high for one minute, then use a spoon or whisk to combine. Continue microwaving in 30 second bursts until mixture is completely melted and smooth.
Pour melted chocolate into two bowls to add food coloring: 5-6 drops of each color. Stir until well incorporated.
Pour the cereal, divided equally, in each bowl and stir quickly with a large silicone or wooden spoon to combine. Divide coated cereal evenly into two, 1 gallon-sized zip top bags.
Add ¾ cup powdered sugar to each bag. Close and seal the bags; shake both bags to coat the cereal. Add more coloring as needed to reach desired colors.
Combine the colored cereals into one bag or airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to one week, or in the fridge for 2 weeks.

Notes

For the best Christmas puppy chow, use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate in 15-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent scorching. To keep it from getting soggy, let it cool completely on a cookie sheet before storing. Want extra crunch? Toss in pretzels or nut butters for a fun twist on this reindeer food recipe!

Recipe Variations:

Chocolate lovers' version: Use a mix of milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate chips, and dark chocolate chips for extra richness.
Holiday cheer: Stir in green M&M and green candy melts for a fun, festive touch.
Crunchy twist: Add pretzels to turn this into a reindeer chow for even more holiday fun.
Extra sweet: Toss in sprinkles or chopped peanut butter cups for added texture and flavor.

Storing Instructions:

There's no need to refrigerate Christmas muddy buddies. Keep them in a Ziploc bag or other airtight container at room temperature for up to a week!
If you do wish to refrigerate them, they'll last for even longer - up to 2 weeks.
And this is one recipe that freezes incredibly well! We would recommend freezing in smaller portions rather than in one single freezer bag (unless you plan on serving it all at once), as it can clump together.

Keyword Chex cereal, Christmas recipes, Muddy Buddies, Puppy Chow