I can't think of a more popular party snack than Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow), made with Chex cereal coated in a chocolate, peanut butter and powdered powdered sugar.
Measure cereal into a large bowl. Set aside. Divide powdered sugar between two ziplock bags, adding 1 cup to each bag.* Set aside.
In a saucepan add chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter (and salt, if using unsalted butter) and cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until melted and smooth. (Don’t over-heat it--just warm it until melted and smooth.)
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour over the prepared cereal in the bowl and stir to coat evenly. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
Divide coated cereal between the two ziplock bags with powdered sugar, seal the bag and shake to coat the cereal.
Muddy buddies will stay fresh for up to 1 week stored in an air-tight container at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Video
Notes
*If you don’t have ziplock bags on hand you could use a large container with a lid to shake them, or spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet and sift the powdered sugar over it, tossing to evenly coat.Peanut butter: can be substituted with another type of nut butterCereal: Crispix could also be used.Add-in ideas:
M&M’s
Reeses pieces
Mini chocolate chips
Reeses peanut butter cups
Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies
Any small color candies
Make ahead Instructions: Muddy buddies will stay fresh for up to 1 week stored in an air-tight container at room temperatureFreezing Instructions: Place muddy buddies in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.