Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies Recipe

Looking for a sweet, crunchy, and festive treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day? These Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies are the perfect combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and a touch of love. Whether you’re preparing these for a party, a classroom treat, or a cozy night in, this recipe is quick, easy, and full of heart-shaped fun.

What Are Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies?

Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, are a classic snack made by coating crispy cereal in a mix of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. For this Valentine’s Day twist, we add themed M&Ms and heart-shaped sprinkles to make this treat irresistibly cute and festive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, with no baking required.
• Perfectly Festive: Heart-shaped sprinkles and Valentine’s M&Ms make this a holiday hit.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe that kids can help make (and eat!).
• Versatile: Easily customizable for different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (255g)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (175g)
• ½ cup peanut butter (120g)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (55g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g)
• ½ cup Valentine’s-themed M&Ms (90g)
• ¼ cup heart-shaped sprinkles (40g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate Mixture

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
• Stir in vanilla extract and set aside.

2. Coat the Cereal

• Place Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss with a spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated.

3. Add the Powdered Sugar

• Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag.
• Add powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake until the cereal is fully coated.

4. Cool and Decorate

• Spread the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer to cool and set.
• Once cooled, mix in Valentine’s-themed M&Ms and heart-shaped sprinkles.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Transfer the finished Muddy Buddies into a serving bowl or package them in decorative gift bags for a festive Valentine’s Day treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in decorative bowls at a Valentine’s Day party.
• Package in clear treat bags tied with red or pink ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Pair with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or sparkling rosé for a cozy snack.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Avoid storing in a humid environment to keep the cereal crisp.

Freezing Instructions

• For longer storage, place Muddy Buddies in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based butter alternative.
• Extra Chocolatey: Add mini chocolate chips to the mix after the cereal cools.
• Different Themes: Swap Valentine’s-themed M&Ms and sprinkles for other holiday colors, like pastels for Easter or red and green for Christmas.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal?
Yes! While Rice Chex is traditional, you can use Corn Chex, Crispix, or any other similar cereal.

How do I keep the coating even?
Shake the cereal in small batches with powdered sugar to ensure all pieces are fully coated.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Muddy Buddies stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container, making them an excellent make-ahead treat.

These Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies are the perfect way to add a sweet touch to your celebrations. With their irresistible crunch, chocolatey goodness, and festive decorations, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this easy recipe and share the love with friends, family, or that special someone!

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