If you’re craving a festive treat that perfectly balances sweet, minty, and chocolatey flavors, you’re going to adore this Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe. This snack is the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser—crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in buttery white chocolate fused with peppermint extract, then dusted with powdered sugar and crunchy peppermint candies. The result is an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re looking for a quick party snack or a thoughtful homemade gift, this Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe will quickly become your go-to festive favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is key to nailing this Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe. The components are simple but each plays an important role in delivering the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and holiday cheer. From the crunchy Rice Chex to the festive peppermint candies, every bite bursts with yum.
- Rice Chex cereal (9 cups): The crisp base that adds lightness and crunch to the snack mix.
- White chocolate chips or white candy melts (1 ½ cups): Provides a creamy, sweet coating that melts in your mouth and carries the peppermint flavor.
- Peppermint extract (½ teaspoon): Adds that unmistakable fresh and minty aroma essential to making it a true holiday treat.
- Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups): Forms a delicate, snow-like dusting for extra sweetness and festive looks.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (1 cup): Adds a refreshing crunch and vibrant holiday color.
- Mini chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): An extra chocolate boost that pairs beautifully with peppermint if you want to sneak in more decadence.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by pouring all 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. This crunchy foundation is what makes the snack so satisfying, so spread it out evenly and get ready to dress it up beautifully.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate Mixture
Place the white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating them in 30-second bursts. Be sure to stir after each interval until you have a smooth, velvety chocolate. Next, stir in the peppermint extract, infusing the chocolate with that unmistakable holiday spirit.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour your glossy peppermint-infused white chocolate over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold and stir with a spatula or spoon to make sure each piece is evenly coated, clinging to the chewy sweetness that will delight your taste buds.
Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar and Peppermint
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the powdered sugar and crushed peppermint candies. Transfer the white chocolate-coated cereal into the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously. You’ll see the cereal transforming with a snowy coating that’s sweet and speckled with colorful peppermint bits.
Step 5: Cool and Final Touch
Spread the peppermint bark muddy buddies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely. This step lets the coating set perfectly without sticking together. Once cooled, sprinkle the optional mini chocolate chips over the top for an extra layer of chocolate goodness and a pretty presentation.
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe
Garnishes
If you’re looking to glam up your Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate or sprinkling festive holiday toppings like red and green sprinkles. These simple extras turn a humble snack into a showstopper for your dessert table.
Side Dishes
This peppermint treat pairs beautifully with warm drinks like hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or even a creamy eggnog. Its sweet, minty crunch balances the rich warmth of these beverages perfectly, making it an irresistible companion for cozy holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies in decorative jars tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can also pile it high in festive bowls for a casual party snack station or portion it into clear treat bags marked with personalized tags for an easy grab-and-go holiday favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature, and will stay fresh for up to one week. Just make sure to keep it away from heat or moisture to preserve that perfect crunch.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, you can freeze this treat. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty resealable bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature for the best texture—avoid microwaving, as it can melt the chocolate and change the texture.
Reheating
This snack is best enjoyed straight from storage without reheating since the white chocolate can melt and lose its crisp coating. If you’d like a softer texture, a few seconds in a warm spot will do, but I recommend enjoying it as-is for that classic muddy buddy crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peppermint extract with something else?
While peppermint extract is what gives this recipe its signature festive flavor, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond if you prefer. Just note it won’t have the same cool, minty punch that defines a Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can easily be gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free Rice Chex cereal and ensure that your peppermint candies and chocolate chips don’t contain gluten. Always double-check packaging to be safe!
Can I use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Sure! Substituting dark or milk chocolate will change the flavor profile, making it richer and less sweet. For that classic peppermint bark vibe, though, the white chocolate really lets the minty flavors shine.
How do I crush the peppermint candies without making a mess?
Place the peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or heavy pan until the pieces are small but not powdered. This keeps your workspace clean and ensures lovely chunks in your muddy buddies.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! This Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe contains no nuts, making it a great snack choice for nut-free households. Just be sure any chocolate chips or candies you use are processed in nut-free facilities if you’re highly sensitive.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe is one of those delightful snacks that make holiday moments sweeter and more memorable. Easy to whip up, oh-so-decadent, and bursting with festive charm, it’s definitely worth making a batch (or two!) this season. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you love and then secretly keep some for yourself.
Print
Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies are a festive, no-bake holiday snack mix featuring crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in smooth white chocolate and peppermint, then dusted with powdered sugar and crushed peppermint candies. Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting, this sweet and crunchy treat combines classic peppermint flavors with a delightful chocolate twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or white candy melts
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to have it ready for coating.
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Then stir in the peppermint extract to infuse the chocolate with mint flavor.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate over the Chex cereal and gently stir with a spatula or spoon until every piece is evenly coated with the peppermint white chocolate.
- Mix with Powdered Sugar and Peppermint: Add the powdered sugar and crushed peppermint candies to a large zip-top bag. Transfer the coated cereal into this bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are well coated with the sugar and peppermint mixture.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them cool completely at room temperature to allow the white chocolate to set.
- Add Optional Toppings and Store: Once cooled, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the muddy buddies if using, and gently toss or mix them in. Store the finished mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished muddy buddies or toss them in holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- This recipe makes a great gift or party treat during the holiday season.
- Be sure to use gluten-free Rice Chex and candies if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add an additional ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract.
- Store the mix in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness and freshness.
