Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between reaching for a classic cookie or scooping up a handful of sweet, crunchy Muddy Buddies, rejoice: Muddy Buddy Cookies are here to deliver the best of both worlds in each bite! These cookies are soft and chewy, with a peanut butter-chocolate flavor that dances in your mouth, plus crunchy Rice Chex bits and a generous powdered sugar dusting. They taste like nostalgia, bake up in under half an hour, and add something uniquely delightful to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its simplicity—Muddy Buddy Cookies develop their irresistible flavor and fun texture from just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient brings its own magic, from bold peanut butter richness to the playful crunch of Rice Chex, making every bite memorable.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a soft, rich base for the cookies and makes mixing a breeze.
- Creamy peanut butter: Delivers the signature nutty, sweet kick that sets these cookies apart.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that craveable cookie texture.
- Brown sugar: Keeps the cookies moist and infuses a hint of caramel depth.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for a chewy, sturdy cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors fully.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, ensuring just the right structure.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a soft lift and tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet flavors perfectly.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Offer rich pockets of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate in every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Dusts the cookies for that classic Muddy Buddy finish.
- Rice Chex cereal, lightly crushed: Provides that iconic crispy crunch and playful texture contrast.
How to Make Muddy Buddy Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and are easy to lift off once they’re done—no sticking, no mess!
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Beat for a few minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts, and you’ll see the dough turn pale and airy—a perfect foundation for chewy, tender Muddy Buddy Cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended. The egg helps your cookies hold their shape and become perfectly chewy, while the vanilla rounds out the sweet, chocolatey-peanut butter flavor we all adore.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing here can lead to tough cookies—so stop as soon as the dough comes together for the softest results.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Rice Chex
Now for the fun part! Gently stir in the chocolate chips and lightly crushed Rice Chex cereal. The chocolate chips add gooey richness, while the cereal infuses every bite of Muddy Buddy Cookies with irresistible crunch.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Scoop the dough in tablespoon-sized mounds onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for gorgeous, golden edges. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set—don’t overbake, as the cookies will finish setting as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Sugar Coat
Let your Muddy Buddy Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Once they’re fully cooled, place them in a large zip-top bag, toss with powdered sugar, and gently shake to coat each cookie with that classic frosty finish. Try not to nibble before sharing—they’re impossible to resist!
How to Serve Muddy Buddy Cookies
Garnishes
A light extra dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of magic and makes your Muddy Buddy Cookies look as dreamy as they taste. If you’re feeling playful, a few extra mini chocolate chips or a scatter of crushed cereal sprinkled on top will make your presentation pop!
Side Dishes
While these cookies are show-stealers on their own, they’re even more delightful paired with a tall glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or your favorite coffee. For an after-school treat or a party platter, add some fresh strawberries, apple slices, or salty pretzel sticks on the side to balance all that delicious sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Muddy Buddy Cookies at an event? Try stacking them in a rustic glass jar, arranging them on a cake stand, or bundling them in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for grab-and-go sharing. For a dessert charcuterie board, mix them among mini marshmallows, candies, and fresh berries—the effect is fun, festive, and totally inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Muddy Buddy Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking and keep that beautiful powdered sugar coating intact.
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled, sugar-coated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months—just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop one or two Muddy Buddy Cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds. They’ll regain a little of that fresh-from-the-oven charm, and the chocolate chips will turn deliciously melty again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal besides Rice Chex?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex provides that iconic crunch, feel free to swap in Corn Chex, Crispix, or even Golden Grahams for a playful twist—just keep the pieces lightly crushed to preserve the fun texture.
Can I make these nut-free?
You sure can. Try using sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread in place of peanut butter for equally delicious, allergy-friendly Muddy Buddy Cookies. Make sure to check your chocolate and cereal for allergens, too.
How do I get a really white powdered sugar coating?
Toss the cookies only after they are fully cooled; warmth can melt the sugar. For an extra-snowy look, roll them twice—let the first coat absorb, then add a second forgiving layer for a perfect finish.
Can I chill the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes makes for thicker Muddy Buddy Cookies with a slightly chewier bite. It also makes portioning easier if you want to prep ahead for guests or parties.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if your butter is too soft or warm, or if you measured a little light on the flour. Make sure your dough is cool, and try adding an extra tablespoon of flour for a heartier, taller cookie.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly joyful about sharing a plate of Muddy Buddy Cookies—every bite is a crunchy, chewy, chocolate-peanut butter hug. Whether you’re bringing them to a gathering, baking for family, or just treating yourself, I can’t recommend these enough. Grab your mixing bowl and whip up a batch soon—you’ll be the hero of snack time!
Print
Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Muddy Buddy Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar in a crunchy, chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup Rice Chex cereal, lightly crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips and crushed cereal.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop dough onto baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Coat with powdered sugar: Place cooled cookies in a bag with powdered sugar and shake gently to coat.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly crush the cereal.
- Chill dough for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
