Puppy chow or muddy buddies are perfect little sweet treats for any occasion. They are generally super fast and easy to make and so much fun to eat. This collection of great recipes is sure to inspire you whip up several batches!

Do you call cereal coated in a chocolate mixture and powdered sugar puppy chow or muddy buddies? Or do you call it something else entirely? No matter what name it has where you come from, the result is a simple but oh so delicious mix of crunchy and sweet. I grew up knowing only the original peanut butter and chocolate version that coated your hands in powdered sugar, but there is a whole world full of flavor combinations you can try. Here is a collection of some of the best of the best to inspire you to get in the kitchen and make a batch today!
I tend to think of puppy chow the most over the holidays. In fact, the girls at work and I are putting together snack mix buffet for our Christmas party this year.
That way there is a little something sweet for everyone after the meal without the effort of making full on baked goods. Besides, after a big meal it is sometimes hard to get people to commit to a big slice of a heavy dessert.
Offering a few versions of puppy chow makes it easy on the cooks as there is very little work or time involved. The added bonus is the guests can take just a little handful to satisfy their sweet tooth.
As it goes with these kinds of things though, one handful will lead to another. So don’t worry, we will be sure to make plenty!
I also like to give little containers of fun sweet snack mixes to neighbors and friends. It is an easy way to show you are thinking of someone.
Just pick up a few cute little containers, fill them up and you have a fun and affordable gift. The best part about an edible gift is you don’t have to worry about if it matches the recipient’s decor and they don’t have to dust it later. It’s a win win for everyone!
So I thought it would be fun to round up some recipes of our favorite mixes we’ve had and share them in case you need something to munch on too. There is sure to be something for everyone in here!

If we are going to talk about puppy chow, we need to start with the original chocolate and peanut butter puppy chow. People go nuts for this every single time. If you are new to puppy chow, or want to make a full journey through the options, the original is a pretty solid place to start.

Brownie batter muddy buddies (it feels wrong calling it that, but I don’t want to drive the other name into the ground in this post!) was the first version I posted here. It immediately went nuts on Pinterest and my family loved it as well.

Reindeer chow uses the same idea, but brings in the flavors of dark chocolate and peppermint. That makes it a perfect holiday munchy. Rudolph would be so proud!

When I whipped up this fall inspired version, it seemed like squirrel chow would be the appropriate name. It is loaded with peanut butter, white chocolate, salty peanuts and candy corn.

If you are in the mood for a little color, red velvet puppy chow may be up your alley. I added pretzels to this version for extra salty crunch.

Maybe chocolate isn’t your thing. I don’t know why that would be, but lets assume it is. Then this caramel puppy chow may be more your style. It skips the chocolate altogether and gives you pure caramel goodness with that powdered sugar coating we know and love.

If you are someone who can’t imagine going a day without nutella, you are going to love the chocolate hazelnut goodness in this Nutella yuppy chow. I just love that Tracey from The Kitchen is my Playground called it yuppy chow. It really cracks me up!

Hot chocolate and winter go together, so this hot chocolate muddy buddies from Fantabulosity is perfect for the holiday season. The addition of cocoa mix and mini marshmallows makes it extra fun.

Maybe you are in the mood for a citrus kick. Then vanilla lemon puppy chow from It’s a Mother Thing is just the ticket! It is a bright and fun twist on the muddy buddy idea.

I am a sucker for all things cookies and cream, so I am already in love with this cookies and cream muddy buddies. Plus it comes from a site called Cooking with Karli, so you know it has to be amazing!
I don’t know about you, but now I am ready for a nice big bowl full of snacky goodness. I think I will have to make several of these over the holiday season and see which one I like best.
Which one do you want to make first? Or do you have a fun version you love that you don’t see here? I’d love to hear all about it.
Tell me in the comments or find me on social media. I’d love to give your favorites a try too!

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
Monday 9th of December 2019
OK, I don't know which of these to make first. They all look delicious! But I'm leaning toward the Nutella version. . .because Nutella :)
Carlee
Wednesday 18th of December 2019
Make them all!