If you’re craving a cookie that brings together the nostalgic crunch of muddy buddies with the comforting warmth of peanut butter and chocolate chips, then you are in for a treat with this Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe. Every bite is a perfect blend of soft, chewy dough sprinkled with powdered sugar, accented by the fun texture of Rice Chex cereal and luscious chocolate. It’s the kind of cookie that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in your own cozy moments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the heart of this recipe, each bringing its own magic to the Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe. From creamy peanut butter that adds richness to the cereal’s delightful crunch, every element works together to create texture and flavor that’s truly irresistible.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base and tender crumb for the cookies.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a nutty, smooth flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients while adding a slight richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors and adds warmth.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of rich chocolate in every bite.
- 1/2 cup Rice Chex cereal, lightly crushed: Adds signature crunch and a playful texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used to coat the cookies, giving them that classic muddy buddy look and a sweet finish.
How to Make Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Gather Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, readying you for smooth sailing through the rest of the recipe.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the foundation of your cookies, and taking your time here means a tender, flavorful dough.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor, ensuring your Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe tastes rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking them together first distributes the leavening agents and salt evenly for a consistent cookie texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stopping as soon as the dough comes together is key.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Crushed Cereal
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and gently crushed Rice Chex cereal, which provide delightful pockets of chocolate and that unmistakable crunchy texture Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe is known for.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges turn a gorgeous golden color and the centers set but remain soft.
Step 8: Cool and Coat in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Once cooled, place them into a large zip-top bag with the powdered sugar and gently shake to coat each cookie evenly, giving them their signature muddy buddy look.
How to Serve Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of additional powdered sugar right before serving can make these cookies look extra special, especially for gatherings or holidays. You might also sprinkle a few extra crushed Rice Chex on top for added flair and crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair fantastically with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coldness is the ultimate complementary contrast to the chewy, chocolatey cookie. For an adult twist, pair with a cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter, alternating with small bowls of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and mini cereal boxes for a playful, interactive display. Wrapping cookies individually in parchment with a colorful ribbon makes for delightful gifts that are sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Muddy Buddy Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week — perfect for a weeknight treat or sharing with coworkers.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy that nostalgic crunch all over again.
Reheating
If you prefer them warm, reheat your thawed cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. The warmth will revive the ooey-gooey chocolate and lift the peanut butter aroma straight to your nose.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter can add an extra layer of texture to your cookies, enhancing the overall bite. Just be mindful that it might change the dough consistency slightly, so keep an eye on baking time.
How crushed should the Rice Chex cereal be?
Lightly crushed is best. You want the cereal to break into smaller pieces to fold nicely into the dough while retaining enough texture to provide that signature crunch without overwhelming the cookie.
Why do you coat the cookies in powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar coating gives the cookies their classic “muddy buddy” appearance and adds a sweet, delicate finish. It also enhances the contrast between the crunch and the soft cookie center.
Can I substitute another cereal for Rice Chex?
Yes, but Rice Chex has a unique light crunch and neutral flavor that works perfectly here. Alternatives like Corn Chex or wheat cereal might also work but could alter the texture and taste slightly.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better and often results in a thicker, chewier final product.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Muddy Buddy treats or just discovering the charm of this Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe, these cookies are bound to become a favorite. They’re playful, comforting, and packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion when you want to share a little happiness. Be sure to give these a try and watch them disappear fast — I guarantee they’ll bring a smile to your face!
Print
Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Muddy Buddy Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic puppy chow snack, combining creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and crispy Rice Chex cereal all coated in powdered sugar. These soft and crunchy cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Cookie 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
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Rice Chex cereal, lightly crushed
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and lightly crushed Rice Chex cereal, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking the cereal too much.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool and Transfer: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, place the cookies in a large zip-top bag with the powdered sugar and gently shake to coat the cookies evenly, giving them their signature muddy buddy finish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, avoid over-crushing the Rice Chex cereal; keep them lightly crushed for texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help produce thicker, chewier cookies.
