If you have a soft spot for peanut butter and chocolate, then you are going to absolutely adore this Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe. These cookies take the best elements of the beloved muddy buddy snack and transform them into a chewy, crunchy cookie that’s bursting with peanut butter goodness, a hint of vanilla, and that irresistible dusting of powdered sugar. Every bite feels like a comforting hug and is sure to become a fast favorite in your cookie lineup. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies bring a perfect balance of rich flavors and fun textures that make them downright addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this recipe because each one plays a crucial role in creating that classic Muddy Buddy flavor and texture. From creamy peanut butter to the crunch of Rice Chex cereal, everything comes together smoothly to bake up something truly special.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: This provides the signature nutty flavor and moist texture every muddy buddy treat needs.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb in the cookie.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and lends a subtle crispness to the edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness and a chewy texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives the cookie structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds warmth to the cookies.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, it holds everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft yet sturdy bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies peanut butter flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Chex cereal (lightly crushed): Adds the unmistakable crispy crunch that makes these cookies unique.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts slightly to add pockets of gooey chocolate magic.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating): The classic finishing touch that gives these cookies their “muddy buddy” charm.
How to Make Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures nothing sticks and your cookies bake evenly with a perfect golden edge.
Step 2: Cream Your Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creates the foundation of flavor and ensures your cookies will be moist and tender.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This step binds your dough while adding a subtle fragrance that makes the cookies irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Then gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet peanut butter mixture just until combined, making sure not to overmix for tender cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Rice Chex and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the lightly crushed Rice Chex cereal and chocolate chips. The cereal provides the signature crunch while the chocolate chips add sweet little bursts of melty heaven.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden.
Step 7: Cool and Finish with Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll or dust them generously with powdered sugar to give your cookies that unmistakably sweet and snowy “muddy buddy” finish.
How to Serve Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of warm cookies before the powdered sugar, or add a pinch of flaky sea salt to highlight the sweetness and deepen the flavor. A light drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate can also elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of your favorite coffee or hot chocolate. The creamy drinks balance the crisp and chewy texture of the cookies, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Muddy Buddy Cookies in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a cozy vibe, or stack them on a decorative plate dusted with extra powdered sugar for festive occasions. For parties, consider putting them in small cellophane bags tied with a cute ribbon—they make fantastic edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Muddy Buddy Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness for up to a week and still deliver that perfect crunch paired with a tender bite every time.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Warm the cookies slightly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness with melty chocolate goodness. Just be sure not to overheat so they don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and peanut bits in your cookies, making them even more delightful if you enjoy a crunchier bite.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup equally well. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty cookies without worry.
Can I replace the Rice Chex cereal with something else?
While Rice Chex gives the ideal crispness, you can experiment with other cereals like cornflakes or gluten-free puffed rice, but expect a slight change in texture and flavor.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice here to balance sweetness, but feel free to use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Why is rolling the cookies in powdered sugar important?
The powdered sugar coating completes the nostalgic muddy buddy look and flavor, adding a light sweetness and a soft finish that perfectly contrasts the chocolate and peanut butter inside.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full scoop on this incredible Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to bake these treats. They’re fun to make, utterly delicious, and perfect as a homemade gift or a cozy snack. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished favorite, bringing a little bit of peanut buttery, chocolatey joy into every day.
Print
Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Muddy Buddy Cookies are a delightful twist on classic peanut butter cookies, incorporating crunchy Rice Chex cereal and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies offer a sweet, nutty, and slightly crunchy treat perfect for dessert or snacking.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins & Coating
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Chex cereal, lightly crushed
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for coating
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 easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient bowl, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Add Cereal and Chocolate: Gently fold in the lightly crushed Rice Chex cereal and semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the cereal too much.
- Scoop Cookies: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, place cookie dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have completely cooled, either lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar or roll the cookies gently in the powdered sugar to achieve the classic muddy buddy look and extra sweetness.
Notes
- For extra crunch, leave larger pieces of Rice Chex cereal instead of crushing them too finely.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to your preference.
- To avoid a sticky mess when rolling cookies in powdered sugar, ensure they are completely cooled before coating.