Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies are my absolute go-to holiday snack when I need something festive, delicious, and ridiculously easy to throw together! Last December, Isabella and Emma were begging me to make something “Christmassy” for their school party, and I knew I needed a recipe that wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen all afternoon. This sweet, crunchy treat was ready in under 15 minutes, and trust me, it disappeared even faster than that.
What I love most about this Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies recipe is how it combines the classic powdered sugar coating of traditional muddy buddies with the festive flavor of peppermint bark. The result? A holiday snack that’s perfect for gift-giving, party platters, or late-night snacking while watching Christmas movies with Henry and the kids. Plus, it’s so simple that even Noah helped me shake the bag (his favorite part, naturally).
If you’re looking for more holiday treats the whole family will love, check out my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies for another festive favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Muddy Buddies Recipe
- Quick and easy Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort
- Perfect for holiday parties Makes a beautiful addition to any dessert table
- Kid-friendly Isabella, Emma, and Noah love helping me make these
- Great for gift-giving Package them in festive bags or jars for neighbors and teachers
- No baking required Just melting, mixing, and shaking
- Easily customizable Double or triple the batch for larger gatherings
Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies
- 4 cups rice Chex cereal The perfect base that stays crispy and holds the coating well
- 1 ½ cups chopped peppermint bark This is what gives these muddy buddies their festive holiday flavor
- ½ cup confectioners sugar Creates that signature powdered coating everyone loves
How to Make Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies
Making these holiday Chex mix recipe treats is honestly one of the easiest things you’ll do this season. I’ve made these at least a dozen times, and they turn out perfect every single time.
First, grab a gallon-sized zip-top baggie and pour in the powdered sugar. Set it aside for now.
Add your Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough to stir everything without cereal flying everywhere (I learned this the hard way during my first attempt).
Now for the fun part! Place your chopped peppermint bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 30 seconds, then stir well. If it’s not completely melted, reheat in 25-second intervals, stirring after each one until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. Don’t rush this step – you want it completely melted so it coats the cereal evenly.
Pour the melted peppermint bark over your Chex cereal and stir gently. I use a rubber spatula and fold carefully to make sure every piece gets coated without crushing the cereal.
Transfer everything into your bag of powdered sugar. This is where the kids always want to jump in! Seal that bag tight and shake it like you mean it. You want every piece completely covered in that beautiful white coating.
Dump the coated cereal onto wax paper or a cookie sheet. Let it cool completely before storing or serving. I know it’s tempting to sneak a piece right away (guilty!), but letting it set makes the coating perfect.
Storage Tips for Your Peppermint Bark Snack
Store your Peppermint Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Honestly, they never last that long in our house!
I like using clear glass jars for storage because they look so pretty on the counter, and the kids can see exactly what treat they’re grabbing.
Easy Christmas Treats Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations I’ve tried:
- Dark chocolate version Use dark chocolate peppermint bark for a less sweet option
- Extra minty Add a drop of peppermint extract to the melted bark
- Colorful coating Mix red or green sprinkles with the powdered sugar
- White chocolate drizzle Drizzle additional melted white chocolate on top after cooling
- Candy cane pieces Add crushed candy canes for extra crunch and peppermint flavor
Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Faqs
Can I use a different type of cereal for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute rice Chex with corn Chex, Cheerios, or even a combination of cereals. I’ve tried it with corn Chex and the texture is slightly different but still delicious.
How long can I store Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies?
These stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite make-ahead treats. I usually prepare it 2-3 days before a party, and it stays perfectly fresh. Just store it properly in an airtight container.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies have become a non-negotiable part of our Christmas traditions. They’re so easy that I can whip up a batch even on the busiest December days, and they always bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a party, as gifts, or just because you need a festive treat, I promise you’ll love how simple and delicious they are.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Be sure to tag me on Instagram when you make them I love seeing your creations
Recipes You May Like
If you loved these festive muddy buddies, you’ll definitely want to try these other holiday favorites:
- Best Butter Cookies Recipe Classic holiday cookies that melt in your mouth
- Spooky Halloween Cookies Recipe Fun for any holiday celebration
- Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipes A unique twist on traditional cookies
Happy holidays!
Iris
Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies are my absolute go-to holiday snack when I need something festive, delicious, and ridiculously easy to throw together! This sweet, crunchy treat combines the classic powdered sugar coating of traditional muddy buddies with the festive flavor of peppermint bark. Perfect for gift-giving, party platters, or late-night snacking while watching Christmas movies with the family.
Ingredients
- 4 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups chopped peppermint bark
- ½ cup confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Grab a gallon-sized zip-top baggie and pour in the powdered sugar. Set it aside for now.
- Add your Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl.
- Place your chopped peppermint bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 30 seconds, then stir well. If it’s not completely melted, reheat in 25-second intervals, stirring after each one until you have a smooth, glossy mixture.
- Pour the melted peppermint bark over your Chex cereal and stir gently. Use a rubber spatula and fold carefully to make sure every piece gets coated without crushing the cereal.
- Transfer everything into your bag of powdered sugar. Seal that bag tight and shake it like you mean it. You want every piece completely covered in that beautiful white coating.
- Dump the coated cereal onto wax paper or a cookie sheet. Let it cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
Store your Peppermint Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For variations, try using dark chocolate peppermint bark for a less sweet option, add a drop of peppermint extract to the melted bark, mix red or green sprinkles with the powdered sugar, drizzle additional melted white chocolate on top after cooling, or add crushed candy canes for extra crunch and peppermint flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
