Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies

Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies are the ultimate holiday snack mix when you need a crowd-pleasing treat that takes almost no time. The combination of crunchy Chex cereal, smooth chocolate, and sparkly pieces of peppermint candy hits all the right festive notes for parties or cozy nights in. If you love classic muddy buddies but crave that zing of fresh peppermint and bits of bark in every handful, this is the winter snack to try.

My family asks for this every Christmas Eve, and people have actually texted me for the recipe after trying just one handful. It is the holiday treat that vanishes quickest from the snack table.

Ingredients

• Rice Chex or Chocolate Chex cereal: six cups for extra crunch and structure in each bite pick a box where the pieces are whole and crisp
• Peppermint bark candies: one and one half cups of coarsely chopped pieces that melt and add a creamy bite choose high-quality bark with a thick layer of chocolate and peppermint
• Candy canes: half a cup finely crushed use fresh candy canes for the strongest peppermint aroma
• Milk chocolate chips: two cups these melt smoothly and coat the cereal well opt for a trusted brand for best results
• Coconut oil: two tablespoons to help the chocolate melt silkily and coat the cereal evenly try to use virgin coconut oil
• Peppermint extract: half teaspoon for pure peppermint flavor make sure it is peppermint not mint and choose a reputable brand for consistent strength
• Powdered sugar: one cup this coats the finished snack making it perfectly sweet and powdery sift before using if clumpy

Instructions

Measure the Cereal:

Start by pouring six cups of Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl. This gives you plenty of room to stir everything together without crushing the cereal.

Crush the Peppermint:

Unwrap candy canes and place them in a food processor or small blender. Pulse until the candy becomes fine powder. You want almost a sandy texture with some tiny flecks left. Set this aside for sprinkling.

Melt the Chocolate:

Add milk chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short fifteen-second bursts, stirring really well after each burst. Keep melting until the chocolate is completely silky and smooth with no lumps. Stir in the peppermint extract so flavor infuses every bite.

Coat the Cereal:

Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the waiting cereal. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint directly on top. Use a spatula or your biggest spoon to gently stir and toss the cereal until every piece is evenly covered and glossy.

Shake with Powdered Sugar:

Pour the powdered sugar into a jumbo two-gallon freezer bag. Gently add the chocolate-coated cereal on top. Seal the bag, but leave some air inside. Now shake and move the bag from side to side until every piece gets a snowy sugar coating.

Add the Peppermint Bark:

Once coated, pour the cereal into a clean bowl and gently mix in the coarsely chopped peppermint bark candies. You want them spread evenly so you get a bark bit in every handful.

My favorite part is mixing in the peppermint bark at the end. Every time I stir it in, I remember my kids fighting good-naturedly over extra bark bits. This is the recipe everyone requests for our annual tree-trimming party.

Storage Tips

Store your finished Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For peak freshness enjoy them within four days as the peppermint aroma is strongest early on. If you want to keep leftovers long term place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for about thirty minutes before serving and the crunch will return.

Ingredient Substitutions

No coconut oil on hand Use unsalted butter or even plain vegetable oil which helps with chocolate melt. Not a fan of milk chocolate Swap for semisweet or white chocolate chips. If you are out of peppermint bark stir in chunks of white chocolate with peppermint extract and a few extra candy cane bits.

Serving Suggestions

This snack mix is perfect in little jars or treat bags for edible gifts. It makes a great topping for vanilla ice cream or festive hot cocoa. Fill a pretty bowl and set it out at your game night holiday party or as a surprise treat for kids coming in from sledding.

Cultural and Holiday Context

Muddy buddies or puppy chow are a classic American snack mix known for their sweet powdery exterior and fun texture. Peppermint bark is a holiday favorite dating back decades. Combining the two brings together crunchy cereal tradition and seasonal peppermint flair which feels right at home for December celebrations and cookie exchanges.

Seasonal Adaptations

Switch the peppermint bark for crushed Easter candy for spring. Use orange extract and chocolate chips for a Halloween treat. Mix in red and green sprinkles for an even more festive winter look.

Success Stories

After making these I brought a batch to a cookie swap and they disappeared before the official start time. My niece likes to sneak them into her lunchbox and even my chocolate skeptic dad has declared them dangerously good. Every December I get at least three requests for the recipe and people always assume it was much more complicated to make.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Want to have snacks ready ahead of time Prepare the entire recipe and freeze in a large bag for future parties. To serve just bring out and spread in a bowl. The texture and flavor hold up perfectly.

Do not overmix when coating with chocolate and powdered sugar or the cereal can break up and get soggy. These festive muddy buddies will be the first thing gone at your holiday party!

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use regular mint extract instead of peppermint?

It's best to use pure peppermint extract rather than mint, as regular mint often includes spearmint, which can alter the flavor. Peppermint provides the classic cool note perfect for this treat.

→ Which type of Chex cereal works best?

Both rice and chocolate Chex work well, but rice Chex offers a neutral base that lets the peppermint and chocolate shine, while chocolate Chex adds extra cocoa richness.

→ How do I ensure even chocolate coating on the cereal?

Pour the melted chocolate mixture gradually over the cereal, stirring gently to distribute it evenly before adding the powdered sugar and shaking to coat.

→ Can leftovers be frozen for later?

Yes, store in an airtight container or bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

→ Is it possible to adjust the peppermint strength?

Absolutely. Increase or decrease the amount of peppermint extract to match your personal taste preference, keeping in mind the potency of different brands.