Peppermint White Chocolate Muddy Buddies

$- 9 cups rice cereal (Chex) - 1 cup white chocolate chips - ½ cup creamy peanut butter - ¼ cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1 cup powdered sugar - ½ cup crushed peppermint candies The main ingredients make this treat special. Rice cereal gives it a nice crunch. White chocolate and peanut butter blend to form a creamy mix. The butter helps it melt smoothly. Peppermint extract adds a festive touch. Powdered sugar coats it for sweetness. Crushed peppermint candies provide extra flavor and crunch. - Additional crushed peppermint for decoration - Serving suggestions (festive jars or cones) Garnishes can make your muddy buddies even more fun. You can sprinkle more crushed peppermint on top. It adds color and a holiday vibe. Serve them in festive jars or cones. This makes a great gift or party treat. Each serving will look lovely and taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, measure out 9 cups of rice cereal. Set it aside in a large bowl. This cereal will hold all the yummy flavors. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix 1 cup of white chocolate chips, ½ cup of creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Heat this in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well after each time you heat it. Keep heating until it’s smooth and blended. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. This gives your mixture a nice minty flavor. Then, pour the melted chocolate mix over the rice cereal. Gently fold the cereal in. Make sure every piece is coated well with the chocolate. Take a large resealable bag and add 1 cup of powdered sugar. Put the coated rice cereal into the bag. Seal it shut and shake it gently. This will coat the cereal with powdered sugar. Next, add in ½ cup of crushed peppermint candies. Seal the bag again and shake once more to spread the peppermint bits evenly. Now, spread your muddy buddies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them cool for about 30 minutes. This helps them set and firm up. Finally, sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top for a festive touch. To get a great coating on the cereal, pour the melted chocolate mix slowly. This helps each piece get covered well. Use a spatula to gently fold the cereal. Don't rush; make sure every piece is coated. When melting chocolate, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir after each time to keep it smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of butter. This keeps it creamy and easy to mix. You can prepare these muddy buddies a day before you serve them. Store them in an airtight container after they cool. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They last about a week if stored well. Pre-chill for a few hours to help them set. This makes them firm and easy to serve. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge. For a fun presentation, use festive paper cones. You can also fill glass jars and tie them with a ribbon. They make great gifts for friends and family during the holidays. Consider adding a tag that shares the recipe. This way, your gift brings joy and inspiration. Enjoy sharing these tasty treats at parties or gatherings! Pro Tips Use High-Quality White Chocolate: Opt for premium white chocolate chips for a smoother melt and richer flavor in your muddy buddies. Customize the Peppermint Flavor: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract according to your taste preference; start with less and add more if desired. Chill for Best Texture: Allow the muddy buddies to chill longer if you prefer a firmer texture; this helps them hold their shape better. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in other toppings like chocolate sprinkles or nuts for added crunch and variety in flavors. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your muddy buddies easily. Instead of peppermint extract, try using vanilla or almond extract. This small switch gives a new taste twist. You can explore many flavors based on your mood or season. For a fun mix, use orange extract for a citrus kick. Each flavor brings its own charm to the mix. If you need gluten-free options, use puffed rice instead of rice cereal. This keeps the texture light and crunchy. For dairy-free swaps, choose dairy-free chocolate chips and nut butter. These changes let everyone enjoy muddy buddies. You can still have fun without any gluten or dairy. Change the crushed candies to fit the season. For spring, use crushed chocolate eggs. In the fall, swap in crushed toffee for a rich flavor. You can match the treats to holidays too! Use red and green crushed candies for Christmas. Each season brings a chance to make your muddy buddies unique and fun. To keep your Peppermint White Chocolate Muddy Buddies fresh, use an airtight container. A glass jar or a plastic container with a tight lid works best. Make sure the buddies are completely cool before storing. This prevents moisture from forming inside the container. You can store them at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge. They can last up to two weeks when refrigerated. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, spread the muddy buddies on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about one hour. This step helps keep them from clumping together. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay in the freezer for three months. When you’re ready to eat them, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy them as a cool treat! Peppermint White Chocolate Muddy Buddies can last up to two weeks. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about a month in the freezer. Yes, you can modify the recipe easily. Here are some common customizations: - Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate. - Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free option. - Add in some mini marshmallows or nuts for extra texture. These changes can give your muddy buddies a unique twist. Crushing peppermint candies can be fun and easy. Here are some methods: - Place candies in a zip-top bag and seal it tightly. - Use a rolling pin to crush them gently. - For a finer crush, use a food processor. These methods help you get the right size for your recipe without too much effort. Yes, there are alternatives to white chocolate if you want to try something different. Consider these options: - Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor. - Milk chocolate gives a creamier taste. - You can even try butterscotch chips for a sweet twist. These alternatives can change the flavor profile while still keeping it delicious. In this post, we explored making Peppermint White Chocolate Muddy Buddies. We covered ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips on perfecting the recipe and suggested fun variations. Storage info ensures your treats stay fresh. Try these sweet bites for your next gathering. They are easy to share and delight everyone. Enjoy making them your own, and don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen!$

Peppermint White Chocolate Muddy Buddies

A festive treat combining rice cereal with white chocolate and peppermint flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

9 cups rice cereal (such as Chex)
1 cup white chocolate chips
0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
0.25 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup powdered sugar
0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies (or crushed candy canes)
to taste additional crushed peppermint for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, measure out 9 cups of rice cereal and set it aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips, ½ cup of creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the melted mixture.
Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the reserved rice cereal and gently fold until coated.
In a large resealable plastic bag, place 1 cup of powdered sugar and the coated rice cereal. Seal the bag and shake gently to coat.
Open the bag and sprinkle in ½ cup of crushed peppermint candies. Seal and shake to distribute.
Spread the coated muddy buddies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow to cool for about 30 minutes.
Once set, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint over the top.

Notes

For a delightful presentation, serve in festive paper cones or glass jars tied with a ribbon.

Keyword holiday treats, peppermint, white chocolate