Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies Recipe [Gluten Free]

I LOVE Muddy Buddies! With all of our food allergies though, we’ve had to make some modifications to make sure that they are a safe snack for all of us. We use Rice Chex instead of a mix of Rice and Corn Chex (since I can’t have Corn) and avoid any of the Chex varieties that have gluten in them. I also take care to buy peanut butter that is gluten free and does not contain corn syrup or any artificial ingredients. This Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies Chex recipe is coated with a hot cocoa mix and has just a few simple ingredients that are also all natural (and contain no corn syrup or corn starch). This is the perfect winter snack for after a cold day of playing in the snow! Warm up with a bowl of Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies and a mug of hot cocoa or coffee!

Hot Cocoa Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Recipe:

What are muddy buddies? They are a commercial snack sold under the Chex Mix brand. They are prepackaged and widely available in stores. This recipe is a homemade version of that uses hot cocoa powder instead of plain powdered sugar and of course, it adds in some fun mini marshmallows for that hot chocolate feel.

Ingredients:

• 18 oz Rice Chex Cereal
• 1 cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips – Plus 1 Cup for adding to mix
• 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter – I used All Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/2 Cup Real Butter
• 1 tsp Real Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/2 Cups Hot Cocoa (or about 8 packets) – I used the Pioneer Woman’s 3 ingredient Hot Cocoa mix 
• 2 Cups Mini Marshmallows

The peanut butter flavor in this recipe is not overpowering. It merely serves as an excellent binder and makes the powder stick to the Chex in this yummy treat. That get started on this easy snack!

How To Make Hot Chocolate Chex Muddy Buddies:

Pour cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.

In a microwave-safe, large bowl melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter by microwaving on high for about 1 minute. Stir, then return to the microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until the peanut butter mixture is smooth when stirred. Add in vanilla.

Pour mixture over the cereal. Stir to coat the cereal well. Try to get all of the cereal evenly coated.

Add the hot cocoa and stir until well coated. You could also place the cereal mixture into a resealable plastic bag and add the hot cocoa and shake to coat.

Once the cereal is coated with the hot cocoa stir in the remaining chocolate chips and the mini marshmallows.

Store in an air tight container until ready to serve.

These are a favorite snack during the cold winter months. You could package this Gluten Free Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies Chex Recipe into mason jars (or other airtight container) and give as a perfect DIY gift for the holiday season as well!  They are also great for winter bake sales as they are really pretty!  Have you ever tried homemade Muddy Buddies?

Printable Recipe Card For Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddy Snack Mix:

Gluten Free Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies

November 29, 2024

by Racquel Bregg

Cuisine American

Category Family Food

These Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies have the peanut butter chocolate flavors you love plus the hot cocoa mix and marshmallows! Delicious for a winter snack.

Persons

12

Serving Size

1/3 cup

Prep Time

10 minutes

Total Time

10 minutes

1 2 3 4 5

Rate this recipe

|

29 ratings

Ingredients

• 18 oz Rice Chex Cereal
• 1 cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips plus 1 cup for adding to final mix
• 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
• 1/2 Cup Real Butter
• 1 tsp Real Vanilla
• 1 1/2 Cups Hot Cocoa (or about 8 packets)
• 2 Cups Mini Marshmallows

Instructions

1. Pour cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. In a large microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter by microwaving on high for about 1 minute. Stir then return to the microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until the mixture is smooth when stirred. Add in vanilla.
3. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Stir to coat the cereal well. Try to get all of the cereal evenly coated.
4. Add the hot cocoa and stir until well coated. You could also place the cereal mixture into a resealable plastic bag and add the hot cocoa and shake to coat.
5. Once the cereal is coated with the hot cocoa stir in the remaining chocolate chips and the mini marshmallows.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Gluten Free Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies

Serves: 12

Amount Per Serving: 1/3 cup
Calories		1445.96 kcal
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 71.78 g		109.2%
	Saturated Fat 36.26 g	180%
	Trans Fat 0.95 g
Cholesterol 61.01 mg		20.3%
Sodium 1190.59 mg		49.6%
Total Carbohydrate 209.42 g		69.7%
	Dietary Fiber 24.29 g	96%
	Sugars 75.96 g
Protein 26.61 g

Vitamin A 100.38 %		Vitamin C 31.47 %
Calcium 56.45 %		Iron 279.36 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Family Focus Blog

Tags

diy gifts,

gluten-free recipes,

snack recipes

© 2025 Copyright Family Focus Blog

Conclusion

Making Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies is a delightful and easy way to transform a classic snack into a warm, cozy treat perfect for any season. The rich combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and powdered sugar creates a flavor reminiscent of sipping hot cocoa by the fire, while the crunch of Chex cereal adds a satisfying texture. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a holiday gathering, a movie night, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Best of all, this easy recipe is quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat. So grab your ingredients, stir up some fun, and enjoy this sweet, chocolaty twist on a beloved classic! Do you remember the first time you had this sweet treat?

More Chex Mix Recipes:

Christmas Chex Mix Recipe- Festive and Delicious

Brownie Puppy Chow Chex Mix Recipe

S’mores Gluten Free Snack Mix

Unicorn Chex Snack Mix