Recipe

Chex Buddies

A sweet and salty, no-bake snack mix that turns plain Chex into peanut buttery, chocolate-kissed, powdered sugar-coated bites with pretzels, peanuts, and candy.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A large bowl of Chex Buddies snack mix with Chex cereal, pretzels, peanuts, and candy pieces dusted in powdered sugar on a kitchen counter

Jump to Recipe

Chex Buddies are the kind of snack that disappears in a suspiciously short amount of time. You start with a bowl for “tasting,” then suddenly you are standing at the counter doing quality control with both hands. It happens.

This is my go-to party mix when I want maximum payoff with minimum drama. No baking, no candy thermometer, no weird ingredients. Just crispy cereal, salty crunch, and a quick peanut butter coating with a little melted chocolate to help everything set up, plus the classic powdered sugar finish that makes it look like it got caught in a delicious snowstorm.

Measured ingredients for Chex Buddies including Chex cereal, mini pretzels, peanuts, powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips arranged on a bright kitchen counter

Why It Works

Fast and forgiving: You melt, pour, shake, and you are basically done. If it clumps a little, that is a feature, not a bug.
Sweet-salty balance: Peanut butter and powdered sugar bring the cozy, while pretzels and peanuts keep it snacky.
Coating that sets: A little melted chocolate helps the mix dry down so it stays crisp and snackable.
Easy to customize: Swap the add-ins to match allergies, holidays, or whatever is hiding in your pantry.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Room temperature: Store Chex Buddies completely cooled in an airtight container. They are best within 3 to 5 days (humidity and add-ins can change the texture). If your kitchen runs warm or humid, add a paper towel to the container to help absorb moisture and keep the coating from getting sticky.

Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it. Seal in a freezer bag, press out air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Candy coatings can dull a bit after freezing, but it still tastes great.

Make-ahead tip: If you are adding chocolate candies, mix them in after the cereal cools so the candy coating stays shiny and does not melt.

Common Questions

Are Chex Buddies the same as Muddy Buddies?

Pretty much. “Muddy Buddies” is the name most people know, and “Chex Buddies” is a common nickname. Classic versions usually include melted chocolate chips in the coating, which helps it set up firm. This recipe follows that classic idea so you get that dry, snowy finish (not a greasy coating).

Can I make this without peanut butter?

Yep. Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter 1:1. If you need nut-free, skip peanuts and use sunflower butter plus pretzels, mini marshmallows, or more cereal.

Why is mine sticky instead of powdery?

Usually one of three things: the coating was too hot when you added powdered sugar (so it melted), you did not use enough powdered sugar, or humidity got you. Let the mix cool 3 to 5 minutes before the sugar shake, and add more sugar as needed. Also, if you skip the melted chocolate, you will typically need much less butter and a lot more powdered sugar to keep it from turning greasy.

Can I use a microwave instead of the stove?

Absolutely. Microwave the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth. Then stir in vanilla. If you are using white chocolate chips, use lower power and shorter bursts since they scorch more easily.

What are the best add-ins?

Mini pretzels, peanuts, candy-coated chocolates, mini peanut butter cups, toasted coconut, or marshmallows. Keep the total add-ins to about 3 to 4 cups so the coating still covers everything.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
Rubber spatula
Very large bowl or 2-gallon zip-top bag (or 2 1-gallon bags)
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet lined with parchment (for cooling)

I love ambitious cooking projects, but I also love recipes that feel like hanging out in the kitchen with your favorite people. Chex Buddies are that. They are the snack I make when someone texts “We are on our way” and I need something fun on the table before the doorbell rings. It is low effort, high reward, and it always gets that same reaction: one bite, a pause, then “Wait, what did you put in this?”

Chex Buddies

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 12 (about 12 cups)

Ingredients

8 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup salted roasted peanuts (or omit and add more pretzels)
1 1/2 cups candy-coated chocolates (optional)
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk or white chocolate chips)
2 cups powdered sugar, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt (optional, but nice)

Optional add-ins: 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (add after cooling), or 1/2 cup toasted coconut.

Instructions

Set up your cooling zone. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Grab a very large bowl or a 2-gallon zip-top bag for shaking (or plan to use two 1-gallon bags and shake in batches).
Build the crunch base. In a large bowl, combine the Chex, pretzels, and peanuts. If you are using candy-coated chocolates, hold them back for now.
Melt the coating. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth. Microwave option: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth (white chocolate scorches easily, so go shorter and gentler). Turn off the heat (or remove from the microwave) and stir in vanilla and the optional salt.
Coat the mix. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal mix. Gently fold until everything is evenly glossy and coated. Be patient and use a light hand so you do not crush the Chex.
Powdered sugar shake. Let the coated mix sit 3 to 5 minutes so it is warm, not hot, so the powdered sugar does not melt. Transfer to a 2-gallon zip-top bag (or keep in a large bowl with a lid). Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until everything looks snowy. If it still looks wet in spots, add 1/4 cup more powdered sugar and shake again.
Cool and finish. Spread the mix on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Let cool 10 to 15 minutes. Once cool, fold in the candy-coated chocolates and any other add-ins like marshmallows.
Serve. Toss one more time to break up any clumps, then serve in a big bowl and accept that you will be refilling it.