This recipe for Muddy Buddies (also known as puppy chow) is made without peanut butter. Instead, we’re adding in everyone’s favorite Hazelnut spread, Nutella! It’s easy to make in just 10 minutes with only 6 ingredients.

Nutella Muddy Buddies are naturally gluten free and you can easily cut the recipe in half to make a small batch. This sweet treat is perfect for an afternoon snack, or bag it up and take it to neighbors, friends or parties!

muddy buddies in bowl

Now the real question is, did you call them muddy buddies or puppy chow as a kid?

I called them muddy buddies, but no matter what you called them, I know I’m not the only one who was totally obsessed with this delicious sweet snack as a kid!  It was always a favorite at holiday parties, birthday parties and just a delicious dessert to have around the house.

As an adult I’ve become totally obsessed with Nutella recipes. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites.

I love the delicious hazelnut spread, so of course I had to add it to this classic recipe for muddy buddies to switch up the flavor!

One of the best parts about this recipe (besides how scrumptious it is!) is just how quick and easy it is to make. You only need 6 ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. And it only takes 10 minutes to make!

Plus you can get the kids involved and let them help toss everything together. I love making this recipe with my nieces! They really enjoy making it, and of course, we all enjoy eating it!

ingredients for nutella muddy buddies

Ingredients

  • Chocolate chips – for this recipe, I use semi-sweet chocolate chips. You could also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead.
  • Unsalted butter
  • Nutella – or your favorite brand of hazelnut spread. Alternatively, if you want to make traditional muddy buddies, just sub in creamy peanut butter for the Nutella.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Rice Chex cereal – while rice is the most popular type of Chex cereal used to make muddy buddies, you could also use Wheat Chex, Chocolate Chex, Peanut Butter Chex or Corn Chex instead.
  • Powdered sugar
collage of images showing how to make muddy buddies

Step by step instructions

  1. Add the chocolate chips and butter to a small microwaveable bowl. Place in the microwave for 2 minutes.
  2. Remove from the microwave, stir, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir in the Nutella and vanilla extract.
  3. Add the Rice Chex cereal to a large bowl and pour the Nutella chocolate mixture on top.
  4. Toss to coat the cereal in the Nutella chocolate mixture.
  5. Add powdered sugar to the bowl.
  6. Use a spatula, or your hands, to toss the muddy buddies in the powdered sugar until they’re evenly coated.

Alternatively, you can add the cereal to a gallon size plastic bag, then add the Nutella chocolate mixture, seal the bag and toss to coat. Add in the powdered sugar and shake the bag until all of the cereal is fully coated in the powdered sugar.

I made this recipe using a 1000 watt microwave. If your microwave has a stronger wattage, microwave the chocolate for 1 minute, then remove and stir. Add 30 seconds until the chocolate fully melts. Continue to add 30 seconds until the butter and chocolate chips melt completely.

Variations and mix-in ideas

  • You can mix pretzels or peanuts into muddy buddies for a sweet and salty Chex mix style snack.
  • For more sweetness, mix in M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, sprinkles, peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips.
  • Around the holidays, I like to mix in pretzels, red and green M&M’s and mini peanut butter cups to make “Reindeer Chow”.
  • You can make cookies and cream muddy buddies by using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, and adding crushed oreos to the mix.
  • Add powdered food coloring to the powdered sugar to make them a different color. I used this trick to make Red Velvet Puppy Chow. So festive and perfect for holiday parties!
nutella muddy buddies in white bowl

Frequently asked questions

  • How do you melt Nutella? You don’t! On the package of Nutella, it specifically says not to melt Nutella. I made that mistake the first time I made these and unfortunately it makes for a clumpy chocolate hazelnut mess. Over the years, I’ve perfected this Nutella Muddy Buddies recipe and found that if you simply mix the Nutella into the butter and chocolate after they melt together in the microwave, you get a much smoother Nutella chocolate sauce to coat your Rice Chex cereal.
  • How long can you store muddy buddies? Sealed in an airtight container, you can store muddy buddies at room temperature for up to 5 days. After 5 days, you can put them in the refrigerator for another 5-7 days.
  • Are muddy buddies gluten free? Yes! Rice Chex cereal is gluten-free, which means Muddy Buddies are naturally gluten free, without making any substitutions.
  • Can you make them without chocolate chips? Sure, you could also use 1 cup of chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks. You could also melt the butter, then mix it with 1 1/2 cups Nutella and omit the chocolate chips altogether.
  • How do you make a small batch of muddy buddies? To make a half batch of this recipe, use 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons Nutella, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, 3 1/2 cups Rice Chex cereal and 3/4 cups powdered sugar. Follow the recipe instructions just the same as you would with a full batch.
hand grabbing muddy buddies out of bowl

More Nutella recipes

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of the hazelnut goodness, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes with Nutella!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for Nutella Muddy Buddies for later and when you make it, be sure to share a pic on Instagram and tag me @WhitneyBond or use the hashtag #WBRecipes!

muddy buddies in bowl
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Nutella Muddy Buddies

This recipe for Muddy Buddies (also known as puppy chow) is made without peanut butter. Instead we're adding in everyone's favorite Hazelnut spread, Nutella! It's easy to make in just 10 minutes with only 6 ingredients!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the chocolate chips and butter to a medium mixing bowl. Place in the microwave for 2 minutes (using a 1000 watt microwave, see notes below if your microwave has a higher wattage).
  • Remove from the microwave, stir, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Remove from the microwave and stir in the Nutella and vanilla extract.
  • Add the Rice Chex cereal to a large bowl and pour the chocolate Nutella mixture on top. Toss to coat.
  • Add the powdered sugar to the bowl and toss together until the cereal is fully coated in the sugar.

Video

Notes

  • This recipe was made using a 1000 watt microwave. If your microwave has a stronger wattage, microwave the chocolate for 1 minute, then remove and stir. Add 30 seconds if it’s not completely melted. Continue adding 30 seconds until the butter and chocolate chips are both melted.
  • Making it in a Ziplock bag: add the cereal to a gallon size plastic bag, then add the Nutella chocolate mixture, seal the bag and toss to coat. Add in the powdered sugar and shake the bag until all of the cereal is fully coated in the powdered sugar.
  • Sealed in an airtight container, muddy buddies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days. After 5 days, you can put them in the refrigerator for another 5-7 days.
  • Muddy Buddies are naturally gluten free, without making any substitutions.
  • To make a half batch of this recipe, use 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons Nutella, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, 3 1/2 cups Rice Chex cereal and 3/4 cups powdered sugar. Follow the recipe instructions just the same as you would with a full batch.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 419kcal (21%)Carbohydrates 67g (22%)Protein 4g (8%)Fat 15g (23%)Saturated Fat 11g (55%)Cholesterol 17mg (6%)Sodium 308mg (13%)Potassium 112mg (3%)Fiber 3g (12%)Sugar 43g (48%)Vitamin A 702mg (14%)Vitamin C 6mg (7%)Calcium 143mg (14%)Iron 10mg (56%)
Did you make this recipe?Tag @WhitneyBond on Instagram and hashtag it #WBRecipes!

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