This Chex Muddy Buddies Recipe comes together easily with just a handful of ingredients in under 10 minutes! Made with rich and creamy Nutella instead of peanut butter, this version offers a tasty twist on the classic snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: It only takes a few simple steps and just minutes to make a batch of Nutella muddy buddies
- No Baking: Simply microwave, mix, and shake - no oven required!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Chex muddy buddies are sweet, crunchy, and addictive! They’re both kid- and adult-approved.
For more ways to use Chex cereal, check out this chewy trail mix and this sweet Chex mix next.
Jump to:
Ingredients

- Chex Cereal: I used corn Chex, but feel free to use rice Chex if preferred or even wheat Chex if you don’t need these Nutella and chocolate muddy buddies to be gluten-free. You can even use another brand of crispy square cereal if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
- Nutella: While muddy buddies are traditionally made with peanut butter, I used Nutella to make it peanut-free and add more richness. You can use a different brand of chocolate-hazelnut spread if you’d like. Try using the leftover Nutella as a sweet crepe filling or to top these pancake skewers.
- Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use any type of chocolate chips you’d like, such as dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate. Whatever you’ve got on hand works!
- Butter: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly. Use stick butter, not whipped, for the best results.
- Sea Salt: This is important for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Powdered Sugar: Coats the chocolatey pieces of cereal and sweetens up the snack.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread, or replace the Nutella with peanut butter.
- Extra Chocolatey: Use chocolate Chex (which has some pieces coated in chocolate) and/or mix in mini chocolate chips to add even more chocolate flavor.
- Seasonal: Make a Halloween version using Reese’s Pieces, a Christmas one with red and green candies, or an Easter one with pastel M&Ms.
How to Make Muddy Buddies with Nutella
If you’re wondering how to make muddy buddies, the process is super simple! The kids can even help make them along with these chocolate chip cookie dough bites for after-school or weekend snacking.
- Step 1: Microwave. Add the Nutella, chocolate chips, and butter to a large mixing bowl. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds
- Step 2: Mix. Add salt and stir until everything is well combined and the chocolate is smooth.

- Step 3: Add Chex. Pour the Chex into the chocolate-Nutella mixture and stir until the cereal is fully coated.
- Step 4: Coat the Chex. Add the Chex to a zip-top bag, then add half of the powdered sugar.. Shake the bag to coat the Chex with the sugar. Repeat with the remaining powdered sugar.
Expert Tips
- Use a large enough bowl: Be sure your mixing bowl is big (and microwave-safe) so you can stir the Chex with the chocolate-Nutella mixture without crushing the cereal or spilling it over the sides.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate: Overheating can cause the chocolate to become stiff and grainy. Be sure to microwave in short bursts and stir between each. If the chocolate does become overheated, stir in 1 teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil to help smooth it out.
- Work in batches: Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and shake well in between each addition. This ensures the Chex cereal gets evenly coated without clumping.

Serving Suggestions
- Make a batch (or two) of this Chex muddy buddies recipe for your next game day party! It’s the perfect sweet snack to enjoy after some hot buffalo chicken dip or chili cheese dip.
- Add some to a treat bag to give as gifts to family and friends for birthdays or holidays. You could also add some to a sectioned cookie tin with homemade English toffee and candied pecans.
- A bowl of muddy buddies makes a great addition to a dessert table. Serve alongside s’mores bars and Oreo truffles.
Recipe FAQs
You can store muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nothing! Puppy chow is another name often used to refer to muddy buddies. Some say it’s because this chocolate-covered snack looks like dog kibble, while others suggest it is because the parent company of Chex also makes pet food. Whatever you decide to call this snack, remember it is for humans only since it contains chocolate, which is unsafe for pets.

More Delicious Homemade Snack Recipes
Don't Be Shy!
If you’ve tried this recipe or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave us a comment below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to see what else we’re getting up to! And don’t forget to pin this recipe to save for later.

Chex Muddy Buddies with Nutella
Ingredients
- 1 cup nutella
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 10 cups corn Chex cereal
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, measure 9 cups Chex and set aside
- In a microwave safe bowl place butter, chocolate chips and nutella.
- Microwave high for about 30 seconds, add another 30 seconds if needed.
- Pull out of microwave and add salt, mix well and quickly pour over Chex.
- Carefully mix and stir Chex. It will take a few minutes of mixing to get the chocolate well combined with Chex.
- Place chocolatey Chex in a gallon size bag, pour 1 cup of powdered sugar in, seal and shake. Once powdered sugar has coated, add second cup of sugar, and shake again to coat.
Video
Notes
- Make sure your mixing bowl is microwave-safe and large enough to have room to stir the Chex and chocolate-Nutella mixture together.
- If your chocolate stiffens instead of melts due to overheating, simply mix in a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to smooth it out.
- Muddy buddies do not need to be refrigerated and can be stored at room temperature for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Nutrition
Save this recipe for later on Pinterest











Emily Kemp says
This sounds like so much fun to make and super easy!
Kati K says
I love anything with Nutella! These are amazing!
Desarae says
thanks Kati.... I totally agree with you. ANYTHING NUTELLA <3
Janelle says
this sounds amazing! I may have to make this for the family over Christmas!
Cassandra Eastman says
This sounds so good! I love making Muddy Buddy's, and of course everyone loves Nutella... so i'll definitely have to give this recipe a try, thanks!!
Aubrey says
Thanks Cassandra!! Yes, nutella is the best - this a fun variation