Grinch Muddy Buddies

Every Christmas, I like to make playful snacks that bring a little extra cheer to the season, and these Grinch Muddy Buddies always do the trick. They’re sweet, crunchy, and full of holiday spirit with their bright green color and those signature red candy hearts. I find them just as fun to make as they are to eat, and they always disappear quickly at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any baking. I just need a microwave, a mixing bowl, and a couple of storage bags, and the whole thing comes together in minutes. It’s also a hands-on recipe that’s fun to make with kids, since they can help with shaking the cereal in powdered sugar or sprinkling on the decorations. I also like how versatile it is—perfect for movie nights, Christmas parties, or packing up in festive bags for gifting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 cups Chex cereal

• 1 cup green candy melts

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• Green M&Ms

• Red heart sprinkles

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the green candy melts and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted.

2. Pour the mixture over the cereal and stir until all the pieces are evenly coated.

3. Place 1 cup of powdered sugar into each of two large plastic storage bags.

4. Divide the coated cereal between the bags, seal, and shake until the cereal is fully covered in powdered sugar.

5. Spread the cereal out on a baking sheet or parchment paper and let it set for about 1 hour.

6. Just before serving, stir in the green M&Ms and sprinkle with red candy hearts.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 servings. Prep time is only 10 minutes, and the mixture needs about 1 hour to set, so the total time is 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

I like experimenting with this recipe, and it’s easy to customize:

• Swap the green candy melts for white chocolate tinted with green food coloring.

• Mix in mini pretzels for a sweet-and-salty crunch.

• Add crushed candy canes for peppermint flavor.

• Use red and green sprinkles for a more colorful finish.

• Try white candy melts with red hearts for Valentine’s Day.

• Toss in mini marshmallows for a soft, chewy surprise.

• Add mini chocolate chips once cooled for extra chocolate flavor.

• Use holiday-colored candies instead of just green for variety.

storage/reheating

I usually keep Grinch Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for about a week. If my kitchen is warm, I pop the container in the fridge to keep the candy coating firm and crunchy. I always give the mix a quick toss before serving to freshen it up. For longer storage, I freeze it in a sealed bag or container for up to

 a month, then let it sit at room te

mperature for 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few days in advance. It keeps really well in an airtight container at room temperature.

How long does it stay fresh?

It usually stays crunchy and tasty for up to a week, especially if stored properly. Refrigerating it helps keep the coating firm.

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Definitely. I like using Chex, but Crispix or similar cereals with plenty of surface area work just as well.

Do I have to use peanut butter?

No, I sometimes use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cookie butter for a different flavor.

Can I freeze Grinch Muddy Buddies?

Yes, I freeze it in a sealed container for up to a month. When ready to serve, I just let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.

Conclusion

I love making Grinch Muddy Buddies because they’re festive, fun, and incredibly easy to prepare. They bring instant holiday cheer to any table, whether I’m serving them at a party, enjoying them during a Christmas movie night, or giving them as homemade gifts. With their sweet coating, crunchy texture, and colorful decorations, these little treats are always a holiday hit in my house.