Muddy Buddies for Halloween

I make these muddy buddies for Halloween when I want a cute Halloween treat that takes almost no effort but still looks totally party-ready. They're chocolatey, peanut buttery, crunchy, and covered in powdered sugar with pops of orange, yellow, and Halloween candy.

Holiday treats are my fave, especially when they're basically impossible to mess up. I also love any recipe where throwing in a handful of colorful candy instantly makes it look like you tried way harder than you actually did.

My Halloween muddy buddies recipe is beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for parties, movie nights, Halloween snack boards, or a cozy night at home. A lazy girl recipe at it's finest, all in one bowl!

Things to Know Before Making Halloween Muddy Buddies

• Let the chocolate set before adding the candy: This keeps your M&Ms and candy corn from getting covered in melted chocolate.
• Shake the cereal gently: You want the Chex coated in powdered sugar without crushing the cereal.
• Use two storage bags if needed: Splitting the mixture between two bags makes it much easier to coat everything evenly.
• Save a few candies for the top: Adding extra Halloween M&Ms and candy corn after serving makes the mix look extra cute and colorful.

If you're looking for easy, aesthetic Halloween recipes, you'll love my other Halloween party snacks like caramel apple bark, Halloween mummy dogs, ghost chocolate covered strawberries, and Halloween deviled eggs.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Rice Chex cereal: You can use other variety but I personally love using the lighter Rice Chex.
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
• Creamy peanut butter: Jif has always been my favorite brand, just use your fave!
• Unsalted butter: I used unsalted butter but regular salted butter will be fine if that's what you hve.
• Powdered sugar
• Halloween M&Ms: Adds cute seasonal color and extra chocolate.
• Autumn candy corn mix: Makes the snack mix feel instantly Halloween-ready.

You'll also need a microwave-safe bowl, large mixing bowl, gallon storage bag, baking sheet, and parchment or wax paper.

Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.

How to Make Halloween Muddy Buddies

Step 1: Melt the chocolate mixture

Add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each one, until everything is completely melted and creamy.

Step 2: Coat the Chex

Add the Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal, then gently fold everything together until all of the Chex is evenly coated.

Add the powdered sugar to a large gallon storage bag. I like dividing it between two bags so there's plenty of room for shaking.

Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag, seal it tightly, and gently shake until the cereal is covered in powdered sugar.

Step 3: Let it set and add the Halloween candy

Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Pour the coated cereal onto the pan and spread it into an even layer.

Let the muddy buddies sit for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate has set.

Mix in the Halloween M&Ms and autumn candy corn mix, then transfer everything to a serving bowl. Top with a few extra candies for an extra cute Halloween look.

Substitutions and Variations

• Change the candy colors: Use any seasonal M&Ms to turn this into a Christmas, Valentine's Day, or birthday party mix.
• Add Halloween sprinkles: Toss in orange, black, purple, or spooky-shaped sprinkles for even more color.
• Make it extra chocolatey: Add chocolate candies or mini peanut butter cups to the finished mix.
• Create individual party bags: Divide the Halloween muddy buddies into small clear bags for an easy party favor or classroom treat.

Storage and Freezing

Store Halloween muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep the container somewhere cool and dry so the chocolate stays firm and the cereal stays crispy.

You can also freeze muddy buddies in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

What are muddy buddies made of?

Classic muddy buddies are made with Chex cereal coated in chocolate, peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar. This Halloween muddy buddy recipe also adds Halloween M&Ms and candy corn.

How do you make muddy buddies for Halloween?

Make regular chocolate peanut butter muddy buddies, let them set, then mix in Halloween M&Ms and autumn candy corn. The seasonal candy turns the classic Chex mix into an easy Halloween party mix.

Why are my muddy buddies soggy?

Muddy buddies can become soggy if there is too much chocolate coating or if they are stored before the chocolate has fully set. Spread the cereal on parchment paper and allow it to set for about an hour before storing.

Can you make Halloween muddy buddies ahead of time?

Yes. Halloween muddy buddies are a great make-ahead party snack. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you're ready to serve.