Irresistibly Delicious Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies: The Ultimate No-Bake Treat!

Get ready to discover your new favorite snack mix: **Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies**! This incredibly addictive treat combines the classic flavors of America’s beloved sandwich cookie with a delightful crunch, making every bite a chocolatey, creamy dream. Forget the traditional peanut butter version—this nut-free alternative is so good, it might just become your top choice for parties, movie nights, or simply satisfying that sweet craving. Imagine indulging in handfuls of your favorite cookies, elevated into an irresistible, easy-to-make snack!

From the Author: Why These Muddy Buddies Are a Game-Changer!

For years, traditional Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies) has been a go-to snack. However, one question I frequently hear is, “What can I use instead of peanut butter?” or “How do I make this recipe nut-free?” I completely understand the concern—my own brother has a severe peanut allergy, which meant we missed out on this classic treat growing up. (Don’t worry, I definitely made up for lost time in college, ha!)

But now, I’ve got the perfect answer, and frankly, it might even be better than the original: **Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies!** Seriously, these are an absolute sensation at my house. We just can’t stop snacking on them! They hit all the right notes: sweet, incredibly crunchy, and bursting with that unmistakable, beloved Oreo flavor. Get ready for a snack mix that will redefine your expectations!

Why These Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies Are a Must-Try

Beyond being absolutely delicious, this Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies recipe offers several fantastic advantages:

• Nut-Free Perfection: A safe and delicious option for those with peanut allergies or households that prefer to avoid nuts. Everyone can enjoy this delightful treat!
• Effortlessly Easy: With minimal prep and no baking required, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules, impromptu gatherings, or when you need a quick dessert fix.
• Iconic Flavor: Who doesn’t love Oreos? This snack captures their classic cookies-and-cream essence in a fun, new texture.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the sweetness, chocolate type, or toppings to match your personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, potlucks, lunchboxes, or simply as a family snack. It disappears quickly every time!

Essential Chocolate Notes for Perfect Muddy Buddies

The type and quality of chocolate you use can significantly impact the final taste and texture of your Muddy Buddies. Here are some pro tips:

• Choose Quality Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard. They not only melt more smoothly but also offer a richer, more satisfying chocolate flavor. This makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste.
• Melt Chocolate Slowly and Carefully: Always use a sturdy glass bowl (not plastic, which can retain heat unevenly and scorch chocolate) and microwave in short bursts, stirring thoroughly between each interval. This prevents the chocolate from overheating, seizing, and becoming clumpy.
• Adjust Sweetness Levels: If you prefer a less sweet treat, consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. You can also omit the optional extra chocolate chips and mini Oreos from the toppings.
• Work Quickly with White Chocolate: White chocolate tends to harden much faster than milk chocolate. As soon as it’s melted and drizzled, immediately add your toppings and gently press them in to ensure they adhere before the chocolate sets.

Expert Tips for Making Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies

Achieving that perfect muddy buddies texture and flavor is simple with these helpful hints:

• Effortlessly Crush Oreos: For fine crumbs, a powerful blender or food processor is your best friend. Alternatively, if you don’t have these tools, place the Oreos in a sturdy plastic bag, press out all the air, seal it, and crush them with a rolling pin or a heavy object until you achieve tiny, consistent crumbs.
• No Fancy Piping Bag? No Problem!: You don’t need professional pastry equipment to drizzle that beautiful white chocolate. Simply spoon the melted white chocolate into a small, clean plastic sandwich bag. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag with scissors, and voilà—you have an instant piping bag ready for drizzling!
• Prepare Your Tray: Before pouring out your delicious snack mix, make sure to line your sheet pan(s) with parchment paper, a Silpat® baking mat, or aluminum foil. This step is crucial for easy cleanup and preventing the muddy buddies from sticking.

Elevate Your Snack with Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies Toppings

While the base Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies are fantastic on their own, adding extra toppings takes them to another level of deliciousness and visual appeal. The mini Oreos and chocolate chips are a personal favorite and add wonderful texture and flavor, but remember, they are entirely optional!

• Timing is Key for Toppings: If you decide to include additional chocolate chips or mini Oreos, make sure to sprinkle them on immediately after drizzling the white chocolate. Press them in gently to ensure they adhere firmly before the white chocolate has a chance to set.
• Mini vs. Regular Chocolate Chips: For a more refined look and balanced bite, mini chocolate chips are excellent. However, if you prefer bolder chocolate chunks, regular-sized chips work just as well.
• Customize Your Oreo Bits: Mini Oreos are my go-to for convenience and visual charm. However, if you only have regular Oreos on hand or prefer smaller cookie pieces, feel free to chop them up before sprinkling them over the mix.

Once your Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies are complete, allow them to set. This waiting period ensures that the chocolate coatings harden, giving you that satisfying crunch. You can let them set at room temperature for about an hour, or if you’re eager to dig in, pop them into the refrigerator for approximately 20 minutes for a quicker set. Once hardened, gently break the snack mix apart into individual clusters and prepare to enjoy a truly irresistible treat!

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Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

Move over, peanut butter Muddy Buddies—these Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies are next-level! Crunchy, chocolatey, and covered in Oreo goodness!

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Setting Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:
10 servings

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″) or 2 smaller pans
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Blender high-powered, or food processor

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 16 Oreos
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips or use semi-sweet for a less sweet mix
• 3 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable/canola oil, divided
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Optional Toppings

• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips mini or regular-sized
• 1/2 cup mini Oreos

Instructions

• Line a very large (15×21-inch) sheet pan (or 2 smaller sheet pans) with parchment paper or foil. Set aside. Measure the Rice Chex cereal and add it to a very large bowl.
• Add whole Oreos (do not remove the cream filling) to a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until they are completely crushed into fine crumbs. Measure out 1 level cup of these crumbs (approximately 135g) and set aside the remaining crumbs for later use.
• Combine the milk chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring vigorously for 20 seconds after each burst, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir the 1 cup of crushed Oreos into the melted chocolate until well combined. Pour this chocolate and Oreo mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Use a spatula to scrape every bit of chocolate into the cereal. Gently stir the cereal until it is evenly coated in the chocolate and Oreo mixture. Then, transfer the coated cereal to the prepared pan(s) and spread it out in an even layer.
• In a separate large microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and the remaining 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well between each burst, until the white chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Prepare a resealable plastic bag by lining a cup with it, then pour the melted white chocolate into the bag. Seal the bag, pressing out any excess air, and snip a small tip off one corner of the bag. Generously pipe the white chocolate over the chocolate-coated cereal until all the white chocolate has been used.
• Working quickly (as white chocolate hardens fast!), immediately sprinkle on the optional chocolate chips and mini Oreo cookies. Then, sprinkle the reserved remaining cookie crumbs over the entire mix. Allow the snack mix to harden and set at room temperature for approximately 1 hour (or place it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes for a faster set). Once firm, break the snack mix apart into bite-sized clusters and enjoy! This mix is best when consumed within 2 days for peak freshness.

Recipe Notes

Nutrition Note: The nutritional information provided includes the optional mini Oreos and chocolate chips. Please note that these values are approximations.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container or gallon-size bag in a cool, dry place; best enjoyed within 2–3 days, but it can last up to a week. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container or bag, remove extra air, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving:
1serving

|

Calories:
816kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
156g

|

Protein:
13g

|

Fat:
17g

|

Saturated Fat:
8g

|

Trans Fat:
1g

|

Cholesterol:
5mg

|

Sodium:
1439mg

|

Potassium:
367mg

|

Fiber:
7g

|

Sugar:
38g

|

Vitamin A:
2637IU

|

Vitamin C:
32mg

|

Calcium:
579mg

|

Iron:
50mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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