Valentine’s Sweetheart Muddy Buddies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Author: Emily

Published: 30 June 2025

Updated: 13 January 2026

why make this recipe

Valentine’s Sweetheart Muddy Buddies feel like a warm hug in a bowl. They are crunchy, chocolatey, and perfect for sharing. I love tucking a bag into a little picnic with a warm sourdough croissant loaf for a cozy treat swap. They take minutes to make. Kids can help. They store well too.

how to make Valentine’s Sweetheart Muddy Buddies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Ingredients:
– 9 cups rice cereal
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– ½ cup heart-shaped sprinkles (optional)
– ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Valentine's Sweetheart Muddy Buddies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Directions:

Prep your space. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure out the cereal.
Melt chocolate and peanut butter. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between each burst until smooth.
Stir in vanilla. Mix until the flavor is even.
Add chocolate to cereal. Pour the rice cereal into a large bowl. Slowly add the melted mixture. Stir gently to coat each piece.
Add cocoa powder. Sprinkle the unsweetened cocoa over the coated cereal. Fold gently until it looks even.
Powdered sugar coating. Put the powdered sugar in a large zip bag. Add the chocolate-coated cereal. Seal and shake until coated.
Add sprinkles. Toss in heart-shaped sprinkles if you like. Mix gently so they don’t melt.
Spread to set. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it in a single layer. Let it cool and set for about 30 minutes.
Optional white chocolate drizzle. Melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled Muddy Buddies for a pretty finish.
Serve or store. Once cool, serve right away or pack into an airtight container.

how to serve Valentine’s Sweetheart Muddy Buddies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Serve them in small bags for gifts. Put them in a pretty bowl at a party. They also make a fun snack alongside a savory plate, like a simple Mediterranean steak bowl, for a sweet finish. Keep some on the counter for movie night.

how to store Valentine’s Sweetheart Muddy Buddies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Cool completely before storing. Use an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

tips to make Valentine’s Sweetheart Muddy Buddies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Use a gentle hand when stirring to keep the cereal from breaking. If your chocolate seizes, add 1 teaspoon of oil and stir until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding sprinkles so they don’t melt. For a grab-and-go snack, spoon them into little treat bags. If you plan a snack board, pair these with warm bites like an Italian stromboli to balance sweet and savory.

variation (if any)

Try swapping peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Stir in mini marshmallows for a fluffier texture. Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a tart pop. For movie-night sharing, mix in pretzel bits for crunch. These also taste great next to homemade pizza on sourdough pizza crust nights.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these without peanut butter?
A: Yes. Use almond butter or a seed butter. Make sure the substitute melts smoothly. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.

Q: How do I keep the sprinkles from bleeding color?
A: Add sprinkles after the mix cools a bit. Keep stirring gently. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent color transfer.

Q: Can I skip the powdered sugar?
A: You can, but the powdered sugar gives the signature “muddy” look and a sweet coating. If you skip it, consider dusting lightly with cocoa or extra powdered sugar before serving.

Valentine's Sweetheart Muddy Buddies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

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