Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe with friends because it’s one of those irresistible snacks that brings together crunchy cereal, rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the refreshing kick of mint in the most delightful way. For me, this treat is pure nostalgia and comfort, perfect for any occasion when I want something sweet, simple, and crowd-pleasing. It’s no-bake, quick to make, and always gone before the night ends, which just shows how addictive these muddy buddies are!

Why You'll Love This Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe

I can’t say enough about how the combination of flavors in this Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe makes it so special. The blend of semi-sweet chocolate and peanut butter creates a creamy, luscious coating that perfectly clings to the crunchy Rice Chex cereal. The real star, though, is those bright little bursts of mint—from the Andes Mint pieces and mint-flavored M&M’s—that add a refreshing twist you don’t get with your usual muddy buddies. It’s like a minty, chocolaty hug for your taste buds!

Another thing I absolutely appreciate is how simple the recipe is. Seriously, it comes together so quickly with just a few ingredients, and since there’s no baking involved, I can have it ready in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those recipes I love pulling out for last-minute gatherings or a cozy movie night when I want something homemade but fuss-free. Plus, mixing everything by hand (seriously, it feels like a fun kitchen workout!) makes it oddly satisfying and perfect for involving the whole family.

Whether I’m hosting a party or just need a sweet bite on a chilled evening, this Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe feels like the perfect festive treat that stands out from ordinary snacks. There’s something about how the candy and mint come together that says “celebration,” yet it’s so easy that it doesn’t feel intimidating to serve. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want to impress without the pressure.

Ingredients You'll Need

All the ingredients here are simple staples that combine to create an incredible balance of texture, sweetness, and that cool mint flavor. Each element is essential: the Rice Chex cereal gives crunch, the chocolate and peanut butter add creamy richness, the powdered sugar makes everything perfectly sweet and dusted, and the mint candies deliver that unique Andes Mint twist.

• Rice Chex cereal: The crunchy, light base that holds all the chocolate and peanut butter goodness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides rich chocolate flavor and smooth coating when melted.
• Peanut butter: Adds creamy texture and a nutty depth that perfectly complements the chocolate.
• Butter: Keeps the coating silky and helps the chocolate and peanut butter blend.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash to enhance all the flavors and add warmth.
• Powdered sugar: The final dusting that creates that signature “muddy” appearance and sweet crunch.
• Mint flavored M&M's: Little bursts of minty candy that add fun color and flavor contrasts.
• Hershey Andes Mint bars: Broken into pieces for that iconic cool mint taste and chocolate bite throughout.

Directions

Step 1: Start by pouring 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside. This will be the crunchy canvas for all your delicious flavors.

Step 2: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup of smooth peanut butter, and ¼ cup (½ stick) of room temperature butter. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute and then stir well.

Step 3: Microwave the mixture for an additional 30 seconds after stirring, so it becomes completely smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to give it that lovely aromatic touch.

Step 4: Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula or your hands (gloves recommended!) to gently mix until every piece of cereal is coated evenly and looks beautifully glossy.

Step 5: Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Pour 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar into the bag, seal it tightly, and gently shake until all the cereal is fully covered in the sugary dust.

Step 6: Line a baking sheet with wax paper, then carefully pour out the coated cereal mixture onto it. Spread it out evenly and let it cool completely, which helps the coating set just right.

Step 7: Once the mixture is cool, transfer it into a large serving bowl. Finally, toss in the green, light green, and white mint-flavored M&M’s and sprinkle on broken Hershey Andes Mint pieces for that signature minty crunch.

Step 8: Enjoy immediately or store for later snacking – this Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe always goes fast in my house!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes enough for about 10 to 12 servings, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat over a few days. The prep time is really short—about 10 minutes to mix and melt everything. There’s no baking time, but you’ll want to allow 15 minutes or so for the mix to cool and set properly on the baking sheet. So overall, from start to finish, you’re looking at roughly 25 to 30 minutes total time. It’s perfect for quick prep when you want something homemade without spending the whole afternoon in the kitchen.

How to Serve This Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe

I love serving this Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe in a big bowl at parties or casual get-togethers because it’s so easy to grab handfuls and enjoy. For a fun presentation, I sometimes layer the muddy buddies in a clear glass trifle bowl or jar to really show off the colorful mint M&M’s and Andes Mint pieces scattered throughout. It makes a simple snack look festive and inviting.

If I’m serving it for a holiday or special occasion, I like to pair it with warm drinks like hot cocoa or peppermint tea, which really elevate the mint flavor and create a cozy vibe. For adult gatherings, it also pairs nicely with dessert wines like a sweet Moscato or a creamy Bailey’s cocktail, accentuating the chocolate and mint notes beautifully.

This treat is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, as it keeps the outer coating crisp without getting too hard. Portion-wise, I usually let everyone serve themselves so they can indulge as much as they want, but it’s also great pre-portioned into small snack bags for gift-giving or party favors. Trust me, these muddy buddies disappear quickly, so it’s smart to have multiple bowls ready to go!

Variations

One of the things I love about this Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe is how flexible it is to switch things up. If you want to swap out the Rice Chex, Puffed Rice cereal or even Gluten-Free cereal work wonderfully, making this treat accessible to gluten-sensitive guests. For nut allergies, you can try substituting the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter – I’ve done both, and they still taste amazing!

For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips, vegan butter, and check that the mint candies are vegan-friendly (many are, but always read labels). You can also experiment with adding crushed peppermint candies for an extra burst of minty crunch or sprinkle in some sea salt to heighten the chocolate flavor in a sophisticated way.

If you want to play with flavors, try using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet to create a sweeter, creamier vibe. Alternatively, some crushed toffee or pretzels mixed in give a fun salty-sweet twist and add a different crunchy texture. The recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt, so feel free to get creative!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always keep my Andes Mint Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents the coating from getting stale and keeps the cereal nice and crunchy. Stored this way, the muddy buddies stay fresh for about 5 days – perfect for snacking throughout the week. Glass or plastic containers work great, but make sure the lid seals well so no moisture sneaks in.

Freezing

Because of the powdered sugar coating and the candy mix-ins, I generally don’t recommend freezing these muddy buddies. Freezing can cause the texture to change and the powdered sugar may clump or dissolve when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this treat fresh or within several days of making it to appreciate the perfect crunch and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake, candy-coated snack, reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended. If the mixture feels a little soft, popping the container into the fridge for a short while can help firm things up and restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving or heating as this can melt the candy coating and make the texture soggy. Room temperature or chilled is definitely the way to go!

FAQs

Can I use other cereals besides Rice Chex for this Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex provides a nice crunch and lightness, you can substitute with similar cereals like Corn Chex, Puffed Rice, or even gluten-free options depending on your dietary needs. Just make sure the cereal is crisp and sturdy enough to hold the coating without getting soggy.

What’s the best way to melt the chocolate and peanut butter mixture?

I find microwaving is the easiest and quickest method. Heat the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in short bursts (start with 1 minute, stir, then 30 seconds) to avoid burning and ensure a smooth, creamy mixture. Stirring well after microwaving is key to getting that perfect silky texture.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can definitely prepare Andes Mint Muddy Buddies a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy. It’s a great option for holiday parties or weeknight snacks since it stays delicious for several days without losing flavor or texture.

What if I don’t have Andes Mint bars—can I skip them?

The Andes Mint pieces add a special minty pop, but if you don’t have them, you can still enjoy this recipe by using extra mint-flavored M&M’s or even crushed peppermint candies as a substitute. The mint flavor is the highlight, so I’d recommend keeping some form of mint candy in there.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! Andes Mint Muddy Buddies are a favorite among kids because of the sweet, colorful M&M’s and the fun crunchy texture. Just be sure to supervise younger children when mixing by hand, and consider reducing the amount of chocolate or candy if you want a less sweet version for little ones.

Conclusion

I hope you’re just as excited as I am to try this Andes Mint Muddy Buddies Recipe because it’s truly one of my favorite go-to treats for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It’s that perfect balance of chocolatey, minty, and crunchy goodness that always brings a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re sharing it at a party, enjoying it during a cozy night in, or gifting it to loved ones, this recipe never fails to impress. Give it a go and watch how quickly it disappears!

Print