Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies

These Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies are the perfect seasonal twist on a classic snack! This crunch snack is loaded with the flavor of chocolate and peppermint in every bite, and is full of chopped peppermint bark candy pieces.

Muddy Buddies are one of my favorite sweet snack mixes! And this peppermint bark version is a perfect flavor twist for the holidays. It’s the perfect snack for a game night, Christmas movie night, a potluck at a holiday party, or packaging up in bags to give out as a neighbor gift. You might also love our hot chocolate muddy buddy recipe.

This version is based on one of my favorite holiday treats – peppermint bark! You can use your own homemade Peppermint Bark for mixing in with this snack mix, or grab some from the store. It’s made without peanut butter, like you’ll find in most muddy buddies recipes.

The Best Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Peppermint Bark

• Quick and Easy – This mint chocolate snack mix is so easy to make, just a few simple steps and you’ve got a batch of this delicious minty snack!
• Crunchy Texture – The crunchy texture of homemade muddy buddies is practically addictive, this minty addition is no different.
• Peppermint + Chocolate Flavor – A delicious festive flavor combo this treat marries rich chocolate, with cool peppermint, capturing the essence of the holiday season.
• Perfect for Parties – This makes a big bowlful, so its great for serving in a big bowl at your next holiday party. It would also be great packaged in some festive bags for a nice homemade gift.

Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow Ingredients:

This is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow Recipe. Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.

• Chex Cereal – I prefer Rice Chex, but any Chex cereal will work, even Chocolate Chex for an extra chocolatey flavor
• Peppermint Bark Candies – These are melted to cover the cereal, and added in chunks to the mix
• Candy Canes –
• Chocolate Chips – I prefer milk chocolate chips, but you can use dark chocolate, semi sweet, or even white chocolate if you prefer that flavor
• Peppermint Extract – Make sure to use Peppermint Extract, not mint extract. Mint extract will make this taste like toothpaste.
• Powdered Sugar

How to make Peppermint Muddy Buddies?

1. Melt the chocolate. Add 1 cup of chopped peppermint bark and 1 cup of chocolate chips to a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring in between each, until the chocolate is melted and can be stirred smooth. One melted, stir in the peppermint extract.
2. Pour the melted chocolate over the Chex cereal in a large bowl and stir it all together to coat the cereal evenly in the chocolate.
3. Add the powdered sugar and crushed candy canes to a large freezer bag and pour in the chocolate cereal. Seal the bag and shake it all up to coat the cereal in the powdered sugar and candy cane pieces.
4. Let it set. Add back to a fresh bowl, or spread out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, and mix in the additional Peppermint Bark Candy pieces.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use High Quality chocolate – for a better, smoother melt and richer flavor.
• Use Peppermint Extract – make sure to use peppermint extract not mint extract. Mint extract is a mixture of peppermint and spearmint and will taste like toothpaste.
• Extra festive – make these extra fun by adding in some Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles for some more fun color.
• Double the recipe – This recipe can be easily doubled to make more for a large crowd, or neighbor gifts. Alternatively you can also cut the recipe in half as needed.

How to Store Peppermint Puppy Chow?

Let the chocolate totally set on your puppy chow and store it in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store it at room temperature for up to 1 week.

You can also freeze the chex mix in a freezer safe bag for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to crush candy canes?

Candy canes or peppermint candies can be crushed in a couple different ways. The easiest way is to add unwrapped candy cane pieces to a food processor, or small blender and pulse a few times until crushed.

Also, you can place the candy cane piece into a large Ziplock bag and seal the bag, place the bag on a cutting board, and then hammer the candy canes with the flat side of a meat mallet until you have a nice fine crumb.

Can I use a different cereal?

Instead of Chex, you can also use Crispix cereal.

Can I substitute peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Peppermint oil has a stronger concentration than peppermint extract because it is not mixed with anything else, so I recommend starting with just a drop, and adding a little more to taste.

More Peppermint Treats:

• Peppermint Brownie Cookies
• Peppermint Meringue Cookies
• Peppermint Oreos
• Chocolate Chip + Peppermint Bark Cookies
• Peppermint Ice Cream
• Peppermint Fudge