Butterscotch Muddy Buddies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for sweet, crunchy, utterly irresistible snacks, Butterscotch Muddy Buddies need to be on your “must make” list! Imagine classic Chex cereal coated in a thick, buttery butterscotch mixture, showered in powdered sugar until every bite is sweetly dusted and ready to absolutely disappear by the handful. This treat is as inviting at family movie nights as it is on a holiday dessert tray, and it’s so easy, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—trust me, your friends and family won’t let you forget how delicious it is!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Butterscotch Muddy Buddies counts, creating that classic crispy crunch with buttery, caramel-like sweetness and a powdered sugar finish that melts in your mouth. Here’s why each one matters:

• Chex Cereal: The backbone of the snack, its crispy texture and subtle flavor soak up all that butterscotch goodness without getting soggy.
• Butterscotch Chips: The star player, creating a buttery, caramelized coating that sets these muddy buddies apart from the rest.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds extra richness and helps melt the butterscotch chips into a luscious, thick sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and brings a lovely warmth to every bite.
• Powdered Sugar: Finishes each piece with sweet, snowy magic and keeps the snack from sticking together.

How to Make Butterscotch Muddy Buddies

Step 1: Prep the Cereal

Begin by pouring your Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough for plenty of stirring and tossing later—this will make the coating process a total breeze and help every piece get evenly covered.

Step 2: Melt the Butterscotch Mixture

Add your butterscotch chips and unsalted butter to a large, microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl. Microwave on high for about 1 minute, then stir everything together. You’ll see the mixture thickening up; this is exactly what you want. Stir in the vanilla extract, blending until everything is lovely and smooth. Don’t worry if it’s very thick and doesn’t seem pourable—this is the secret to that incredible coating!

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Scrape the thick butterscotch mixture over your cereal. Then, using the cleanest hands you can muster, gently work the mixture into the cereal, breaking up any stubborn clumps as you go. At first, it might look like it just won’t come together—keep going! With a little patience, every piece will get its share of luscious, sticky butterscotch.

Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar

Transfer your coated cereal into a large, clean plastic bag. Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, zip the bag, and shake like you mean it! The goal is to give every single piece of Butterscotch Muddy Buddies a powdery, sweet jacket. If some pieces are still a little sticky, add the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar and shake again.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Once everything is perfectly coated, pour your finished Butterscotch Muddy Buddies into an airtight container. Now they’re ready for snacking, sharing, or gifting (if you can bear to part with any of it)!

How to Serve Butterscotch Muddy Buddies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle your Butterscotch Muddy Buddies with a pinch of sea salt, pop in a handful of mini chocolate chips, or toss with some colorful sprinkles for a festive look—each garnish adds personality and even more flavor.

Side Dishes

Butterscotch Muddy Buddies are the perfect companion to an ice-cold glass of milk or a big mug of hot chocolate. They also play well alongside other snack mix favorites, like salty pretzels or roasted nuts, making your dessert or snack board extra inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try dividing your Butterscotch Muddy Buddies into cute cellophane bags for party favors, layering them with chocolate candies in mason jars for homemade gifts, or serving them in a big, colorful bowl at your next get-together for an eye-catching (and irresistible) centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Butterscotch Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making them a fantastic snack to have on hand whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing

If you need to keep your Butterscotch Muddy Buddies even longer, freezing is a breeze. Seal them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and tuck them in your freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and they’ll be just as crisp and sweet as the day you made them!

Reheating

There’s actually no need to reheat Butterscotch Muddy Buddies. If they’ve just come out of the freezer, simply let them warm back up to room temperature. This restores their crunchiness and makes them perfect for munching!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Absolutely! While classic Chex is a favorite for its crunch and ability to soak up the butterscotch, you can experiment with other square or crunchy cereals if you’d like a twist.

Can I make Butterscotch Muddy Buddies gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free variety of Chex cereal. Double-check the labels on your butterscotch chips as well, but most are gluten-free by default.

Why is the butterscotch coating so thick?

Butterscotch chips naturally melt thicker than chocolate, but this is what helps them really stick to each piece of cereal in Butterscotch Muddy Buddies. It gives every bite that signature sweet chew!

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible—just halve the ingredients if you’re making it for a smaller group, or double (or even triple!) for a party. Just be sure you have a big enough bowl for mixing.

Will these keep well for parties or as gifts?

Butterscotch Muddy Buddies are perfect for parties, potlucks, and gifting because they store well, travel easily, and everyone raves about them! They’re always the first to disappear.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Butterscotch Muddy Buddies enough for anyone who loves easy recipes that wow a crowd. Give them a try—the combination of sweet, crunchy, and buttery is absolutely unforgettable, and you might just find yourself making them for every celebration (or quiet night in) from now on!

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