Muddy Buddy Cookies (Chocolate Peanut Butter Perfection)

If you love Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow), you’re about to meet your new favorite cookie. Muddy Buddy Cookies capture the best bits of that classic cereal snack. They blend chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar into a soft, chewy cookie. They’re rich, messy in the best way, and addictive. I made a batch for a movie night once, and I had to hide a few so I could have leftovers the next day.

They have everything you love about the original treat, but in cookie form—plus no need to coat cereal in a bag!

What are Muddy Buddy cookies?

Muddy Buddy Cookies are soft chocolate and peanut butter cookies. They have a tasty powdered sugar coating. These cookies draw inspiration from the popular no-bake snack, Muddy Buddies. These cookies offer a sweet-salty-chocolatey taste in every bite. They have chewy centres and a crispy sugar finish, like cereal.

Why you’ll love this recipe

These cookies are everything you love about Muddy Buddies in a baked, handheld form. The mix of chocolate and peanut butter is classic. The powdered sugar coating adds a fun, nostalgic touch. They’re simple to prepare, great for freezing, and ideal for sharing. But you might want to save a few for yourself. They’re a big hit at potlucks, bake sales, or whenever you want some chocolate comfort.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars

Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Do this until the mixture is light and fluffy. This gives your cookies that chewy texture with just enough crisp on the edges.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Use creamy peanut butter for smooth, even texture—chunky might make the dough too crumbly.

3. Stir in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it’s sticky, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes.

4. Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are soft.

Tip: Don’t overbake! You want them to stay fudgy inside.

5. Cool and Coat in Powdered Sugar

Let cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Once mostly cool (but not cold), toss each cookie in powdered sugar until coated. For an extra thick coating, double-dip them after a few minutes.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. If the powdered sugar dissolves over time, dust more on before serving.
• Freeze uncoated cookies in a single layer. Coat them in powdered sugar after they thaw.
• Serve: Best served slightly warm with a glass of milk or a coffee. Great for dessert platters or snack boards.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Stick with creamy processed peanut butter—it gives better texture.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Only if it feels too sticky to scoop. Chilling helps shape the cookies better.

3Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! Add ½ cup mini chips for extra chocolatey bites.

Why is my powdered sugar melting?

The cookies might be too warm. Let them cool a bit before coating.

Can I skip the cocoa powder?

You can, but it changes the flavor. They’ll be more peanut butter-forward.

Final Review

These Muddy Buddy Cookies are a chocolate-peanut butter lover’s dream. They’re soft, sweet, and totally hit that nostalgic snack craving with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a party or just to treat yourself, they’re easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Seriously—make a double batch. You’ll be glad you did.