If you’re a fan of the classic Muddy Buddies snack mix, you’re going to fall in love with these Muddy Buddy Peanut Butter Cookies! Each cookie features a soft baked peanut butter base with crinkly edges, a rich milk chocolate center, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. They have the perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors in every bite.
These cookies are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re baking for the holidays, making treats for a party, or just satisfying a peanut butter craving. Their beautiful presentation and delicious taste make them a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Best of all, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Try them today and enjoy a new favorite cookie recipe!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Peanut Butter Cookies
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½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
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½ cup creamy peanut butter
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup light brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon baking soda
Milk Chocolate Center
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1 cup milk chocolate chips
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½ teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
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½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or handheld beater to blend the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
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Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
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Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll into a ball. Place 12 dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 8 minutes. The cookies will not flatten on their own.
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Immediately after removing from the oven, use the bottom of a flat cup or measuring cup to gently press down on each cookie to create a shallow center and crinkly edges.
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Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet for about 1 hour.
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Melt the chocolate chips and canola oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth (about 1.5 minutes total).
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Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the center of each cooled cookie and let set at room temperature for 2 hours, or speed up the process by placing them in the fridge for 15 minutes.
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Once the chocolate is firm, dust the cookies with powdered sugar using a sifter, mesh strainer, or by hand.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Cooling Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Muddy Buddy Peanut Butter Cookies: The Perfect Blend of Crunchy, Chewy, and Chocolatey
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, then you are in for a real treat with these Muddy Buddy Peanut Butter Cookies. Inspired by the classic Muddy Buddies (or Puppy Chow) snack mix, these cookies take everything we love about the sweet, crunchy, chocolate coated cereal treat and transform it into a soft, chewy, and utterly delicious cookie. They are loaded with peanut butter flavor, feature a smooth milk chocolate center, and are dusted with powdered sugar for that signature Muddy Buddy look and taste.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, these cookies are a fantastic choice. They’re simple to make, require only a handful of pantry staples, and have a unique combination of textures and flavors that make them stand out from traditional peanut butter cookies.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Muddy Buddy Peanut Butter Cookies their origin, why they work so well, expert baking tips, variations, storage tips, and more.
The Inspiration Behind Muddy Buddy Peanut Butter Cookies
Muddy Buddies (also called Puppy Chow) are a classic no-bake treat made from Chex cereal coated in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. They are crunchy, sweet, and incredibly addictive! The idea behind these cookies was to capture that same flavor experience but in cookie form, creating something that peanut butter and chocolate lovers would adore.
These cookies feature:
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A rich peanut butter cookie base that is soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
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A smooth and luscious chocolate center that melts in your mouth.
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A light dusting of powdered sugar to give them that signature Muddy Buddy look and a hint of extra sweetness.
This combination makes them a perfect choice for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, offering the best of both worlds in one satisfying bite.
Why These Cookies Are So Delicious
There’s something truly special about these Muddy Buddy Peanut Butter Cookies. Every element of the cookie plays an important role in making it irresistible:
1. Perfect Peanut Butter Flavor
The peanut butter in the dough provides a rich, nutty taste that’s balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. It gives the cookies a classic peanut butter cookie texture, with crisp edges and a soft, chewy center.
2. Chocolatey Goodness
A milk chocolate center adds the perfect contrast to the peanut butter. Instead of mixing the chocolate into the dough, it is melted separately and spooned into the center of each cookie after baking. This results in a silky, smooth chocolate topping that melts slightly when you take a bite.
3. The Powdered Sugar Finish
Just like classic Muddy Buddies, these cookies get a light dusting of powdered sugar to add that extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. It makes them look stunning on a cookie tray and adds a slight melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Muddy Buddy Cookies
Want to make sure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and picture-perfect? Here are some essential baking tips:
1. Use Creamy Peanut Butter
For the best texture, use regular creamy peanut butter (such as Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter tends to be too oily, which can affect the structure of the cookie dough.
2. Don’t Overbake
The cookies may look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, but they continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly.
3. Press the Cookies Immediately After Baking
To create that signature crinkly, slightly flattened shape, use the bottom of a flat measuring cup or glass to gently press down on each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven. This also makes a perfect indentation for the melted chocolate.
4. Melt the Chocolate Slowly
When melting the chocolate chips, use a microwave in short bursts (15-30 seconds at a time) and stir in between. This prevents overheating and keeps the chocolate smooth and glossy.
5. Let the Cookies Cool Before Adding Powdered Sugar
If you dust the cookies too soon, the powdered sugar will melt into the chocolate. Wait until they are completely set for the best results.
Fun Variations to Try
These cookies are already delicious, but if you want to get creative, here are some fun variations to try:
1. Use Dark Chocolate or White Chocolate
Instead of milk chocolate, try using dark chocolate for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a fun twist.
2. Add a Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle crushed Muddy Buddies cereal or chopped peanuts on top of the melted chocolate before it sets for added texture.
3. Drizzle with Extra Chocolate
For a more decorative look, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies once they’ve cooled.
4. Make Them Extra Chewy
Replace a couple of tablespoons of flour with cornstarch to create an even softer and chewier cookie.
5. Turn Them Into Cookie Sandwiches
Instead of topping them with chocolate, spread peanut butter or Nutella between two cookies for a decadent sandwich style treat.
How to Store & Freeze Muddy Buddy Cookies
These cookies stay fresh and delicious for several days, making them perfect for gifting or meal prepping.
Storing at Room Temperature
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Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the powdered sugar from smudging.
Refrigerating
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If you live in a warm climate, store them in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm.
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Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating for the best texture.
Freezing for Later
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These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months.
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When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Muddy Buddy Peanut Butter Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate. They combine the best parts of classic peanut butter cookies with the flavors and textures of Muddy Buddies, resulting in a soft, chewy, chocolatey, and absolutely delicious treat.
Not only are they easy to make, but they also look beautiful on a dessert tray, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or just a fun weekend baking project. With their rich peanut butter taste, smooth chocolate center, and powdered sugar finish, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household.