These Lightened Up Muddy Buddies are a favorite treat during the holidays- also known as Puppy Chow- it’s a sweet crunchy, peanut buttery, chocolate treat that everyone loves!

Makes 18 (1/2 cup) servings

How is this Lightened Up Muddy Buddies recipe healthier than traditional Muddy Buddies? 

This Lightened Up Muddy Buddies recipe has been lightened up and is “healthier” than most traditional muddy buddy recipes-using less powdered sugar, low point peanut butter, and no sugar added chocolate chips. I say healthier, because let’s be real – muddy buddies aren’t “healthy” no matter what way you spin it, but life is all about balance- and enjoying a sweet treat in moderation-that fits into your wellness journey-is the way to live life!

What ingredients do I need to make these Lightened Up Muddy Buddies?

• Peanut Butter– I like to use Better N’ peanut better, which you can get a 3-pack online HERE on Amazon. I also love American Dream Nut Butter. Which has a variety of peanut and nut butters flavors. I love using the “Grandma’s Peanut Butter Fudge” which is high in protein, low in calories and points. You can purchase that HERE at save 10% using promo code: pounddropper10.
• No Sugar Added Chocolate Chips-I like to use ChocZero no sugar added milk chocolate chips. You can purchase those online HERE. Save 10% on your order with promo code: pounddropper. You could also use Lily’s milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips.
• Light Butter-I use Land O’ Lakes light butter or you could use ” I can’t believe it’s not butter”
• Vanilla Extract-for flavor
• Powdered Sugar – Although many muddy buddy recipes out there use up to 2 cups of powdered sugar, I cut the sugar amount down to just 3/4 cup and it’s still absolutely delicious and plenty sweet. You can however, use Lakanto Monkfruit Powdered Sweetener or Swerve Confectioners Sweetener, as a substitute for an even more healthier choice. However, I prefer using regular powdered sugar for the coating since the Lakanto Monkfruit Powdered Sweetener tends to have a little cooling effect. Now, if that doesn’t seem to bother you-you can substitute the regular powdered sugar for Lakanto Monkfruit Powdered Sweetener , which will reduce the point values even more.
• Mini M&M’s-these are optional. These mini red and green m&m’s adds festive color to the muddy buddies!

How do I make these Lightened Up Muddy Buddies?

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.

Melt in the microwave for 1 minute, stir, and then continue to microwave at 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.

In a large mixing bowl, measure out the Chex cereal. Pour the melted peanut butter and chocolate over the cereal.

Stir gently with a silicone spatula until all of the cereal is fully coated with the chocolate peanut butter mixture.

Transfer your chocolate coated cereal to a large resealable bag and add in the powdered sugar.

Seal the bag and gently toss and shake the cereal until it is evenly coated with the powdered sugar.

Pour into a bowl or baking sheet and let cool for 20 minutes before eating or storing.

Sprinkle the tops with mini M&M’s, if desired.

Store leftover muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks

Ingredients

• 9 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex or Corn Chex)
• 7 oz. no sugar added milk or dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup Better N’ Peanut Butter or American Dream Nut butter “Grandma’s Peanut Butter Fudge”
• 1 Tbsp light butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup regular powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup mini M&M’s, optional

Directions:

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
• Melt in the microwave for 1 minute, stir, and then continue to microwave at 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
• In a large mixing bowl, measure out the Chex cereal. Pour the melted peanut butter and chocolate over the cereal.
• Stir gently with a silicone spatula until all of the cereal is fully coated with the chocolate peanut butter mixture.
• Transfer your chocolate coated cereal to a large resealable bag and add in the powdered sugar.
• Seal the bag and gently toss and shake the cereal until it is evenly coated with the powdered sugar.
• Pour cereal out on a baking sheet and let cool for 20 minutes before eating or storing.
• Store leftover muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks

Makes 18 (1/2 cup) servings

7 Points®per serving

How do I track this recipe in my WW app? 

Click the link below to go to the recipe builder. You’ll first need to sign into your WW account and then the recipe builder will upload. Be sure to edit the recipe with any ingredients that you use that are different. The recipe builder is the most accurate way to create, obtain, and track the Points®

The recipe builder link only works for WW members located in the United States. If you are located outside of the United States, you’ll need to access the WW app manually to create the recipe in the recipe builder.