
A festive twist on a classic snack: crunchy rice Chex coated in melted Candy Cane Kisses and white baking chips, tossed with powdered sugar and Christmas nonpareils.

This Candy Cane Kiss Muddy Buddies treat has become my holiday standby for potlucks, movie nights, and cookie exchanges. I discovered this combination during a December baking marathon when I wanted something bright, minty, and utterly addictive that did not require an oven. The result is crunchy rice Chex cereal coated in a glossy blend of Candy Cane Kisses and white baking chips, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a playful sprinkle of Christmas nonpareils. The texture is bright and crisp, the flavor is a pleasant balance of sweet white chocolate and cool peppermint, and it disappears faster than I can pack it into tins.
What makes this version special is the layering technique: pouring half the melted chocolate over the cereal, gently folding, then repeating ensures an even, delicate coating that stays crisp instead of clumping. I first served this at a family gift swap and watched adults and kids alike return to the bowl without shame. It stores well in an airtight container for several days, so it is an excellent make-ahead nibble when hosting. If you love holiday candy and effortless party food, this is one of those simple recipes that feels impressive but takes almost no hands-on time.
I remember the first time I stirred a spoonful and tasted the cool peppermint against the creamy white chocolate—instant holiday nostalgia. My niece declared it the best snack she'd ever had, and my brother texted me three photos of empty containers and asked for the recipe. That kind of enthusiastic feedback is why this simple snack keeps making appearances in my kitchen every December.
My favorite thing about this mix is the contrast: the faint crunch of Rice Chex, the creamy peppermint coating, and the little pops of color from the nonpareils. At holiday gatherings it becomes the snack that unites people—kids going for the sprinkles, adults praising the peppermint balance, and everyone appreciating how effortless it is to assemble.
Store the finished mix in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Use a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent humidity from softening the coating. Keep the container on a pantry shelf rather than the refrigerator; refrigeration introduces moisture and can make the sugar coating clump. If you need to transport the mix, fill small tins or cello bags and seal tightly; they travel well for a few hours. Check for signs of stale cereal (loss of crunch, off-odors) before serving; properly stored, this will remain enjoyable for up to three days.
If you cannot find Candy Cane Kisses, finely chopped peppermint baking chocolate or candy canes folded into melted white chocolate will work. For a dairy-free version, use vegan white chocolate chips and dairy-free peppermint candies—note texture and melting behavior will differ slightly. Swap Rice Chex for corn Chex for a slightly sweeter base, but avoid denser cereals as they can get overly heavy when coated. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce powdered sugar to 1 cup and dust lightly, or use a blend of powdered sugar and cornstarch at a 4:1 ratio for a drier finish.
Serve in a large festive bowl with small scoops or tongs for guests to portion themselves. Pair this snack with warm drinks: hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or coffee balance the sweet mix. For a dessert board, place small piles alongside salted nuts, dried cranberries, and chocolate bark for contrasting textures and flavors. For gifting, portion into 8-ounce mason jars, ribbon the lids, and include a handwritten tag with serving suggestions and storage notes.
Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, are an American snack with roots in Midwestern home cooking—originally a simple mix of cereal, chocolate, and powdered sugar. This peppermint variation adds seasonal flair by replacing milk chocolate with Candy Cane Kisses and white baking chips, echoing traditions of holiday mint confections. Over the decades, this type of sweet snack has evolved into a base for countless festive iterations and remains a nostalgic, communal treat at holiday gatherings across the United States.
Adjust colors and flavors to suit the season: use red and green nonpareils for Christmas, pastel sprinkles for spring, or orange sanding sugar for Halloween. For a winter adult twist, fold in 1 tablespoon of crushed candy cane and a tablespoon of finely chopped dark chocolate to balance sweetness. You can also add a pinch of sea salt post-coating to create a sweet-salty hit that feels grown-up and complex.
To prepare ahead, make the mix the day before serving and store in an airtight container with a paper towel folded on top to absorb any surface moisture. Assemble into serving containers the morning of the event. If you need to refresh a slightly softened batch, spread on a baking sheet and cool in an air-conditioned room to re-crisp; avoid the oven or fridge. For portion control, pack single-serve bags of 1 cup each so guests can help themselves and you avoid accidental overeating.
Whether you make this for a crowd or a cozy night in, the Candy Cane Kiss Muddy Buddies bring holiday cheer in every crunchy, minty bite. It is simple, shareable, and made for smiling faces—give it a try and make it yours with a sprinkle swap or an extra dash of crushed candy cane.
Measure cereal by loosely filling the cup to avoid compacting and ensure accurate coating.
Stir between short microwave bursts to prevent overheating the white chocolate and peppermint chocolates.
Pour melted chocolate in two stages to ensure an even, delicate coating and prevent clumping.
Spread on parchment to cool so pieces separate easily and set properly before storage.
This nourishing candy cane kiss muddy buddies recipe is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every moist, high protein slice — it is perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack any time.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Do not refrigerate as moisture will make the coating sticky.
Melt in 15 to 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth to avoid scorching.
This Candy Cane Kiss Muddy Buddies recipe makes perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time! Serve with potatoes and a side salad for an unforgettable dinner in under 30 minutes.

Place 10 cups of Rice Chex into a very large mixing bowl, leaving room to fold in coatings without spilling.
Combine 9 ounces of unwrapped Candy Cane Kisses and 1 1/2 cups white baking chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then continue in 30 second and 15 second intervals stirring between until smooth.
Pour half of the melted mixture over the cereal and fold gently until pieces are lightly coated; work quickly to avoid setting.
Add the remaining melted mixture and fold again to ensure an even, delicate coating without clumping.
Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons nonpareils to a large bowl or bag and gently toss the coated cereal until evenly dusted.
Spread on parchment to cool for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to three days.
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This recipe looks amazing! Can't wait to try it.
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