Irresistible Oreo Muddy Buddies: The Ultimate Cookies and Cream Puppy Chow Recipe (No Peanut Butter!)
Prepare yourself for a delightful twist on a classic snack: Oreo Muddy Buddies! Also lovingly known as Oreo Puppy Chow, this recipe takes the beloved crunchy, chocolate-coated Chex mix and infuses it with the iconic flavor of cookies and cream. Forget the traditional peanut butter – this version is a dream come true for Oreo enthusiasts and those with peanut allergies alike. We achieve this sensational flavor by creating two distinct batches: one coated in rich white chocolate and powdered sugar, and another in luscious milk chocolate generously mixed with crushed Oreo crumbs. The result? A perfectly balanced, highly addictive sweet treat that’s impossible to resist.
If you’re anything like us, you likely have a soft spot for easy-to-make, incredibly satisfying snacks. And if you’re a fan of our Small Batch Muddy Buddies or any of our delicious Oreo Desserts, then this recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s the perfect marriage of two fan-favorite treats, elevated to create a truly unique and mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a movie night, or simply craving something sweet, these Oreo Muddy Buddies deliver on all fronts!

Why This Oreo Muddy Buddies Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another snack recipe; it’s a delightful culinary experience crafted to deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction. Here’s why these Oreo Muddy Buddies will quickly become a household favorite:
- Authentic Cookies and Cream Flavor Explosion: Unlike many recipes that try to mimic this classic, our Oreo puppy chow truly delivers. By preparing two separate batches – one with luscious white chocolate and a generous dusting of powdered sugar, and another with rich milk chocolate and finely crushed Oreo crumbs – we perfectly capture the distinct “cookies” and “cream” elements. When combined, these create a complex, layered flavor profile that’s far more engaging than a single coating. Each bite offers a delightful interplay of textures and tastes, truly embodying the essence of an Oreo.
- Irresistible Oreo Cookie Chunks for Added Texture: We don’t just stop at crushed Oreos for the coating! Adding some roughly broken chunks of Oreos into the final mix provides an extra layer of textural intrigue and an intensified burst of that unmistakable Oreo flavor. These larger pieces offer a satisfying chewiness and a bolder chocolatey punch, ensuring that every spoonful is a rich, dynamic experience that dedicated Oreo lovers will adore.
- Generously Coated Chex Mix for Maximum Indulgence: We believe every piece of Chex cereal should be a vessel for flavor. That’s why each individual square is thoroughly enveloped in either the smooth milk chocolate or the creamy white chocolate. This meticulous coating process ensures that there are no bland bites, only generously covered pieces that offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of sweet, chocolatey goodness with every single mouthful. It makes this beloved snack even more tempting and utterly delicious.
- A Delicious Sweet Snack Made Without Peanut Butter: For those with peanut allergies or simply looking for an alternative to the traditional peanut butter-laden muddy buddies, this recipe is a fantastic solution. It allows everyone to enjoy the fun and deliciousness of puppy chow without any concerns about allergens, opening up this fantastic treat to a wider audience. This makes it an ideal choice for school parties, potlucks, or any gathering where dietary restrictions might be a consideration.
Essential Ingredients for Your Oreo Muddy Buddies
Creating this cookies and cream masterpiece requires just a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing the signature flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection and preparation:

- Rice Chex Cereal: This light, crispy cereal is the perfect canvas for our muddy buddies. Its unique criss-cross texture holds the chocolate coating beautifully, ensuring a satisfying crunch in every bite. While Rice Chex is preferred for its neutral flavor and ideal texture, Corn Chex also works wonderfully. We divide the cereal into two portions, allowing us to create distinct white chocolate and milk chocolate batches that come together to form our perfect cookies and cream blend.
- Chocolate Chips: For this recipe, you’ll need both Milk Chocolate Chips and White Chocolate Chips. The milk chocolate provides a classic, rich chocolatey base for one batch, while the white chocolate forms the creamy counterpart for the second. Using high-quality chocolate chips can make a noticeable difference in the final flavor and melt consistency.
- Oreos: The star of the show! You’ll need Oreos for two purposes. First, for finely crushed crumbs that will coat the milk chocolate Chex. Crucially, keep the cream filling in when crushing them – this adds to the richness and authentic “cookies and cream” flavor. A food processor makes quick work of this, but you can also place Oreos in a sturdy ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin for a satisfying, hands-on approach. Second, you’ll need some extra Oreos, roughly broken into small chunks, to sprinkle into the final mixture for an added textural pop and intensified flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: This fine, sweet powder is essential for coating the white chocolate-covered Chex cereal. It gives our muddy buddies their signature “dusty” appearance and provides a light, sweet finish that perfectly complements the creamy white chocolate. It’s what gives the “cream” portion its classic puppy chow look.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Oreo Muddy Buddies
Creating these delectable Oreo Muddy Buddies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to bring your cookies and cream dreams to life:
- Prepare the Milk Chocolate Muddy Buddies: Begin by placing 2 ½ cups of Rice Chex cereal into a medium-sized bowl. In a large, resealable ziplock bag, add ¾ cup of finely crushed Oreos (remember to include the cream filling!). This bag will be ready to coat our first batch.
- Melt the Milk Chocolate: Place ¾ cup of milk chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on half power, stirring thoroughly after every 30-second interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
- Coat the Cereal in Milk Chocolate and Oreo Crumbs: Pour the melted milk chocolate evenly over the Chex cereal in the bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly with a spatula until every piece of cereal is generously coated in the chocolate. Once coated, transfer this chocolate-covered cereal into the ziplock bag containing the Oreo crumbs. Seal the bag, ensuring air is trapped inside, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are fully coated in the dark, delicious Oreo crumbs. Set this batch aside while you prepare the second.

- Prepare the White Chocolate Muddy Buddies: In a separate medium-sized bowl, place the remaining 2 ½ cups of Rice Chex cereal. In another large ziplock bag, add ⅔ cup of powdered sugar, making sure it’s evenly distributed at the bottom.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Place ¾ cup of white chocolate chips in a clean microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at half power, stirring diligently every 30 seconds. White chocolate can seize or burn more easily than milk chocolate, so work quickly and stir well until it is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat in White Chocolate and Powdered Sugar: Pour the melted white chocolate over the second bowl of Chex cereal. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir quickly and thoroughly until all the cereal pieces are coated in the creamy white chocolate. Immediately transfer this mixture into the ziplock bag with the powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake until every white chocolate-coated piece is beautifully dusted with powdered sugar.

- Combine and Let Set: Once both batches are coated, gently pour each cereal mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step helps the coatings set and prevents excessive sticking. Evenly sprinkle the roughly chopped Oreos (or mini Oreo cookies for extra cuteness!) over both mixtures. Finally, gently toss everything together to combine the white and milk chocolate coated Chex with the Oreo chunks. Allow the muddy buddies to set for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or even quicker in the refrigerator, until the chocolate coatings are firm. Then, serve and enjoy this incredible cookies and cream treat!

Expert Tips for Perfect Oreo Muddy Buddies
Achieving perfectly coated, deliciously crunchy muddy buddies is simple with these helpful tips:
- Work Quickly with White Chocolate: White chocolate has a tendency to set much faster than milk chocolate. Once melted, immediately pour it over the Chex and stir. Don’t delay in transferring it to the powdered sugar bag and shaking. If it starts to harden in the bowl, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave can soften it, but excessive re-melting should be avoided.
- Ensure Even Coating: For the best flavor and texture, make sure each and every piece of Chex cereal is fully covered in chocolate before adding it to the coating bags. This prevents dry spots and ensures every bite is equally delicious. Take your time to stir properly, or even use your clean hands (if comfortable with the warmth) to ensure thorough coverage.
- Finely Crushed Oreos are Key: When crushing Oreos for the milk chocolate batch, aim for a very fine, almost powdery crumb. This allows it to adhere better to the chocolate-coated cereal and provides a uniform, rich coating. A food processor is ideal for this, but a ziplock bag and rolling pin will also work if you put in a little elbow grease!
- Let Batches Set Separately (Briefly): While you will eventually combine them, letting each chocolate-coated, powdered sugar/Oreo crumb-dusted batch set for a few minutes on separate sides of the parchment-lined baking sheet before tossing helps minimize excessive transfer of colors and coatings. You’ll still get some delightful mingling, but the distinct “cookies” and “cream” elements will remain more visible, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
- Gentle Tossing for Appearance: When combining the two batches and the extra Oreo chunks, toss gently. This integrates the flavors and textures without completely blending the distinct white and dark coatings into a uniform grey, maintaining that appealing cookies and cream look.
- Prevent Sticking: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is crucial for easy cleanup and to prevent the muddy buddies from sticking as they set. You can also lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray for extra assurance, although it’s usually not necessary.
Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Options
Oreo Muddy Buddies are a fantastic make-ahead snack, perfect for parties or for keeping on hand when a craving strikes. Here’s how to store them to maintain their freshness:
- Make Ahead and Storage: You can easily prepare this Oreo muddy buddies recipe in advance. Once fully set, store them in an airtight container or a robust resealable plastic bag at room temperature. For optimal freshness and crunch, they are best enjoyed within 4-5 days. Beyond this, the cereal may start to soften slightly, and the coatings might lose a bit of their crispness, though they will still be delicious.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze muddy buddies! To freeze, ensure they are completely cooled and set. Transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a delightful chilly crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions About Oreo Muddy Buddies
Muddy buddies, also widely known as puppy chow (or even “dog food” in some families!), are a popular no-bake snack mix. The classic version typically involves Chex cereal coated in a melted mixture of chocolate and peanut butter, then shaken in a bag with powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. Our Oreo Muddy Buddies recipe offers a delicious and exciting new spin, replacing the peanut butter with the beloved cookies and cream flavor profile, making it a unique and allergy-friendly alternative.
Absolutely! While I personally love the classic sweetness of milk chocolate in muddy buddies, semi-sweet chocolate chips are a perfectly acceptable substitute. Using semi-sweet will result in a slightly less sweet and more intense chocolate flavor, which some people prefer. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite balance!
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your Oreo muddy buddies will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 7 days. However, for the best possible taste and texture, we recommend enjoying them within the first 4-5 days. After that, the cereal might start to lose a bit of its crispness, although they’ll still be perfectly edible.
Rice Chex cereal is highly recommended for its light texture and neutral flavor, which allows the Oreo and chocolate flavors to shine. Corn Chex is another excellent option that provides a similar crispness. While Wheat Chex can be used, its slightly denser texture and distinct flavor might alter the overall profile of the muddy buddies compared to Rice or Corn Chex.
Yes, with a few substitutions! You would need to use dairy-free Chex cereal, vegan milk chocolate and white chocolate chips (many brands are available), and certified vegan Oreos (the classic Oreos are generally considered vegan, but always double-check ingredients if you have strict dietary requirements). The preparation steps would remain the same.
Chocolate seizing (becoming thick, grainy, and unworkable) usually happens due to overheating or exposure to even a tiny amount of water or steam. To prevent this, melt chocolate slowly at half power in the microwave, stirring frequently. Use a clean, dry bowl and spatula. If it does seize, sometimes you can rescue it by stirring in a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening at a time until it smooths out, though the texture might be slightly different.

Craving More Oreo Delights?
If you’ve fallen in love with these Oreo Muddy Buddies, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of Oreo recipes is packed with irresistible desserts that celebrate the world’s favorite cookie. Explore more ways to enjoy that cookies and cream goodness:
- Decadent Oreo Cupcakes
- Fun Oreo Cake Pops
- Rich and Fudgy Oreo Brownies
- Luxurious Oreo Truffle Brownies
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Oreo Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal – (or Corn Chex cereal), divided
- 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup Oreos – crushed into a fine powder (crush the FULL Oreo including the filling)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 6 Oreos – chopped
Instructions
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Portion the Chex cereal in half. Place each portion (2 ½ cups of cereal worth) in 2 separate medium sized bowls.
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Add crushed Oreos to large zip bag.
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Add powdered sugar to large zip bag.
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Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave at half power, stirring well at each 30 second increment. Continue doing this until the chocolate is fully melted.
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Pour the melted chocolate over one of the bowls filled with Rice Chex. Stir to combine, making sure the chocolate has covered each piece of cereal. Pour this mixture into the bag that has crushed Oreo crumbs in it. Shake to coat, and set aside.
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Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Melt the white chocolate. Pour over the second bowl of Rice Chex cereal. Use a large spoon and stir until the cereal is coated in white chocolate (work quickly… white chocolate tends to set fast!). Transfer this mixture to the ziplock bag filled with powdered sugar. Toss to coat.
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Pour each bag of cereal onto a parchment lined baking sheet to set. Sprinkle the chopped oreos amongst the chex mixture. And toss to combine.
Notes
Store in an airtight container or a sealed ziplock bag at room temperature for 4-5 days for best results.
Nutrition