Twix Muddy Buddies
There’s nothing quite like a snack that hits all the right notes — crunchy, sweet, chocolatey, and with a little caramel twist. Enter Twix Muddy Buddies, a playful spin on the classic muddy buddies snack that brings together the beloved flavors of Twix bars with the addictive crunch of Rice Chex cereal. If you love snacking on something that’s easy to make but irresistible to eat, you’re going to adore this recipe.
These Twix Muddy Buddies are perfect for sharing (or not!), gifting during the holidays, or just keeping handy for when that sweet tooth calls. The combination of milk chocolate, caramel, shortbread cookies, and chopped Twix pieces makes every bite a delightful surprise. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because it balances texture and flavor perfectly. The crunchy Rice Chex cereal provides a sturdy base that holds up well against the melting chocolate and caramel coating. The addition of shortbread cookies adds a buttery richness, complementing the caramel squares and chocolate chips. Chopped Twix bars sprinkled throughout bring in that iconic cookie-and-caramel combo, elevating this snack to a new level of indulgence.
One of the best parts? It’s straightforward and quick to make, even if you’re new to snack mixes or candy-making. The ingredients are easy to find, and the process involves simple melting and mixing steps with no baking required. Plus, this recipe is adaptable — you can easily swap out items to fit your pantry or dietary needs without losing the magic.
Gather These Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal – The crunchy base that soaks up the chocolate and caramel perfectly.
- 1 (12-ounce) bag milk chocolate chips – Use a milk chocolate brand that aligns with your dietary preferences.
- 15 caramel squares or ½ cup caramel bits – Choose soft caramel bits if you want to skip chopping.
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream – Adds smoothness to the caramel drizzle.
- 6 shortbread cookies – These add a buttery, crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with the chewy caramel.
- ½ cup powdered sugar – For that classic muddy buddy dusting that keeps everything perfectly coated.
- 2 Twix bars, chopped – The star ingredient, bringing cookie and caramel bites throughout.
- 5 caramel squares, optional for final drizzle – An extra caramel drizzle for that wow factor.
Recommended Tools
- Large mixing bowl – To combine all your ingredients with ease.
- Microwave-safe bowls – For melting chocolate chips and caramel squares safely and evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy helps keep the texture just right.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – For gentle mixing without breaking your cereal or cookies.
- Large zip-top plastic bag or big bowl with lid – Perfect for shaking your muddy buddies to coat them thoroughly with powdered sugar.
- Baking sheet or parchment paper – For cooling and setting the coated cereal mixture.
- Knife and cutting board – To chop your Twix bars and optionally the shortbread cookies.
Twix Muddy Buddies: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by measuring out 4 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Break up the shortbread cookies into small chunks — roughly bite-sized pieces work best so they mix evenly without overpowering the cereal. Add these cookie chunks to the bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat to avoid burning the chocolate.
Step 3: Melt the Caramel
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the 15 caramel squares with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until the caramel is soft and silky. This cream helps create a smooth drizzle that will coat your cereal and cookies beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Chocolate and Caramel
Pour the melted caramel into the melted chocolate and stir until fully combined. This luscious chocolate-caramel mixture will be the glue that holds the snack together.
Step 5: Coat the Cereal and Cookies
Pour the chocolate-caramel mixture over the Rice Chex and shortbread cookies. Gently fold together using a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure every piece is evenly coated without breaking the cereal.
Step 6: Add Chopped Twix Bars
Sprinkle the chopped Twix bars over the coated cereal mixture. Toss gently to distribute the Twix pieces throughout the mix. The Twix bits add a delightful crunch and caramel surprise in each bite.
Step 7: Powdered Sugar Coating
Transfer the mixture into a large zip-top plastic bag or a bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until everything is well coated in a sweet, snowy layer.
Step 8: Optional Caramel Drizzle
If you want to go all out, melt the optional 5 additional caramel squares until smooth and drizzle over the top of your coated muddy buddies. Let the drizzle set for a few minutes before serving.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Spread the Twix Muddy Buddies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once set, transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.
If You’re Out Of…
- Rice Chex cereal: Try corn flakes or gluten-free crispy rice cereal for a similar crunch.
- Milk chocolate chips: Use dark chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Caramel squares: Substitute with soft caramel candies or make a quick homemade caramel sauce.
- Shortbread cookies: Use graham crackers or any buttery cookie you love, broken into pieces.
- Twix bars: Swap in any caramel and chocolate-covered cookie bar, or even chopped caramel candies.
Problems & Prevention
- Chocolate or caramel seizing: Make sure to heat in short intervals and stir frequently. Adding a splash of cream helps prevent the caramel from becoming grainy.
- Cereal getting soggy: Work quickly when coating the cereal and spread it out to cool immediately to maintain crunchiness.
- Uneven coating: Use a large bowl and fold gently but thoroughly. Shake well in the powdered sugar step for even coverage.
- Sticky mixture: Allow the coated cereal to cool on parchment paper to set properly before storing.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
Store your Twix Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and crunchy for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid storing in humid environments as the sugary coating can become sticky.
If you’re making this ahead for a party or gifting, prepare the muddy buddies a day in advance and keep them in a sealed container. They hold up beautifully and actually taste even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld!
Common Qs About Twix Muddy Buddies
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based milk thickened slightly. Make sure your caramel bits are also dairy-free or opt for a vegan caramel sauce.
How do I keep the muddy buddies crunchy for longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature away from moisture. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as condensation can make the cereal soggy. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before eating.
Can I use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead?
Yes! This recipe is very flexible. White chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier flavor, while dark chocolate adds richness and balances the sweetness of caramel nicely.
Is it okay to add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor. Just be mindful of any allergies if sharing with others.
Reader Favorites
- Birthday Cake Muddy Buddies – A festive, colorful twist perfect for celebrations.
- Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies – For peanut butter lovers craving that salty-sweet combo.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies – Simple, decadent, and irresistibly good.
- Classic Chocolate Muddy Buddies – The original recipe that never goes out of style.
Next Steps
Ready to make your own Twix Muddy Buddies? Gather your ingredients and tools, then follow along with the step-by-step guide above. Once you’ve mastered this delicious treat, experiment by swapping in your favorite candies or cookies to make it uniquely yours. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family — homemade snacks like this always brighten up any gathering.
If you’re looking to expand your snack mix repertoire, try pairing Twix Muddy Buddies with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or package them in festive bags to gift for holidays and birthdays. The possibilities are endless, and the smiles are guaranteed!
Thanks for stopping by and happy snacking!
Twix Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Measure 4 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Break shortbread cookies into bite-sized chunks and add to the bowl.
- Place milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until smooth and fully melted.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt 15 caramel squares with 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring until caramel is soft and silky.
- Pour melted caramel into melted chocolate and stir until fully combined into a smooth chocolate-caramel mixture.
- Pour chocolate-caramel mixture over Rice Chex and shortbread cookies. Gently fold with spatula or wooden spoon to coat evenly without breaking cereal.
- Sprinkle chopped Twix bars over coated cereal mixture. Toss gently to distribute Twix pieces evenly throughout.
- Transfer mixture into a large zip-top plastic bag or bowl with lid. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until well coated.
- Melt optional 5 caramel squares until smooth and drizzle over coated muddy buddies. Let drizzle set for a few minutes before serving.
- Spread Twix Muddy Buddies on parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to serving bowl or airtight container.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep crunchy.
- Substitute ingredients like cereal, chocolate, or cookies to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- Work quickly while coating to prevent cereal from getting soggy and spread out to cool immediately.
- Shake vigorously with powdered sugar for even, snowy coating on the snack mix.
- Make ahead and store in sealed container; flavors meld and improve with time.
