Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies (Print Version)
Crunchy cereal tossed with melted chocolate and festive peppermint, creating an irresistible sweet treat for the holidays.
# Ingredients:
01 -
6 cups Rice Chex cereal or Chocolate Chex
02 -
1-1/2 cups peppermint bark candies, coarsely chopped
03 -
1/2 cup candy canes, finely crushed (approximately 7 candy canes)
04 -
2 cups milk chocolate chips
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2 tablespoons coconut oil
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1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
07 -
1 cup powdered sugar
# Steps:
01 -
Measure out the cereal into a very large bowl and set aside. Unwrap and coarsely chop the peppermint bark candies.
02 -
Unwrap candy canes and add to a powerful small blender or food processor. Pulse or chop until candy is very finely crushed into a powder. Set aside.
03 -
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring between each burst for 15 seconds, until chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Once melted, stir in peppermint extract.
04 -
Pour melted chocolate over the cereal. Add crushed peppermint on top. Gently stir to coat the cereal.
05 -
Pour powdered sugar into a large (2-gallon) freezer bag. Pour the chocolate-coated cereal into the bag on top of the powdered sugar. Seal the bag (do not squeeze air out of the bag) and shake to coat the cereal in the sugar.
06 -
Once the cereal is well coated, pour into a large bowl. Mix in the coarsely chopped peppermint bark candies.
# Notes:
01 -
Make sure to use peppermint extract, not mint. Mint extract will make this snack mix taste like toothpaste.
02 -
The actual strength of the peppermint extract will depend on the brand. McCormick® peppermint extract at 1/2 teaspoon provides an ideal flavor balance.
03 -
Increase peppermint extract to personal preference for mintier muddy buddies.
04 -
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week; best enjoyed within 3-4 days.
05 -
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.