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.

Ingredients

• Rice Chex cereal: 10 cups. Use the Rice Chex brand for an extra crisp texture and neutral flavor that lets the peppermint shine. Measure by gently spooning into a dry measuring cup to avoid compacting.
• Candy Cane Kisses: 9 ounces, unwrapped. Seasonal peppermint chocolate kisses (for example Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses) add a mint-forward pop and a glossy sheen when melted.
• White baking chips: 1 1/2 cups. Brands like Ghirardelli or Nestle baking chips melt smoothly and add creaminess; you can substitute white chocolate bars chopped finely if preferred.
• Powdered sugar: 1 1/2 cups. Confectioners' sugar provides the classic snowy coating and a light sweetness—sift if lumpy for best results.
• Christmas nonpareils: 2 tablespoons. Decorative sprinkles add color and holiday cheer; if serving to small children, choose larger sprinkles for safety and visibility.

Instructions

Prepare the cereal: Place 10 cups of Rice Chex into a very large mixing bowl. Use a bowl big enough to stir without spilling; a clear visual cue is that cereal should sit loosely with space to fold in the chocolate mixture. Melt the chocolates: In a microwave-safe bowl combine 9 ounces of unwrapped Candy Cane Kisses and 1 1/2 cups white baking chips. Microwave on high for 1 minute, remove and stir briskly. Return to microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat in 15 to 30 second intervals until the mixture is glossy and completely smooth. Stirring between intervals prevents scorching and encourages even melting. Coat the cereal, first pour: Pour roughly half of the melted mixture over the cereal and fold gently with a spatula until the cereal is evenly tipped but not fully clumped. Work quickly—white chocolate firms as it cools—so aim to finish this step within one to two minutes. Coat the cereal, second pour: Pour the remaining melted mixture over the cereal and fold again, ensuring all pieces are lightly coated. The two-stage pour helps you avoid overcoating and clumping, giving a lighter, more even final texture. Sugar and sprinkles: Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons Christmas nonpareils to a large resealable bag or use the large bowl. Gently toss the coated cereal in the powdered sugar and sprinkles until evenly dusted and festive. Use short tosses rather than vigorous shaking to preserve crunch. Cool and store: Spread the finished mix on a parchment-lined sheet to cool and set for 10 to 15 minutes. Once cool, transfer to an airtight container. The mix stays fresh for up to three days at room temperature; refrigerate only if your kitchen is unusually warm.

Storage Tips

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.

Ingredient Substitutions

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.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Cultural Background

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.

Seasonal Adaptations

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.

Meal Prep Tips

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.