Macchiato Muddy Buddies

Macchiato muddy buddies give the classic sweet snack mix a grown-up coffee twist that coffee lovers cannot resist. Crunchy Chex cereal gets coated in espresso-spiked chocolate, then tumbled in coffee-laced powdered sugar.

If you have never heard the name, some folks call this puppy chow and others call it muddy buddies. Either way, this version is for the adults who want a little caffeine with their crunch.

Shake the bag well so every piece gets an even coat of chocolate and sugar.

Why You’ll Love These Macchiato Muddy Buddies

• These coffee muddy buddies hit that sweet spot between dessert and snack.
• The espresso powder adds a real macchiato flavor without making them bitter.
• They come together in minutes with no oven and almost no cleanup.

Ingredient Notes

Here are a few notes on the short list, since the exact measurements in the recipe card cover the amounts. Five simple things turn into something special.

• Chex cereal: rice Chex keeps it light, but corn Chex works too.
• Chocolate morsels: semisweet melts smooth and balances the coffee.
• Espresso powder: split between the chocolate and the sugar for layered flavor.
• Milk: heated just until steaming to melt the chocolate gently.
• Confectioners sugar: gives that signature powdery, snowy coating.

You only need a large paper bag for shaking, a couple of bowls, and a cookie sheet for spreading. No special tools required.

How to Make Macchiato Muddy Buddies

Making macchiato muddy buddies is mostly a matter of melting, pouring, and shaking. The whole thing moves quickly, so have your bowls ready before you start.

1. Pour the cereal into a large paper bag and set it aside.
2. Heat the milk just until steaming, pour over the morsels, and stir smooth with 1 tablespoon espresso powder.
3. Pour the chocolate over the cereal and shake the bag until evenly coated.
4. Mix the confectioners sugar with the remaining 1 tablespoon espresso powder, add to the bag, and shake well.
5. Spread on a cookie sheet and let set for 10 minutes.

This batch serves about 6, and you can easily double it for a party. Make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge so it is ready when guests arrive.

Storage Options

These coffee muddy buddies keep well, which makes them great for snacking all week. Store them cold so the chocolate stays set.

1. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
2. Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
3. Let frozen mix sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

This macchiato snack mix is easy to customize. Try one of these spins to match your taste.

1. Use white chocolate morsels for a creamy latte-style version.
2. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar for a spiced coffee note.
3. Toss in chopped toasted nuts or mini chocolate chips for crunch.
4. Swap in decaf espresso powder if you are sensitive to caffeine.

What to Serve with Macchiato Muddy Buddies

Macchiato muddy buddies are a snack on their own, but they fit right into a cozy spread. Pair them with other easy sweets for movie night or a gathering.

1. A mug of hot coffee, cocoa, or a creamy latte.
2. A bowl of buttered popcorn for the rest of the crowd.
3. Set out a tray of these gooey s’more bars alongside.
4. For a fruity option, add these caramel apple pie bars to the dessert table.

Here are a few common questions before you grab a bag and get shaking.

Whip these out the next time you settle in for a show or need a quick gift. One handful and any coffee lover will be hooked.

A Beautiful Bite

Macchiato Muddy Buddies

4.82 from 16 votes

The fun kids’ snack with an adult twist. Macchiato Muddy Buddies blend the flavors of chocolate and espresso together to create a truly addicting snack that any coffee lover will adore.

Prep:15 minutes mins

Cook:5 minutes mins

Total:20 minutes mins

Servings:6 serving

Author:A Beautiful Bite

Print

Rate Pin

Save this recipe

Enter your email and I’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.

Email address

Email me this recipe

Website

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 12 oz box of Chex cereal I used rice Chex
• ▢ 1½ cup chocolate morsels
• ▢ ½ cup milk
• ▢ 2 Tbsp espresso powder divided
• ▢ 2 cups confectioners sugar

Instructions 

• Place cereal in a large paper bag.
• Place morsels in a large bowl. Heat milk just until steaming. Pour hot milk over morsels and stir until smooth. Add 1 Tbsp espresso powder and mix until incorporated.
• Pour chocolate mixture over cereal and shake bag well. You want the cereal evenly coated.
• Pour confectioners sugar into another bowl and stir in the 1 remaining Tbsp of espresso powder. Mix well. Dump into bag of chocolate coated cereal and shake well.
• Spread out on cookie sheet and allow to sit for ten minutes. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 0.2gFat: 8.6gSaturated Fat: 5.4gSodium: 0.6mgPotassium: 145mgSugar: 17gCalcium: 240mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this?Leave a comment!