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Crumbl peanut butter muddy buddies

Section: Indulgent Desserts for Sweet Endings

These treats combine a thick and soft peanut butter base with a rich topping of melted milk chocolate and crispy muddy buddies. The balance of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate, enhanced by a light dusting of powdered sugar, provides a festive, rich flavor experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings or an indulgent snack, the treats are easy to prepare, offering a fun activity for all skill levels. Baking ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the unique muddy buddies topping adds a delightful crunch. Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

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A smiling chef holding a plate of food.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:35:13 GMT
A close up of a cookie with chocolate drizzled on top. Bookmark
A close up of a cookie with chocolate drizzled on top. | tinycakee.com

These Crumbl peanut butter muddy buddies cookies bring the perfect blend of rich peanut butter flavor and melty milk chocolate, topped with crunchy muddy buddies bites and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. They capture the spirit of the holidays in every bite and make an irresistible treat for cookie exchanges or festive gatherings.

These cookies became an instant favorite in my family the moment I baked them. I still remember how excited everyone was when I surprised them with these festive treats during Christmas last year.

Ingredients

  • Peanut butter: smooth variety like Skippy or Jiffy works best for that classic creamy flavor and texture
  • Butter: softened to create a tender cookie dough that bakes evenly
  • Brown sugar and granulated sugar: using both gives complexity and keeps the cookies soft
  • Egg: serves as the binding agent to hold everything together flawlessly
  • Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth to the peanut butter flavor
  • All purpose flour: the foundation for the cookies; choose a fresh bag for best results
  • Baking powder and baking soda: give the cookies a nice lift and chewiness
  • Corn starch: helps keep the cookies soft and tender, almost melt in your mouth
  • Salt: balances the sweetness perfectly
  • Vegetable or canola oil: thins out the melted chocolate for easy spreading
  • Milk chocolate chips: use good quality chocolate for the richest topping
  • Muddy buddies: you can either make these at home with Chex cereal or pick up store bought for convenience

Instructions

Scoop and Chill the Dough:
Use a large cookie scooper to portion out 9 equally sized balls of cookie dough. Roll each between your palms to smooth them out, then flatten gently to about one inch thick. Place these discs on a baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes. This step is crucial to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the chilled cookie dough discs for 12 to 13 minutes until they are set but still soft in the middle. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Melt and Spread the Chocolate:
While the cookies cool, melt the milk chocolate chips with the vegetable or canola oil in 30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring each time until smooth and creamy. Generously spread the melted chocolate over each warm cookie.
Add the Muddy Buddies:
Top each chocolate covered cookie with a generous handful of muddy buddies. Press them lightly so they stick to the melted chocolate. Let the cookies cool completely so the chocolate hardens before serving. If desired, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
A chocolate covered cookie with crumbles on top.
A chocolate covered cookie with crumbles on top. | tinycakee.com

My favorite part is the crunchy muddy buddies on top. They add such a wonderful texture contrast and take these cookies from good to unforgettable. Watching my kids' eyes light up the first time they bit into one was a moment I won't forget anytime soon.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 4 days for the best texture. You can refrigerate them to keep fresh for up to 7 days, just warm them briefly in the microwave before serving to soften the chocolate topping. For longer storage, freeze the plain cookies without topping for up to 2 months and add chocolate and muddy buddies right before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have smooth peanut butter, creamy natural peanut butter can work but may change the texture slightly. For the chocolate topping, feel free to use semi sweet or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. To make these gluten free, substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten free baking blend.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies shine on their own but also pair well with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie platter or gift box to spread some festive cheer.

A cookie with chocolate and crumbles on top.
A cookie with chocolate and crumbles on top. | tinycakee.com

These Crumbl peanut butter muddy buddies cookies are a festive, crowd pleasing treat that combines creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate, and crunchy topping. Perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday gatherings.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How should I store these peanut butter muddy buddies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days. Warm briefly before serving for melty goodness.

→ Can I freeze these treats for later?

Yes, freeze without chocolate and muddy buddies topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh toppings before enjoying.

→ Is it possible to make homemade muddy buddies for the topping?

Absolutely! Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, Chex cereal, and powdered sugar to create crunchy muddy buddies from scratch.

→ Can these be made smaller for larger groups?

Yes, double the dough portions and form smaller pieces to make about 18 treats, perfect for sharing at parties.

→ What gives the treats their soft texture?

The combination of corn starch, baking soda, and baking powder in the dough helps keep them soft and tender after baking.

Crumbl peanut butter muddy buddies

Thick peanut butter base topped with milk chocolate and crunchy muddy buddies, perfect for holiday indulgence.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
12 minutes
Total Time
27 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 9 Portion Count (9 large cookies)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

What You’ll Need

→ Peanut Butter Cookie Base

01 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
04 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 1 large egg, room temperature
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
08 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
09 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 1 tablespoon cornstarch
11 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Toppings

12 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
13 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
14 Muddy Buddies (store-bought or homemade)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Using a mixer, cream together softened butter, smooth peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 03

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and blend until smooth and fully combined.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 05

Scoop nine equal portions of dough using a large cookie scoop. Roll each into a ball, flatten to approximately 1/4 inch thickness, then freeze the discs for 15 minutes to firm.

Step 06

Bake the chilled dough discs in the preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes until edges are set and centers slightly soft.

Step 07

Combine milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.

Step 08

Immediately spread the melted chocolate over each warm cookie, then sprinkle with muddy buddies pieces. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Helpful Hints

  1. Chilling the cookies with chocolate topping will cause the chocolate to harden; warm briefly in the microwave before serving to soften.
  2. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
  3. Cookies can be frozen without toppings for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight before adding fresh toppings.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixer (stand or hand)
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop

Allergy Information

Review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts, milk, eggs, and wheat.