No-Bake Nutella Muddy Buddies Recipe

Step by step instructions

1. Add the chocolate chips and butter to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes (see microwave note below).
2. Stir, then microwave an additional 30 seconds if needed. Stir again until smooth, then mix in the Nutella and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl and pour the warm Nutella-chocolate mixture over the cereal.
4. Gently toss the cereal to coat each piece with the chocolate-hazelnut mixture. A large spatula works well; be careful while the mixture is still warm.
5. Add the powdered sugar and toss until the cereal pieces are evenly coated. Alternatively, transfer the coated cereal to a gallon-size resealable bag, add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully coated for an easier cleanup.

Microwave tip: This recipe was developed using a 1000 watt microwave. If your microwave is higher wattage, start by microwaving for 1 minute, stir, then add 30 second increments until the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth before adding Nutella.

This recipe takes about 10 minutes total and yields several cups of Muddy Buddies—perfect for sharing or storing for snacking.

Variations and mix-in ideas

• Add pretzels or peanuts for a sweet-and-salty crunch.
• Stir in M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, sprinkles, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips for extra color and flavor.
• Make a festive holiday mix by adding pretzels, red and green M&M’s, and mini peanut butter cups to create “Reindeer Chow.”
• For cookies-and-cream muddy buddies, use white chocolate chips and fold in crushed sandwich cookies.
• Color the powdered sugar with powdered food coloring to match a theme or holiday; this works well to create red velvet–style puppy chow.

Frequently asked questions

• How do you melt Nutella? Nutella itself can become grainy if overheated. Instead of microwaving Nutella directly, melt the chocolate and butter first, then stir the Nutella into the warm mixture. This produces a smooth coating without clumping.
• How long can you store muddy buddies? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they keep well for up to 5 days. After that you can refrigerate for another 5–7 days, though refrigeration may change the texture slightly.
• Are muddy buddies gluten free? Yes, when made with Rice Chex cereal the recipe is naturally gluten free.
• Can you make them without chocolate chips? Yes. Use 1 cup of chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks, or skip the chocolate chips and combine melted butter with 1 1/2 cups Nutella for the coating.
• How do I make a small batch? For a half batch: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons Nutella, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, 3 1/2 cups Rice Chex cereal, and 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Follow the same method.

More Nutella recipes

If you love Nutella, try making other desserts that highlight its hazelnut-chocolate flavor. A few reader favorites include Nutella cheesecake bites, Nutella chocolate chip cookies, and Nutella-filled cookie cups. These treats are great for sharing or serving at celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup Nutella hazelnut spread
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 7 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Add the chocolate chips and butter to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes (based on a 1000 watt microwave).
2. Remove and stir. If necessary, microwave an additional 30 seconds and stir until smooth.
3. Stir in the Nutella and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Place the Rice Chex in a large bowl, pour the chocolate-Nutella mixture over the cereal, and gently toss to coat.
5. Add the powdered sugar and toss or shake in a sealed bag until all pieces are evenly coated.

Notes

• Microwave wattage: If your microwave is stronger than 1000 watts, start with 1 minute, stir, then add 30 second increments until the chocolate and butter are melted.
• Ziplock method: For easier tossing and less mess, put the cereal and chocolate mixture in a gallon bag, seal, and shake with the powdered sugar until evenly coated.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Refrigerate for an additional 5–7 days if needed.
• Gluten free: Use Rice Chex to keep this naturally gluten free.
• Half batch: For a smaller batch, use 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons Nutella, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, 3 1/2 cups Rice Chex, and 3/4 cup powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)