Goblin Goodies (Halloween Muddy Buddies) are a spooky, chocolate-peanut butter treat packed with crunchy cereal, Oreos, and M&M’s. A delicious snack mix you won’t want to miss!
Goblin Goodies (Halloween Muddy Buddies)
These Goblin Goodies came to life when my daughter asked to host a Halloween movie night with her friends. Her favorite movie night treat is Muddy Buddies, so I knew I had to create a Halloween version.
While trying to think of a Halloween twist to stick to the theme, I decided to add eyes to the pretzels, and they turned out so cute as little “goblins.” The result was adorable and delicious!
The kids raved about it, and I’ve continued to make it all month for Halloween get-togethers. It’s the perfect Halloween treat and makes a cute centerpiece for any get together!
Goblin Goodies (Halloween Muddy Buddies) Ingredients
- Corn Chex cereal:Use fresh cereal for a good crunch. Stale cereal can make your Muddy Buddies taste off.
- Creamy peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky for a smoother texture. I love and highly recommend Skippy® Creamy Peanut Butter.
- Chocolate chips:Quality matters! Higher-quality chocolate melts better and tastes richer. Choose milk chocolate for sweetness, semi-sweet for a slight bitterness, or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Fine sea salt: If using table salt, use less since it’s more concentrated than sea salt.
- Unsalted butter: Use real butter, not margarine, as this affects both flavor and texture.
- Vanilla extract: While it’s optional, vanilla extract adds lots flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: This coating gives the Halloween Muddy Buddies a sweet, soft exterior that contrasts with the crunchy cereal. It also prevents clumping and keeps the mix from sticking together!
Goblin Goodies Mix-Ins
- Mini Oreos: Can’t find the mini kind? It’s all good! Just take regular-sized Oreos and give them a coarse chop.
- Chocolate-covered pretzels: These guys introduce a delicious salty-sweet combo to these Halloween Muddy Buddies. While half of the pretzels are broken up and added to the mix, the other half will be used to create the “Goblins.”
- Blue and green M&M’s: Whether you choose a seasonal Halloween-themed pack of M&Ms or hand-pick the blues and greens from a standard pack, these add vibrant pops of color. For a mix of textures, try combining mini M&M’s with the regular ones; I love doing this!
- Edible eyes: Here’s where our “Goblins” truly come alive. These little candies add that essential Halloween flair to these Halloween Muddy Buddies. Hunt them down in the baking aisles of local grocery stores, craft shops, or online.
Quick Tip
Why Separate Halloween Muddy Buddies Into Two Bags
Even coating is key: Dividing the snack mix and powdered sugar into two bags helps coat everything evenly. More space lets the ingredients mix better, ensuring each piece gets its share of sugar. Putting it all in one bag might mean uneven coating.
How To Make Halloween Muddy Buddies (Tips)
- Master the melt: When dealing with chocolate and peanut butter, patience is key. Overheating can transform that smooth dreaminess into a grainy nightmare. To avoid this, always melt in short bursts and dedicate plenty of time to stirring in between.
- Gentle touch: When it comes time to mix the cereal with the melted duo of chocolate and peanut butter, handle with care. Gently folding them together helps maintain the cereal’s crunch and shape.
- Size matters: While it might sound like a given, using a big bowl is a game-changer. Not only does it make mixing simpler, but it also offers the cereal plenty of space, reducing chances of breakage.
- Powdered sugar hack: When adding the powdered sugar, doing it in increments ensures each piece gets that desired sugary coat.
Quick Tip
Gift the goodness: Looking for a spooky treat for someone special? Goblin Goodies are always a hit! Pack it in adorable bags or festive jars, and voila – you have the perfect homemade Halloween treat to surprise friends and family.
Storage
Storing Goblin Goodies (AKA Halloween Muddy Buddies)
Store leftover snack mix in an airtight container or jar. Keep it in a cool, dry place for up to a week, but it tastes best within three days.
For later, freeze the mix in an airtight container or bag for up to three months. Enjoy it straight from the freezer or let it thaw at room temperature.
More Delicious Halloween Treats:
- Halloween Rice Krispie Treats Eight different designs!
- Four-Ingredient Halloween Treats: Monster eyes, witch hats, witch brooms, and bat bites
- Easy Halloween Cupcakes Lots of fun decoration ideas!
- Printable Halloween Treat Bag Toppers Great for parties or gifts!
- Halloween Donuts Decorated four different ways
Goblin Goodies (Halloween Muddy Buddies)
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Parchment or aluminum foil
- Resealable plastic bag
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups chocolate-covered pretzels divided
- Candy eyeballs plus 3 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 9 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips, see note 1
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 2 cups powdered sugar divided
- 1-1/2 cups mini Oreos
- 1 cup blue and green M&M's
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil. Arrange 1/2 cup chocolate-covered pretzels on the pan. Melt 3 tablespoons chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring between bursts. Transfer melted chocolate to a resealable plastic bag, seal it, and snip off a corner. Pipe chocolate into the top two holes of each pretzel and press in candy eyeballs. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets.
- Add Chex cereal to a very large bowl.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, chocolate chips, salt, and butter. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in vanilla if using. Pour over cereal, gently stirring to coat evenly without crushing.
- Divide cereal mixture and powdered sugar in half. In a large resealable bag, layer 1/2 cup powdered sugar, half the cereal mixture, and another 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Seal and shake until coated. Transfer to a clean bowl. Repeat with remaining mixture and sugar, then combine in the same bowl.
- Break up remaining 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels and add them to the bowl with the coated cereal. Stir in mini Oreos and 3/4 cup M&M’s. Top with prepared “Goblins” and the remaining 1/4 cup M&M’s.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you very much, I will try it too.
You’re so welcome! Enjoy! 🙂