Thin Mint Muddy Buddies

Everyone loves Muddy Buddies (or Puppy Chow!), but have you ever tried Thin Mint Muddy Buddies? Rice Chex cereal smothered in peppermint-infused melted chocolate, loaded with Thin Mint cookie chunks, all tossed in powdered sugar. This recipe is 100% nut free, vegan and totally nostalgic. Let's learn how to make it!

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Girl Scout cookie season is the best season for a lot of reasons. As far as I'm concerned, Thin Mint Cookies are number 1. There is nothing more nostalgic than tearing open the green box and ripping through a sleeve of these babies. I thought it was high time I incorporated them into some recipes.

If you've never had muddy buddies before I would recommend starting out with a more traditional vegan muddy buddy recipe. They are most commonly made using only chocolate and peanut butter flavors. If you like those and would like to graduate to the next flavor, this here is the recipe for you!

There are also plenty of other candy recipes that go great with these.

Why You'll Love Thin Mint Muddy Buddies

• nostalgia
• comes together in 10 minutes
• less than 10 ingredients
• chocolate-minty deliciousness

Ingredients

By combining these ingredients, you create Thin Mint Muddy Buddies that capture the essence of the beloved Girl Scout cookie while offering the perfect blend of chocolate, mint, and crunchiness in every bite.

• Nondairy Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): These serve as the primary coating for the cereal. Semisweet and dark chocolate chips work best.
• Vegan Butter (2 tablespoons): Vegan butter adds richness and helps to smooth out the melted chocolate, enhancing the coating's consistency and flavor.
• Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon): Peppermint extract provides the iconic minty flavor characteristic of Thin Mint cookies. It infuses the chocolate coating with a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate and powdered sugar.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, balancing out the sweetness of the chocolate and powdered sugar.
• Rice Chex Cereal (6 cups): The cereal serves as the base of the Muddy Buddies, providing a crispy and crunchy texture. Its neutral flavor allows it to absorb the chocolate coating and other flavors without overpowering them. Rice Chex also posts their cereal ingredients on their site.
• Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar, is used to coat the chocolate-covered cereal, creating a sweet and slightly powdery exterior. It adds texture to the Muddy Buddies while also helping to prevent them from sticking together.
• Thin Mint Cookies (16 cookies): Thin Mint cookies contribute both flavor and texture, imparting a distinct minty taste and crunchy texture to the Muddy Buddies. Chopped or crushed, they are mixed into the cereal and chocolate mixture, ensuring every bite is infused with the iconic Thin Mint flavor. Be sure to check out the Thin Mint cookie ingredients posted by the Girl Scouts if you have any additional food sensitivities.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Muddy Buddies (with pictures!)

1. Melt Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 second increments, stirring after each, until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Whisk in the vegan butter, peppermint extract and salt.
2. Stir: Add rice chex cereal to a large bowl. Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the top of the cereal. Fold together gently using a rubber spatula until the cereal is evenly coated in chocolate.
3. Shake: Scoop the chocolate-coated cereal into a gallon sized sealable plastic bag. Pour the powdered sugar into the bag as well. Seal the bag leaving as much air inside as possible. Shake for about 1 minute or until all of the cereal is coated in powdered sugar and you have little to no loose powdered sugar remaining in the bag.
4. Cookies: Roughly chop the Thin Mint cookies. Add them (along with the “cookie dust” from chopping) into the bag. Shake around again to distribute the cookies.

Tips

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality nondairy chocolate chips, vegan butter, and peppermint extract to ensure the best flavor and texture for your Muddy Buddies.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter Gently: Only microwave the chocolate chips for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each. You should also wait to add the vegan butter until after the chocolate is completely smooth. This will help keep the chocolate from seizing.
3. Add Peppermint Extract Carefully: Peppermint extract is potent, so start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if needed, but you can't take it out once it's added.
4. Mix Cereal and Chocolate Thoroughly: Once the chocolate mixture is smooth and the peppermint extract is added, gently fold in the Rice Chex cereal until it's evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal while mixing.
5. Crush Thin Mint Cookies Evenly: Crush or chop the Thin Mint cookies into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that each Muddy Buddy bite has a consistent distribution of cookie flavor and texture. Also scoop in the cookie "dust" left behind from crushing/chopping!

Gluten Free Option

While most muddy buddy recipes are naturally gluten-free, this one is not. This is due to the fact that Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies are made with wheat.

If you avoid eating gluten, fear not! Minimalist Baker has an awesome Gluten Free Thin Mint Cookie recipe that works great in these Muddy Buddies.

Substitutions and Additions

If you don't like mint but would like to make muddy buddies, you'll need to omit the peppermint extract and thin mint cookies. Instead you can add:

• peanut butter
• assorted salted nuts
• oreos
• peanut butter patties (another vegan girl scout cookie!)

If you love mint but would like a little extra flavor, here are some optional additions:

• shredded coconut
• cinnamon
• espresso powder
• freeze dried raspberries or strawberries

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Are My Muddy Buddies Soggy?: Muddy buddies can grow soggy if they are stored in the bag they were shaken up in. Odds are, your muddy buddies were still warm after you shook them in powdered sugar. If you don't plan to serve right away, shake your muddy buddies onto a baking sheet to cool completely before transferring to a clean, sealable bag.
• Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Rice Chex?: Yes, you can experiment with different types of cereal if you prefer. However, keep in mind that Rice Chex is preferred for its light and crispy texture, which works well with the chocolate coating. Other cereals may alter the texture and flavor of the Muddy Buddies.
• How can I prevent the powdered sugar from clumping on the Muddy Buddies?: To prevent clumping, make sure the chocolate-coated cereal mixture is partially cooled before tossing it with powdered sugar. Additionally, you can sift the powdered sugar over the Muddy Buddies or gently shake the bag to distribute it evenly.
• Can I skip the peppermint extract or use a different flavor extract?: While peppermint extract is essential for achieving the classic Thin Mint flavor, you can omit it if you prefer. Alternatively, you can experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla or almond, for a unique twist on the recipe.
• How should I crush the Thin Mint cookies?: You can crush the Thin Mint cookies by placing them in a resealable plastic bag and using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass to gently crush them into small pieces. Alternatively, you can chop them with a knife on a cutting board until they reach your desired consistency.

How to Store Thin Mint Muddy Buddies

Storing Thin Mint Muddy Buddies properly ensures they maintain their freshness and flavor for as long as possible. Here's how to do it:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the Thin Mint Muddy Buddies to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This ensures that the chocolate coating sets properly and prevents excess moisture buildup in the container.
2. Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled Muddy Buddies to an airtight container. This could be a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the Muddy Buddies.
3. Store at Room Temperature: Thin Mint Muddy Buddies are best stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can cause the chocolate coating to become too hard or the cereal to lose its crispness.
4. Avoid Moisture: Moisture can cause the powdered sugar coating to become sticky and the cereal to lose its crunch. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent moisture from getting in.
5. Check for Freshness: Check the Muddy Buddies periodically for signs of staleness or moisture buildup. If they start to lose their crispiness or the powdered sugar clumps together, they may need to be consumed sooner rather than later.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Thin Mint Muddy Buddies for up to a week while maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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More Vegan Chocolate-Mint Recipes

• Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream
• Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
• Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Vegan Peppermint Patties
• Vegan Peppermint Bark