Name: Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Butter (softened); 1/2 cup Peanut Butter; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (plus more for rolling); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 Egg; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 2 cups all-purpose Flour; 1 cup Milk Chocolate Chips; 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (for sprinkling)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving peanut butter, chocolate, and the cozy nostalgia of a classic treat, Muddy Buddy Cookies are your new best friend. Imagine all the flavors you adore in that famous snack mix—rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar—tucked inside a soft, bakery-style cookie. These irresistible bites are perfect for parties, cookie swaps, or simply spoiling yourself and the people you love. Grab your apron and get ready to discover a new go-to recipe that turns muddy buddies into something even more fun to eat!

Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Muddy Buddy Cookies is how simple the ingredients are, but don’t let that fool you! Each component brings its own magic—richness, structure, sweetness, or that signature crunch and creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why they matter:

Butter (softened): The secret to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base.
Peanut Butter: Delivers classic muddy buddy flavor and luxurious texture to every bite.
Granulated Sugar (plus extra for rolling): Adds sweetness and, when rolled on the outside, gives a sparkling crunch.
Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like note that balances out the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and enhances the cozy, cookie aroma.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds rich chewiness throughout.
Salt: A little goes a long way to amplify both peanut butter and chocolate.
Baking Soda: Makes sure your Muddy Buddy Cookies have the perfect, light lift and soft crumb.
All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie, holding everything together just right.
Milk Chocolate Chips: Bringing that silky, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate topping you expect from muddy buddies.
Powdered Sugar (to sprinkle on top): The final touch for that classic muddy buddy “look” and a sweet, snowy finish.

How to Make Muddy Buddy Cookies

Step 1: Make the Creamy Base

Start off by creaming together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. This step is essential for creating that luscious, fluffy base that makes Muddy Buddy Cookies so crave-worthy! Once everything is creamy and smooth, add in the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until it’s a dreamy, unified batter.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leaveners and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your butter-peanut butter mixture, blending between additions. You’ll see the dough come together—smooth, but thick enough to roll into balls. This careful mixing gives the cookies their chewy yet tender bite.

Step 3: Prep for Baking

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for fuss-free cleanup. Set your oven to 350 degrees so it’s perfectly preheated by the time you’re ready to bake. Having everything ready to go makes the process easier and means you’ll have Muddy Buddy Cookies sooner!

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, then give them a quick dip in extra granulated sugar for a sparkly, sweet crunch. Space them out on your prepared cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes—keep an eye out for cookies that are turning golden and beginning to gently crack. Once baked, press the center of each cookie with the bottom of a flat glass to create the perfect pocket for chocolate. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Center

While cookies cool, melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds until silky smooth. Spoon a generous dollop of melted chocolate into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies sit for about an hour so the chocolate sets and becomes slightly firm to the touch—this step is what transforms them into true Muddy Buddy Cookies!

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Finish each cookie with a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar. This isn’t just for looks—it’s the signature muddy buddy finish that gives each bite a hint of extra sweetness and a playful, bakery-style touch. Serve up a plateful and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Muddy Buddy Cookies

Garnishes

For that bakery-window wow factor, try adding a final flourish: a few extra chocolate shavings, chopped roasted peanuts, or another dusting of powdered sugar over the top just before serving. These simple details make Muddy Buddy Cookies feel extra-special and Instagram-ready.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a mug of hot cocoa for pure joy. If you’re putting together a dessert spread, serve Muddy Buddy Cookies alongside other favorites like brownies or classic peanut butter cookies to create the ultimate cookie platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Muddy Buddy Cookies in a playful pile on a rustic wooden board, stack them in tall glass jars for gifting, or pack them into cute tins lined with parchment for a sweet homemade present. Small cellophane bags tied with ribbon make these cookies party-ready, and their gorgeous dusting of powdered sugar guarantees they’ll stand out in any treat box.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Muddy Buddy Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature for up to four days. Simply place them in an airtight container lined with wax or parchment paper to keep the chocolate and powdered sugar pristine and fresh.

Freezing

If you want to savor your Muddy Buddy Cookies even longer, freezing is totally possible! Let the cookies cool completely before layering them between parchment in a lidded container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months—just be mindful powdered sugar may absorb a little, so dust again before serving if you want that perfect look.

Reheating

Craving that just-baked taste? You can briefly warm Muddy Buddy Cookies in the microwave (5–10 seconds per cookie) to get the chocolate soft and the cookie ever-so-tender again. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw at room temp before popping into the microwave, so they stay soft and don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture, with bits of peanut that make each Muddy Buddy Cookie uniquely satisfying. If you love a little crunch, go for it—just know your cookies may spread a tad less.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate chips for the centers?

A microwave is your friend here—place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short, 15-second bursts, stirring each time. This prevents scorching and keeps everything smooth. You can also use a double boiler on the stove if you prefer extra control.

Can I make Muddy Buddy Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. The texture will be slightly different, but the taste, peanut butter-chocolate combo, and powdered sugar finish will shine through just as deliciously.

How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting into the chocolate?

Let the melted chocolate set and cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. This little wait guarantees the sugar stays snowy and beautiful on top of your Muddy Buddy Cookies, rather than dissolving into the chocolate.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Absolutely—this recipe doubles (or even triples) effortlessly. Just bake in batches and store extras in airtight containers. It’s a fantastic way to fill up goodie bags or create a standout dessert platter for any gathering.

Final Thoughts

Once you bake a batch of Muddy Buddy Cookies, you’ll see why this treat wins hearts wherever it lands. Combining that beloved peanut butter-chocolate combo with a sprinkle of sweet nostalgia, they’re a brilliant twist on the original snack mix. Treat yourself and your favorite people—you deserve a cookie this good!

Muddy Buddy Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Muddy Buddy Cookies recipe that combines the flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and sugar in a crispy yet gooey cookie.

Instructions

Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the Butter, Peanut Butter, Granulated Sugar, and Brown Sugar until creamy. Add Vanilla and Egg, blend well.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine Flour, Salt, and Baking Soda. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients, blending until a smooth dough forms.
Prepare and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough into balls, coat with Sugar, and place on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown. Flatten slightly when out of the oven.
Decorate: Melt Chocolate Chips, spoon onto cookies, and let set. Dust with Powdered Sugar.