Muddy Buddies

In my quest for great cookies to try out this holiday season, I stumbled onto these tasteful bites that contain two of our favorite things in this house--peanut butter and chocolate.  While they aren't exactly a cookie, I can definitely see the brilliant snacking potential they offer, not to mention the who wouldn't want them as part a holiday hostess gift?  Simple,  easy, cost effective and most importantly, delicious, these buddies won't last long once prepared.  Cook's if you have plans that include wrapping and removing the buddies from your house you may want to do it when those people who love to sample all the goodies in your house are gone, sleeping or distracted in some way.  Otherwise, they probably won't make it out the door...mine didn't!  Enjoy!

Muddy Buddies

Recipe source: Modified slightly from Plain Chicken

9 cups (almost a whole box) Corn Chex®, Rice Chex®, Wheat Chex®  cereal (or combination)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I used 1/2 chocolate and 1/2 butterscotch with amazing results!)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.

Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and peanut butter in a sauce pan.  Allow to melt stiring occassionally on medium heat until smooth and combined.  Pour over the ceareal and stir until evenly coated.  At this point you can either place the cereal into a large zipper bag or into another large bowl.  I went with the bowl option.
Add powdered sugar to your bag/bowl.  Seal bag; shake until well coated or toss cereal in the large bowl with the powdered sugar.  Using a slotted spoon, lift cereal out of the powdered sugar and shake off excess.  Spread on a cookie sheet covered with waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Place in clear bags and wrap with a ribbon for a fun addition to any holiday gift.

Total Cost $2.16
Cereal $.79
Chocolate Chips $.25 (I love it when chocolate chips are on sale!)
Butterscotch Chips $.25
Butter $.37
Vanilla Free
Powdered Sugar $.50