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This crunchy mint-chocolate spin on traditional puppy chow has quickly become my go-to quick snack for watch parties and festive get-togethers. The cool mix of Andes mints with crispy Chex cereal makes an addictive munchie that vanishes practically before I finish making it.
I first threw together these minty munchies for a St. Paddy's Day hangout last spring, and now they're the most asked-for treat in my rotation. My niece now demands we cook up a batch when she stops by because she says "they taste like winter holidays and beach days all mixed up."
Ingredients
- Andes Mints: Give that standout chocolate mint base that makes this snack pop. Grab fresh ones that aren't melty or too soft
- Unsalted butter: Creates a silky chocolate blend without extra flavors. Go for premium stuff for best taste
- Chex cereal: Brings the perfect snap and coating surface for all that yummy goodness. Rice Chex works great but any type is fine
- Powdered sugar: Makes that classic puppy chow finish. Run it through a sifter for best results
- Green candy melts: Bring fun color and extra mint kick. Pick a bright shade for eye-catching appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create Your Chocolate Mix:
- Put cut-up Andes Mints and butter in a microwave-safe dish. Warm carefully in quick intervals, mixing well between each. You want a totally smooth blend with no chunks or swirls. Take your time since burnt chocolate will ruin everything.
- Mix With Cereal:
- Dump your cereal into a big bowl with plenty of mixing space. Pour the melted chocolate mix over the cereal slowly while gently turning with a spatula. Keep folding until all pieces look covered but don't smash the cereal. You want a thin layer of chocolate on everything.
- Shake With Sugar:
- Put the chocolate-covered cereal in a big ziplock bag with extra room for shaking. Throw in powdered sugar and close up tight, pushing out extra air. Shake softly at first, then harder until every bit gets covered. Your cereal should look all white with no brown spots showing.
- Add Final Touches:
- Lay out the coated cereal flat on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle extra chopped Andes Mints while it's still sticky. Melt your green candy according to the package until it's runny smooth. Use a fork to make fun drizzles all over, going thick in some spots and thin in others. Let it harden completely before you eat or pack it up.
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The Andes Mints really shine as the key ingredient here. I first tried them during a family dinner at Olive Garden where they came with the bill, and I've been hooked ever since. That special balance of chocolate and mint makes these munchies way more habit-forming than the standard version.
Storage Solutions
These minty treats stay crunchy when you store them right. Keep them in sealed containers at room temp for best results. Don't put them in the fridge as they'll get damp and soggy. If making them ahead for presents, put layers between wax paper sheets in pretty tins or jars. For keeping them longer, you can stick them in freezer bags with air pushed out and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Creative Variations
While Andes Mints create that special taste in this snack, you can easily switch things up for different parties or flavor likes. For stronger mint kick, add a dash of mint extract to your melting chocolate. During Christmas, try using smashed candy canes instead of extra Andes Mints on top. For a cookies and cream twist, swap white chocolate for the Andes Mints and mix in crushed Oreos at the end. This basic mix works great for trying out new flavor ideas.
Serving Suggestions
Make your minty munchies into an awesome dessert spread by placing them next to matching treats. Go with a mint chocolate theme using brownie bites, mint chip cookies, and cold milk. At parties, scoop them into paper cupcake cups for easy snacking. They also taste amazing sprinkled over vanilla or chocolate ice cream. During holidays, pack them in see-through bags tied with pretty ribbons for an easy homemade gift that looks super fancy but wasn't much work.
Common Questions
- → How do you melt the Andes mints?
Pop the Andes mints and butter in the microwave for 15-second bursts, giving them a good stir between each until they're completely smooth.
- → Can I substitute the green candy melts?
You can totally use white chocolate with a few drops of food coloring instead for the same cute green look.
- → What type of cereal is best for this snack?
Chex cereal really does the job best because it catches all that yummy chocolate coating in its little squares.
- → How should I store the muddy buddies?
Keep them fresh in a sealed container at room temperature and they'll stay good for about a week.
- → Can I add mix-ins to this snack?
You bet. Throw in some pretzels, your favorite nuts, or tiny marshmallows to make it even more exciting.