Best Spooky Halloween Chex Mix Snack Recipe

This Halloween Chex mix is crunchy, sweet, and a major crowd-pleaser! Addictive Halloween muddy buddies (also called monster munch or Halloween puppy chow) are made with cereal, candy corn, and Reese’s candy and coated in chocolate and powdered sugar.

I love to make this Halloween monster munch all season long! It’s a family favorite – my kids love it, and it’s always a hit when we have people over. I promise, with teenage boys, this Halloween Chex mix disappears almost as fast as I can make it!

We started making Halloween muddy buddies when my kids were little, and I love that it’s an easy recipe because the kids can help make it! It’s perfect for Halloween parties, playdates, class parties, football game day, and more.

If you’re looking for more fun Halloween treats, try these Mummy Cupcakes or Graveyard Oreo Dirt Pudding Cups!

Ingredients Needed For Halloween Chex Mix Recipe

• Chocolate Chips – I used (and prefer) semisweet, but you could absolutely replace them with milk chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips!
• Peanut Butter – Creamy works well for making the smooth coating for these Halloween muddy buddies.
• Stick of Butter – salted or unsalted, both work well.
• Vanilla Extract – You could also use almond extract if you prefer that flavor.
• Chex Cereal – I think either corn or rice Chex cereal works well in this recipe. You could use wheat Chex, too, but you may lose a little of the crunchy texture.
• Powdered Sugar – This is different from granulated sugar and crucial for that awesome powdering coating in this monster munch.
• Reese’s Pieces Candy – mini or regular
• Candy Corn – I used the classic yellow, orange, and white variety. But if you want, go for the autumn mix!
• Candy Pumpkins – or your other favorite Halloween candy.
• Cookie Crumbs – Oreo cookies (white or chocolate) add some nice texture to this Halloween Chex mix. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer.

NOTE: Please refer to the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe details!

How to Make Halloween Chex Mix

• Melt butter, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Mix the melted chocolate mixture with the Chex cereal in a large bowl.
• Add the candy corn, candy pumpkins, and cookie crumbs into the cereal mixture. Gently toss until mixed and combined.
• Add the powdered sugar and carefully mix until the candy and Chex Mix are coated.
• Let dry – Spread the Chex Mix onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow to completely dry.

Enjoy your Halloween monster munch!

Halloween Chex Mix Notes And Expert Tips

• Pro Tip For Melting Chocolate – To avoid burning or scorching the chocolate, melt in 30-second increments, stirring in between or cook on a double broiler.

• Make a double batch – because you can NEVER have enough Chex Mix on hand.

• I recommend using a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients together. The wooden spoon will not hold heat, making it easy to maintain the consistency of the chocolate/peanut butter mixture.

• TIP: Put the mixture into a Ziploc bag before adding the powdered sugar. Pour in the sugar and shake to coat. This method is quicker and easier than stirring.

How To Serve Halloween Chex Mix

• School Party Snack – Fill individual party bags and tie closed with a decorative Halloween ribbon. You can also hand these out to Trick-or-Treaters. 👻

• Party Time – Hosting a Halloween party? Add Halloween Chex Mix to a large decorative bowl or container, place it on the serving table, and provide a large spoon for party-goers to serve themselves.

Variations Of Halloween Chex Mix To Try

Cereal – In addition to different varieties of Chex cereal, you could also use any variety of Cheerios you like!

Mini Pretzels – Add a bit of savory with salty pretzels. Pretzel sticks can also be used too.

Nuts – Another idea for a savory crunch is some salted peanuts, cashews, pistachios, or almonds.

Mini marshmallows – always a great addition to this Halloween party snack mix!

M&M’s – Use any color M&M’s that suit you. Mini, multi-colored, the Halloween M&M colors, or any combination that you and the kids love.

Popcorn – You could have more of a balanced sweet and salty Halloween Chex mix by adding some salty popcorn to the homemade Chex mix before coating it with the chocolate mix.

Sprinkles – Throw in some Halloween sprinkles shaped like pumpkins or a black and orange blend. You could even throw in some candy eyes for the perfect sweet treat this spooky season.

Theme – This recipe is perfect to use year-round for any holiday event or party. For example, add red and green M&M’s with some marshmallows and coconut for Christmas.

Make It Gluten-Free 

This easy Halloween snack mix is extremely easy to make 100% gluten-free.

Start by using a gluten-free cereal.

Candy corn and candy pumpkins are considered gluten-free. Some brands may process their candy in facilities that also handle wheat products, which could lead to cross-contamination, so always be sure to double-check levels.

Also, you can replace the Oreo cookies with a gluten-free package of Oreos. No one will even know the difference. 🙂

And always check your bag of chocolate chips to make sure there isn’t any cross-contamination with wheat.

Make it Nut Free

If allergies are an issue or you simply do not like peanut butter, switch it out and use sunflower seed butter, coconut butter, or granola butter instead.

Halloween Chex Mix Storage

Once the Halloween Chex Mix has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Instructions:

Chex Mix can be frozen! Cool completely and place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow the Chex Mix to thaw at room temperature. 

Halloween Chex Mix FAQs

Can I make this recipe into Chex Mix bars?

Some Chex Mix recipes can easily be made into bars; however, this one might not be the best or easiest to do this. The candy pumpkins and candy corn will make it difficult to cut through with a knife.

You can easily omit them if you so choose, but to me, they give the mixture the colors of Halloween.

What is the most common mistake when making this Halloween Chex Mix?

In my opinion, the most common mistake people make is not spreading the mixture out adequately and allowing it to dry completely. If it is not allowed to dry sufficiently, it will become soggy and not stay crunchy and crisp.

Is it best to use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe?

Using unsalted butter is generally recommended in baking because it will give consistent results, especially in desserts. However, either will work just fine with this recipe.

Happy Halloween and happy snacking!

More Fun Halloween Recipes and Crafts To Try

• Spooky Eyeball Meatballs Halloween Finger Food
• DIY Free Printable Trick Or Treat Bags For Halloween
• How To Make Easy Halloween Wicked Witch Cupcakes
• Toilet Paper Roll Monsters Halloween Craft
• Breakable Halloween Mummy Candy Bombs

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