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These Crumbl Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies cookies bring together the ultimate combination of soft and thick peanut butter cookies topped with smooth, melted milk chocolate and crunchy muddy buddies. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect sweet balance to every bite. They are ideal for festive occasions or cozy nights when you want a treat that captures that classic peanut butter and chocolate goodness in an easy, impressive way.
I first tried this recipe when Crumbl featured it during the holidays and it quickly became a family favorite. Now it is requested every season and brings back warm memories of holiday baking with the kids.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter: smooth varieties like Skippy or Jiffy provide the creamiest texture and best flavor for the cookie base
- Butter: softened to add richness and cream the dough properly for tender cookies
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar: combining both adds chewiness and caramel notes that deepen the flavor
- Egg: binds the dough to hold the perfect cookie structure
- Vanilla extract: imparts a warm aroma that enhances the peanut butter flavor
- All purpose flour: good quality flour is key for the right texture and structure
- Baking powder and baking soda: these leavening agents give a gentle rise and lightness to the cookies
- Corn starch: keeps cookies soft with a melt in your mouth quality that you will love
- Salt: balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor
- Vegetable or canola oil: thins the melted chocolate topping making it easy to spread smoothly
- Milk chocolate chips: quality chips melt silky and bring luscious flavor for the topping
- Muddy buddies: add a signature crunch and classic peanut butter chocolate coating flavor, store bought or homemade works great
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare your pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set aside for later.
- Cream the wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, smooth peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming step is important for creating tender soft cookies. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, corn starch, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until no flour streaks remain to keep cookies tender, avoiding overmixing.
- Portion and chill the dough:
- Divide the dough into nine equal balls using a large cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each into a smooth ball and gently flatten to roughly one inch thick disc. Place the discs on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and stay thick while baking.
- Bake the cookies:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 13 minutes. The edges should be set and the tops dry but centers will remain soft. The cookies firm up more as they cool. Allow them to rest on the pan for 10 minutes before proceeding.
- Prepare the chocolate topping:
- While cookies bake, melt the milk chocolate chips and vegetable or canola oil together in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and pourable. The oil helps make the melted chocolate easy to spread without hardening too quickly.
- Top with chocolate and muddy buddies:
- As soon as the cookies come out warm, spread a generous amount of the melted chocolate on each using a spoon or spatula. Immediately top each cookie with three muddy buddies while the chocolate is still soft. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet so the chocolate sets beautifully.
My favorite part of this recipe is the crunchy muddy buddy topping, which adds a playful contrast to the soft cookie base. Every holiday season my family races to get their favorite cookie because the muddy buddy arrangement changes on each one, making them uniquely fun and delightful to share.
Storage tips
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to four days. For softer cookies, refrigerate for up to seven days and warm briefly before serving to bring back that perfect chocolate topping texture. If freezing, remove the chocolate and muddy buddy toppings before freezing just the plain cookies in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight and refresh with melted chocolate and toppings before serving for best results.
Ingredient substitutions
Natural peanut butter can be used instead of smooth but expect a slightly different texture and more intense peanut flavor. Coconut sugar is a nice swap for brown sugar and adds a subtle caramel note. Dark chocolate chips work wonderfully as a topping alternative for a richer, less sweet flavor. For gluten free, use a onetooone gluten free baking blend to replace the all purpose flour but you may need to adjust leavening slightly to achieve the right texture.
Serving suggestions
These cookies are fantastic served alongside a cold glass of milk, which balances the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly. They also pair beautifully with a rich cup of coffee making them ideal for holiday parties or cozy nights at home. Pack them in decorative boxes or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts. For something indulgent, serve with vanilla ice cream on the side to transform these treats into a decadent dessert.
These cookies are a festive, crowd pleasing treat that pairs classic peanut butter and chocolate in an easy, impressive way. Theyre perfect for gifting or cozy nights and bring a nostalgic holiday feel to any gathering.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → How should I store peanut butter muddy buddies cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Refrigeration extends freshness to 7 days. Warm briefly to soften the chocolate topping before serving.
- → Can these treats be frozen for later use?
Yes, freeze plain cookies without chocolate and muddy buddies toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before adding fresh chocolate and toppings to maintain texture and flavor.
- → Is it possible to make homemade muddy buddies for topping?
Absolutely. Melt semi-sweet chocolate with peanut butter, toss with Chex cereal and powdered sugar, and let set before using to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
- → What is the recommended baking time for these cookies?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- → Can I make smaller portions to serve more guests?
Yes, simply scoop smaller dough balls to create bite-sized treats ideal for sharing at gatherings or festive events.