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These Crumbl peanut butter muddy buddies combine the best of soft, thick peanut butter cookies with a luscious milk chocolate topping and crunchy muddy buddy bites. The light dusting of powdered sugar provides a sweet finish that balances creamy, nutty, and sweet flavors perfectly. They come together quickly and easily, making them a fantastic choice for holiday baking or any festive occasion when you want to impress with minimal stress.
I first tried these cookies when Crumbl featured them during the holidays and instantly knew they were a keeper. Now they are a favorite that everyone in my family looks forward to every season.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter: smooth varieties like Skippy or Jiffy offer the creamiest texture and best flavor for the cookie base
- Butter: softened for rich flavor and to cream the dough properly ensuring tender cookies
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar: a blend of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a deep, chewy texture and caramel notes in the cookie
- Egg: acts as the binder holding the dough together for perfect structure
- Vanilla extract: for warm aroma and depth that enhances the peanut butter
- All purpose flour: provides essential structure to the dough using a good quality flour yields better texture
- Baking powder and baking soda: work together to give a gentle rise and lightness to the cookies
- Corn starch: keeps the cookies soft and adds a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is so addictive
- Salt: balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor
- Vegetable or canola oil: thins the melted chocolate topping making it easy to spread without clumping
- Milk chocolate chips: use quality chocolate for smooth, luscious topping with great flavor
- Muddy buddies: add a signature crunchy texture and that classic peanut butter chocolate coating flavor store bought or homemade works equally well
Step-by-Step 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 this aside for later.
- Cream the wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, smooth peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming process is essential for tender, soft cookies. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until completely combined.
- Add the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, corn starch, and salt together carefully. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until no flour streaks remain to avoid tough cookies.
- 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 about an inch thick disc. Place these discs on your prepared baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes. This chilling step helps the cookies keep their shape and stay thick while baking.
- Bake the cookies:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until the edges are set and the tops look dry but the centers remain soft. The cookies continue to firm as they cool. Let them rest on the pan for 10 minutes before proceeding.
- Prepare the chocolate topping:
- While the cookies bake, melt the milk chocolate chips with vegetable or canola oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals stirring between each until smooth and pourable. The oil thins the chocolate, making it easier to spread without hardening too quickly.
- Top with chocolate and muddy buddies:
- Right after baking, spread a generous amount of melted chocolate on each warm cookie using a spoon or spatula. Top each cookie with three muddy buddies while the chocolate is still soft. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet so the chocolate sets beautifully.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the crunchy muddy buddy topping which adds a playful texture contrast to the soft cookie. Every holiday, my family races to claim their favorite cookie because the muddy buddy arrangement varies making each one unique and fun.
Storage tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to four days. If you want them softer, refrigerate for up to seven days and warm briefly before serving to revive the chocolate topping. For freezing, remove the chocolate and muddy buddy toppings first and freeze just the plain cookies in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight and add fresh melted chocolate and toppings before serving for best results.
Ingredient substitutions
Natural peanut butter can replace smooth varieties but expect a slightly different texture and more intense peanut flavor. Coconut sugar works well instead of brown sugar adding a subtle caramel note. Dark chocolate chips make a wonderful alternative to milk chocolate if you prefer a richer or less sweet topping. To make this gluten free, swap the all purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free baking blend and watch the texture as you may need to adjust your leavening slightly.
Serving suggestions
These cookies are amazing paired with a cold glass of milk which balances the sweetness perfectly. They also complement a cup of rich coffee great for holiday parties or cozy nights in. Pack them in festive boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for lovely homemade gifts. For an indulgent treat, serve with vanilla ice cream on the side to transform them into a decadent dessert.
Cultural context
Peanut butter and chocolate is a classic flavor pairing beloved across American baking traditions. These cookies echo the nostalgic Muddy Buddy snack while turning it into a soft, festive cookie that brings comfort and joy every holiday season. Inspired by popular Crumbl bakery creations, they celebrate modern twists on classic flavors with approachable, crowd-pleasing results.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should I store peanut butter muddy buddies cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days. Refrigerate to extend freshness to 7 days. Reheat briefly to soften the chocolate topping before serving.
- → Can these treats be frozen for later use?
Yes, freeze the plain cookies without the chocolate and muddy buddies topping for up to 2 months. Thaw fully before adding fresh melted chocolate and toppings to maintain flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to make homemade muddy buddies for topping?
Absolutely. Melt semi-sweet chocolate with peanut butter and toss with Chex cereal and powdered sugar. Let set before using to top cookies for a crunchy, flavorful finish.
- → What is the recommended baking time for these cookies?
Bake at 350°F for 12 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft for the ideal chewy texture.
- → Can I make smaller portions to serve more guests?
Yes, simply scoop smaller cookie dough balls to create more bite-sized treats, perfect for sharing at gatherings or festive events.