Crumbl peanut butter muddy buddies

These Crumbl peanut butter muddy buddies cookies are the ultimate holiday treat combining rich peanut butter and creamy milk chocolate in a soft, thick cookie topped with crunchy muddy buddies and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for festive cookie boxes or a fun family baking activity, they bring a cozy holiday spirit to any occasion. The balance of textures and flavors makes these cookies irresistible and a favorite for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.

I first tried this cookie when Crumbl brought back their fan favorite during the holiday season and instantly knew I had to recreate it. Now they are a must-have at every holiday gathering in my family.

Ingredients

• Peanut butter: Use smooth peanut butter like Skippy or Jiffy for the best creamy texture and flavor
• Butter: Use softened butter to help cream the dough perfectly and add richness
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar: A combination for depth of flavor and soft, chewy texture
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the cookie together
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a warm aroma to the cookie base
• All purpose flour: Use good quality flour for structure
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give the cookies a subtle rise and lightness
• Corn starch: Keeps the cookies soft and melt in your mouth
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
• Vegetable or canola oil: Thins out the chocolate topping for easy spreading
• Milk chocolate chips: Use good quality chocolate for a smooth, luscious topping
• Muddy buddies: Choose storebought or homemade for crunch and that signature muddy buddy flavor

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 use.

Cream the wet ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, smooth peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie. Add in the egg and vanilla extract then mix until fully combined and smooth.

Add the dry ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, corn starch, and salt. Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the cookies tough.

Portion and chill the dough:

Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, divide the dough into 9 equally sized balls. Roll each ball between your palms to smooth, then gently flatten them to about an inch thick discs. Place the discs on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Bake the cookies:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 13 minutes until the edges are just set and the tops no longer look wet. The center will be soft but will firm up as they cool. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the pan for about 10 minutes.

Prepare the chocolate topping:

While the cookies are baking, melt the milk chocolate chips with the vegetable or canola oil in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring well between each, until smooth and pourable. The oil helps thin the chocolate for easy spreading.

Top with chocolate and muddy buddies:

Immediately after baking, generously spoon the melted chocolate over each warm cookie. Spread it evenly while the chocolate is still soft. Top each cookie with 3 muddy buddies (storebought or homemade). Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet allowing the chocolate to set before serving.

These cookies bring out the nostalgic peanut butter and chocolate combo better than anything I’ve tried. The crunchy muddy buddies on top add a playful surprise in each bite. My family always fights over who gets which cookie because no two are exactly alike.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer keeping, place them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days and warm briefly in the microwave for that freshly baked feel. If freezing, remove the chocolate and muddy buddy topping first and freeze the plain cookies up to 2 months, thaw before serving, and add fresh melted chocolate and toppings.

Ingredient Substitutions

Natural peanut butter can be used but expect a slightly different texture and flavor. You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a caramel like flavor twist. Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste and slightly less sweetness. If you want gluten free, substitute all purpose flour with a onetoonetone gluten free baking blend and adjust drying agents if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies alongside a warm glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee to balance the sweetness. They make perfect gifts when packed in festive boxes or cellophane bags tied with a bow. Try pairing them with simple vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat.

These Crumbl peanut butter muddy buddies cookies are a festive crowd pleasing treat perfect for gifting or cozy nights. Follow storage and reheating tips to keep them soft and serve warm for the best experience.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How should I store peanut butter muddy buddies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 7 days. Reheat briefly to soften the chocolate topping.

→ Can these peanut butter treats be frozen?

Yes, freeze without the chocolate and muddy buddies topping for up to 2 months. Add toppings after thawing for best freshness.

→ 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, then let set before topping cookies.

→ What is the baking time for these treats?

Bake cookie dough discs at 350°F for 12-13 minutes until set but soft inside for optimal texture.

→ Can I make smaller portions to serve more guests?

Yes, simply scoop smaller cookie dough balls to yield more bite-sized treats, perfect for sharing or gatherings.