20-Minute Muddy Buddy Pecans

Prep: 20 minCook: 3 min12 servingsmediumAmerican
Muddy Buddy Pecans with Chocolate and Peanut Butter

These irresistible chocolate peanut butter coated pecans are the perfect sweet and crunchy snack. Toasted pecan halves get dunked in a smooth mixture of melted chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter, then tossed in powdered sugar for that signature muddy buddy coating. The result is an addictive treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter and the satisfying crunch of pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, game day snacking, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 3 cups pecan halves, toasted
    mixed nuts1:1nuttree_nuts-free

    variety of textures

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup chocolate chips, milk or semi sweet
    white chocolate chips1:1sweet

    for white chocolate version

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup peanut butter
    almond butter1:1nutpeanuts-freeadds dairy

    different nut flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium bowl

  2. 2

    Heat mixture in microwave on high power in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until chocolate is melted and smooth

  3. 3

    Pour melted mixture over pecans and toss to coat completely

  4. 4

    Place powdered sugar in a large gallon size bag

  5. 5

    Pour coated pecans into the bag, seal, and shake to coat with sugar

  6. 6

    Turn out onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet and let cool

Tips

Tip 1

Toast pecans beforehand for enhanced nutty flavor and crispier texture

Tip 2

Use gallon size bag for easier coating - smaller bags make it harder to shake evenly

Tip 3

Let pecans cool completely before storing to prevent condensation in container

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 2 weeks in advance

Serve With

Serve at room temperature or chilled

Common Mistakes

Watch

Use 30 second microwave intervals to avoid burning chocolate

Watch

Ensure pecans are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation

Substitutions

Nut-Free Alternatives

peanut butter
almond butter1:1nutpeanuts-freeadds dairy

different nut flavor profile

Full guide →
pecan halves
mixed nuts1:1nuttree_nuts-free

variety of textures

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chocolate chips
white chocolate chips1:1sweet

for white chocolate version

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or mixed nuts. Keep the same quantity and coating process.

What if my chocolate mixture gets too thick?

Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to thin it out, or reheat briefly in microwave.

How long can I freeze these?

Frozen muddy buddy pecans keep for up to 3 months. You may need to re-roll in powdered sugar after thawing.