This easy Peanut Clusters recipe is made with just 3 simple ingredients: chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted peanuts! These no-bake chocolate peanut clusters come together in minutes using the microwave and are perfect for snacking, Christmas goodie trays, or homemade holiday gifts!
Growing up, chocolate peanut clusters were one of my favorite holiday treats to make with my mom. While she dropped spoonfuls onto parchment paper, I snuck tastes of the melted chocolate! I’m sure she knew, but she always let me get away with it. Such a fun treat to make with kids!
Unlike peanut cluster recipes made with peanut butter chips or almond bark, these homemade peanut clusters combine chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter for a smooth, rich coating. This simple recipe is customizable and makes a delicious treat for any Christmas goodie tray or homemade Christmas gift! For more holiday favorites, check out my Christmas Cookie Collection!
Quick Look: Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Set Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: About 24 clusters
- Texture: Crunchy roasted peanuts coated in smooth, rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
- Why You'll Love These: These 3 ingredient peanut clusters require no baking and come together easily in the microwave!
- Perfect For: Christmas candy trays, holiday gifting, and everyday snacking.
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Only 3 simple ingredients are needed to make these homemade chocolate peanut clusters! If you love this flavor combination, my Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is another holiday favorite. See the printable recipe card below for exact amounts and instructions.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips give these peanut clusters a rich chocolate flavor without making them overly sweet.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds extra flavor and helps create a smooth chocolate coating. I recommend regular creamy peanut butter rather than natural peanut butter, which can separate.
- Peanuts: Roasted, salted peanuts add the perfect crunch and balance the sweetness of the chocolate. Roasted unsalted peanuts work too if you prefer less salt.
Variations
- Different Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter candy, or dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Different Nuts: Try roasted almonds, cashews, or a combination of nuts in place of the peanuts for a fun twist.
- Festive Toppings: Add Christmas sprinkles or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive touch. Perfect for holiday candy trays!
- Sweet and Salty: Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the clusters before chilling. If you love sweet and salty desserts, be sure to try my Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark too!
Love easy no-bake treats? My Avalanche Cookies are another delicious combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy goodness!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Step 1. Add the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Step 2. Add the roasted, salted peanuts to the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture. Stir until all the peanuts are evenly coated.
Step 3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop heaping spoonfuls of the chocolate peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming individual clusters.
Step 4. Refrigerate the peanut clusters for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate has set and the clusters are firm. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Microwave in short intervals, stirring well between each, to prevent scorching. If the chocolate isn’t completely melted, stir again before adding more heat. The warmth of the mixture may melt the remaining chips.
- Keep Everything Dry: Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. Even a small amount of water can cause melted chocolate to seize.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop makes it easy to create evenly sized peanut clusters and keeps things a little less messy!
- Don’t Rush the Chilling: Let the clusters set completely in the refrigerator before serving. The peanut butter creates a softer chocolate coating, so keeping them chilled helps them stay firm.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
- Make Ahead: These are great for preparing ahead of Christmas parties or giving as a homemade Christmas gift! Once firm, place the clusters in mini paper candy cups and package them in a gift tin or treat box. Keep chilled until ready to share.
Putting together a homemade Christmas candy tray? My Buckeye Balls are another classic chocolate and peanut butter treat that’s perfect for sharing!
Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe FAQs
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter can be used in place of creamy peanut butter for extra peanut pieces and texture. Since the recipe already includes roasted peanuts, creamy peanut butter gives the clusters a smoother chocolate coating.
If the clusters are still soft, they may need more time in the refrigerator. Since this recipe uses peanut butter mixed with melted chocolate, the coating will be softer than traditional chocolate candy made without peanut butter.
More Candy Recipes to Try
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Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups roasted, salted peanuts
Instructions
- Add the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each, until melted and smooth.
- Add the roasted, salted peanuts and stir until evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming individual clusters.
- Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate has set and the clusters are firm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Peanut Butter: Regular creamy peanut butter works best. Natural peanut butter may separate and affect the consistency.
- Melting Tip: Stir well between microwave intervals and avoid overheating the chocolate.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best texture. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Josh H. says
Such a nostalgic treat! Loved making these as a kid!