These Peanut Clusters are the easiest candy you'll make using just 2 ingredients. With just 5 minutes of prep time, they are easy to make in the microwave or stovetop and make an excellent Christmas or hostess gift!
What are peanut clusters?They are bite-sized confections made by combining roasted peanuts with melted chocolate, formed into small clusters, and then set until hardened.
Like the date carmels, these no bake snacks are a popular homemade candy especially during Christmas season.
These peanut clusters are sure to become your new favorite treat like Chocolate Coconut Macaroons. It is simple, no-bake, not too sweet, crunchy, crispy, sweet with a hint of salt!
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Why you'll love it?
- Only 2 ingredients, like the homemade Christmas fudge.
- No almond bark.
- No need to temper chocolate.
- Make it in the microwave or stove top.
- Small batch recipe with just 12 pieces of candy.
Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Peanuts - Using toasted peanuts adds an irresistible crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate - I recommend using a high quality chocolate like Ghiradelli, like for recipes using chocolate chips. It makes a big difference!
Variations
- Use a different chocolate like dark, white or milk chocolate.
- Try using roasted cashews, pecans or almonds, as in almond clusters.
- Use a combination of raisins along with nuts.
- Sprinkle red and white sprinkles or crushed peppermint candy on top for a festive look, like for the gingerbread cookie cups.
- Top with red sprinkles or heart candy, to make into Valentine's day treats.
- If making for birthdays, then sprinkle with rainbow jimmies.
How to make?
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
1 & 2. Place chocolate chips or broken chunks of semi sweet chocolate bar in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 40 to 60 seconds, or until chocolate is 90% melted. Remove from microwave and stir until full melted. This step gives a nice shine on the chocolate peanut clusters.
3. Add roasted peanuts into the melted chocolate and stir until well combined.
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4. Scoop about a tablespoon mounds on a parchment lined sheet pan and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top. Chill for at least 4 hours.
For more easy homemade holiday treats, browse our collection of Christmas treats for more inspiration.
Stovetop method
1. In a medium sauce pan, bring 1 cup of water to simmering over low heat.
2. Place a glass bowl on top of the pot so it rests above the simmering water, but doesn't touch it.
3. Add the chocolate chips into the bowl and allow the steam to heat the bowl and melt the chocolate. Stir occasionally until mostly melted. Remove the bowl from the pot and continue to stir until fully melted.
4. Stir in the roasted peanuts, scoop mounds and chill.
How to store?
For optimal freshness, store the chocolate peanut clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their best texture when chilled and can be enjoyed directly from the fridge for up to a week.
To freeze - When properly stored in the freezer, peanut clusters can last for about 2 without significantly affecting their taste or texture.
- Place the cold clusters in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Seal the container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator before serving. They are also great enjoyed directly from the freezer.
Helpful tips
- Use good quality chocolate - I recommend using good quality like Ghiradelli or Guittard.
- They are best stored in the fridge and served cold.
- Use roasted peanuts and not raw.
- Use dry roasted peanuts and not the ones roasted with any oil or fat.
- Skip the salt if using salted peanuts.
Recipe FAQs
Peanuts coated in chocolate or other sweet coatings have been a popular treat for a long time. Although the exact origin is not precisely documented, but they have been a beloved homemade candy for generations, dating way before 1912 when they were made popular by the Goo Goo Cluster.
Peanut clusters can be made using other types of tree nuts like almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, or a mix of nuts to create your own unique clusters. Opt for roasted nuts to achieve the perfect crunch in your clusters, and by choosing unsalted nuts, you have control over the salt in your candy.
I prefer to use roasted, unsalted peanuts with the skins removed in my peanut clusters recipe. It results in a smoother, uniform appearance and preserves the peanut and chocolate flavor. However, using peanuts with the skins can lend a more rustic appearance and subtly alter the taste.
More chocolate treats
Peanut Clusters
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semi sweet chocolate use chocolate chips or baking bar
- ¾ cup dry roasted peanuts, skin removed unsalted
- sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Place chocolate chips or broken chunks of semi sweet chocolate bar in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 40 to 60 seconds, or until chocolate is 90% melted. Remove from microwave and stir until fully melted. This step gives a nice shine on the chocolate peanut clusters.
- Add peanuts and stir until well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop about a tablespoon mounds on the parchment paper.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top and place baking sheet in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours.
- Refrigerate clusters in an air tight container until serving time.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
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