Christmas Chocolate Peanut Clusters

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Christmas Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Chocolate Peanut Clusters are a traditional Christmas candy made with melted chocolate and roasted peanuts, spooned into mini paper cups, and topped with festive sprinkles. No oven, no mixer, and very kid-friendly!

📝 Ingredients (Makes 40–50 clusters)

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups roasted peanuts
    (salted or unsalted — your choice)
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup peanut butter (optional, for extra richness)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • ½ cup chopped almonds or cashews
  • ½ cup Rice Krispies or cornflakes (extra crunch)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Decorations

  • Red, green & white sprinkles
  • Nonpareils or holiday sugar crystals

🔪 Preparation

  1. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or
  2. Place mini cupcake liners on a tray or inside a container.
  3. Measure all ingredients before melting (important for smooth chocolate).

🔥 Melting the Chocolate

Method 1: Microwave (Easiest)

  1. Add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
  3. When mostly melted, stir until completely smooth.
  4. Stir in peanut butter (if using) and vanilla.

Method 2: Double Boiler

  1. Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
  2. Stir gently until melted and glossy.
  3. Remove from heat before adding peanut butter.

🥜 Mixing the Clusters

  1. Add peanuts to the melted chocolate.
  2. Stir until every peanut is fully coated.
  3. Fold in any optional add-ins (marshmallows, cereal, nuts).

🧁 Shaping the Clusters

  1. Spoon mixture into mini cupcake liners.
  2. Fill each about ¾ full.
  3. Sprinkle immediately with holiday sprinkles (before chocolate sets).

❄️ Setting the Candy

  • Let clusters set at room temperature for 1–2 hours
    OR
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes for faster setting

🍽️ Serving & Storage

Serving

  • Serve at room temperature
  • Add to Christmas cookie platters
  • Perfect with coffee or hot chocolate

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container
  • Keep at room temperature for 1 week
  • Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks
  • Freeze for up to 2 months

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use good-quality chocolate for best flavor
  • If chocolate thickens, add 1 tsp coconut oil
  • Don’t overheat or chocolate will seize
  • Salted peanuts give the best sweet-salty balance

🌟 Variations

🍬 Crockpot Version

  • Melt chocolate + peanut butter on LOW for 1 hour
  • Stir, add peanuts, scoop into liners

🍫 White Chocolate Clusters

  • Replace chocolate with white chocolate
  • Add cranberries or pistachios

🥨 Sweet & Salty

  • Replace half the peanuts with pretzels

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