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!

๐Ÿ“ Ingredients (Makes 40โ€“50 clusters)

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups roasted peanuts
    (salted or unsalted โ€” your choice)
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1ยฝ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ยฝ cup peanut butter (optional, for extra richness)

Optional Add-Ins

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

Decorations

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

๐Ÿ”ช 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).

๐Ÿ”ฅ 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.

๐Ÿฅœ 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).

๐Ÿง Shaping the Clusters

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

โ„๏ธ Setting the Candy

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

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ 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

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tips

  • Use good-quality chocolate for best flavor
  • If chocolate thickens, add 1 tsp coconut oil
  • Donโ€™t overheat or chocolate will seize
  • Salted peanuts give the best sweet-salty balance

๐ŸŒŸ Variations

๐Ÿฌ Crockpot Version

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

๐Ÿซ White Chocolate Clusters

  • Replace chocolate with white chocolate
  • Add cranberries or pistachios

๐Ÿฅจ Sweet & Salty

  • Replace half the peanuts with pretzels

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