Easy 3-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Clusters: Your Go-To No-Bake Holiday Treat!

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Clusters are a wonderfully simple and irresistibly yummy holiday dessert made with just 3 basic ingredients! These classic no-bake treats are a must-add to your Christmas baking list, offering a perfect blend of salty and sweet crunch that everyone adores. Forget complicated recipes – these clusters are pure joy in every bite!

The Best No-Bake Treat for Any Occasion!

Searching for an effortlessly delicious dessert to feature on your holiday baking list? Look no further! These no-bake peanut clusters demand less than 10 minutes of active prep time and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Their timeless appeal makes them a favorite for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy at home.

For me, peanut clusters evoke warm memories of holiday seasons past. They represent the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. There’s an undeniable charm in their uncomplicated nature, yet they deliver a satisfying burst of flavor and texture that feels gourmet.

With a foundation of just three core ingredients, this recipe offers incredible flexibility. You can stick to the classic combination or unleash your creativity by customizing them with festive holiday sprinkles, a decadent drizzle of white chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra touch of sophistication. Their versatility makes them ideal for last-minute gatherings or thoughtful homemade gifts.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Peanut Cluster Recipe

• Incredibly Simple & Quick: With only 3 main ingredients and a no-bake method, these clusters come together in minutes, perfect for when time is of the essence.
• No-Bake Perfection: Skip the oven and the stress! This recipe is ideal for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a hassle-free holiday treat.
• Salty-Sweet Harmony: The roasted salted peanuts provide the perfect counterpoint to the sweet chocolate, creating an addictive flavor profile.
• Customizable Fun: Easily adapt with different types of chocolate, nuts, or add festive toppings like sprinkles, dried cranberries, or a white chocolate drizzle.
• Holiday Favorite: A classic Christmas confection that’s excellent for gifting, cookie platters, or satisfying those festive sweet cravings.
• Economical: Uses readily available and affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for mass production during the holidays.

How to Make Perfect Chocolate Peanut Clusters (Step-by-Step Guide)

Making these peanut clusters is incredibly straightforward, even for the most novice cook. Follow these steps for flawless, delicious results every time!

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate to Perfection

Place your semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in the microwave in short bursts – typically 30-second increments. After each increment, remove the bowl and stir the chocolate thoroughly, even if it doesn’t look fully melted. The residual heat will continue to melt the chips. This method prevents the chocolate from burning or seizing. Continue heating and stirring until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy, with no lumps remaining. Be patient – rushing this step can lead to scorched or grainy chocolate.

Step 2: Combine Chocolate and Peanuts

Once your chocolate is beautifully melted and smooth, add the roasted salted peanuts directly into the bowl. Using a spatula, gently but thoroughly stir the peanuts into the chocolate until every single peanut is evenly coated. This ensures that each cluster will have that perfect chocolate-to-peanut ratio. This is truly the heart of the recipe – that’s it for the mixing! Now, prepare to form your delightful clusters.

Step 3: Form Your Peanut Clusters

Line a baking sheet with either waxed paper or parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal once the chocolate has set, as you’re not baking with heat, you simply need a non-stick surface. Using a spoon or, for more uniform sizes, a mini cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the chocolate-covered peanuts onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for clusters that are roughly the same size for consistent setting and presentation.

If you plan to top your clusters with flaked sea salt, Christmas sprinkles, or any other dry toppings, do this immediately after dropping them onto the paper. This allows the toppings to adhere to the chocolate before it begins to harden. Work relatively quickly here to ensure good adhesion.

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Once you’ve finished assembling all your peanut clusters, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm and set. You can also place them in the freezer for a quicker set, typically 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for the clusters to hold their shape and have that satisfying snap when you bite into them.

Step 5: Optional White Chocolate Drizzle (for extra flair!)

This step is purely optional but adds a lovely visual contrast and an extra layer of sweetness. I often like to drizzle half of my batch with white chocolate to add variety to a holiday platter! Once your semi-sweet chocolate clusters have fully hardened, melt white chocolate chips using the same careful, incremental method as described in Step 1. Once smooth, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the tops of the hardened peanut clusters using a spoon or a piping bag with a small hole. Immediately return them to the fridge until the white chocolate has also hardened. This makes for a beautiful presentation, especially when paired with festive sprinkles.

These chocolate peanut clusters are deceptively simple to make, yet they deliver an incredibly satisfying and delicious experience. Everyone loves the classic salty-sweet combination, and the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts wrapped in smooth chocolate is truly irresistible. They strike the perfect balance between indulgence and effortless preparation.

If you find yourself in need of a last-minute holiday dessert that still feels special and homemade, these chocolate peanut clusters will absolutely not disappoint! They’re also fantastic to have on hand for unexpected guests or whenever a sweet tooth strikes. Their shelf-stable nature (when stored correctly) makes them a convenient snack or treat.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Overheat Chocolate: This is the most common mistake. Chocolate burns easily and can seize (turn grainy and thick) if overheated or if any water gets into it. Always use short increments and stir well.
• Quality Matters: While only 3 ingredients, the quality of your chocolate and peanuts will directly impact the final flavor. Opt for brands you enjoy.
• Uniform Size: For even setting and professional presentation, try to make your clusters roughly the same size. A mini cookie scoop is your best friend here!
• Experiment with Nuts: While peanuts are traditional, don’t hesitate to try roasted almonds, cashews, or even pecans for a different flavor profile.
• Vary the Chocolate: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a mix can create interesting variations.

Do you absolutely love chocolate peanut clusters? If you’re looking to make an even larger batch for serious holiday gifting or a big party, consider trying this incredibly easy Crock Pot Peanut Clusters recipe! It’s perfect for hands-off preparation.

4.44 from 181 votes

Peanut Clusters Recipe

By:

Joy Shull

These easy chocolate peanut clusters are a delicious holiday treat made with just 3 ingredients.

Prep:

5 minutes
mins

Additional Time:

30 minutes
mins

Total:

35 minutes
mins

Servings:
12

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Ingredients 

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1 1/4
  cups
  roasted salted peanuts

• 
  ▢
  
  
  10
  oz
  semi sweet chocolate chips

For Topping (optional)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  flaked sea salt

• 
  ▢
  
  
  melted white chocolate

Instructions 

• Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until completely smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
• Add the roasted salted peanuts to the melted chocolate and stir well to ensure all peanuts are thoroughly coated.
• Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Use a spoon or a mini cookie scoop to drop individual spoonfuls of the chocolate-covered peanuts onto the lined sheet, forming clusters.
• If desired, sprinkle with optional flaked sea salt or holiday sprinkles immediately after forming the clusters, before the chocolate sets.
• Place the baking sheet with peanut clusters in the fridge or freezer to chill until the chocolate is fully set and firm (approx. 20-30 minutes in the fridge, 10-15 in the freezer).
• For an optional white chocolate drizzle: Once the dark chocolate has hardened, melt white chocolate chips until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the tops of the hardened peanut clusters. Return them to the fridge again until the white chocolate is also set.

Nutrition

Calories:
225
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
15
g

,

Protein:
6
g

,

Fat:
17
g

,

Saturated Fat:
6
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g

,

Trans Fat:
0.02
g

,

Cholesterol:
1
mg

,

Sodium:
68
mg

,

Potassium:
252
mg

,

Fiber:
3
g

,

Sugar:
9
g

,

Vitamin A:
12
IU

,

Calcium:
30
mg

,

Iron:
2
mg

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