Welcome to the easiest and most satisfying treat you’ll make all year. These chocolate peanut clusters are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, crunchy and smooth. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 15 minutes of active time, you can whip up a batch of this irresistible candy. It’s a classic, no-fuss recipe perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.
Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is virtually foolproof. Forget complicated steps and long cooking times. All you need is a microwave or a double boiler to create these beautiful, delicious clusters that look like they came straight from a candy shop.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just 3 core ingredients and no baking required, it’s one of the simplest candy recipes you can find.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have these clusters setting in under 15 minutes.
- Perfectly Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe with different types of chocolate, nuts, or fun additions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The classic combination of chocolate and peanuts is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a go-to for potlucks and holiday parties.
The Magic of Just 3 Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need three basic ingredients to create these addictive chocolate peanut clusters.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! The type of chocolate you use will define the flavor. I recommend using a high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chip for a balanced, rich flavor that isn’t overly sweet. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate also work wonderfully.
- Peanuts: Salted, roasted peanuts provide the best flavor and crunch, offering a perfect contrast to the sweet chocolate. Dry-roasted peanuts are my top choice.
- Sea Salt Flakes: While optional, a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates these clusters from good to gourmet. It enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
Choosing the Right Chocolate
The quality of your chocolate peanut clusters depends heavily on the chocolate you choose. While standard chocolate chips work well, using chocolate melting wafers or a chopped chocolate bar (like Ghirardelli or Baker’s) will give you a smoother, glossier finish. These types of chocolate contain stabilizers that help them set perfectly. If you love a good project, you could even try making them with the star from our hot chocolate fudge recipe for an extra decadent twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious homemade candy.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This is crucial for preventing the clusters from sticking.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat it. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the peanuts to the bowl of melted chocolate. Stir gently until all the peanuts are evenly coated.
- Form the Clusters: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Create small mounds, about 2 inches apart.
- Add Salt and Set: If using, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt over each cluster. Let the clusters sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until fully set. For a quicker option, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Don’t Scorch the Chocolate: The key to smooth, glossy chocolate is low and slow heat. Stir frequently and stop heating as soon as it’s melted.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized clusters, a small cookie scoop is your best friend. It makes the process quick, clean, and consistent.
- Work Quickly: Once the peanuts are mixed in, the chocolate will begin to cool and set. Drop the clusters onto your baking sheet without too much delay for the best results.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, it’s also a great base for creativity. These are similar to our peanut butter no-bake cookies in that they are easy to customize!
Fun Mix-Ins
- Crockpot Candy Style: For a hands-off approach, melt the chocolate and peanuts together in a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This is perfect for making large batches.
- Add More Crunch: Mix in other nuts like almonds or pecans, or add some crunch with broken pretzel pieces or toasted coconut. If you like crunchy treats, you should also try our chocolate covered pretzels.
- Marshmallow Peanut Clusters: For a rocky road-inspired treat, fold in a cup of mini marshmallows with the peanuts.
- Butterscotch Twist: Substitute half of the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips for a deliciously different flavor profile.
How to Store Your Clusters
Proper storage is key to keeping your chocolate peanut clusters fresh and delicious.
- Room Temperature: Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerator: If your home is warm, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the clusters in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Yes! This is a popular method often called ‘crockpot candy.’ Simply add your chocolate and peanuts to a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until melted. Then, scoop and set as usual. It’s great for making large batches.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your home is warm, keep them in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
For the best results with a smooth, glossy finish, use high-quality chocolate melting wafers or a chopped chocolate bar (like Baker’s or Ghirardelli). However, standard semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips also work very well for this recipe.
You can customize these clusters easily! Try swapping peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans. You can also add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, toffee bits, or broken pretzel pieces for extra flavor and texture.
This usually happens if the chocolate was overheated or if there’s too much moisture. Avoid getting any water in your melted chocolate. If they are still soft, place them in the refrigerator or freezer for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Yes! This is a popular method often called ‘crockpot candy.’ Simply add your chocolate and peanuts to a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until melted. Then, scoop and set as usual. It’s great for making large batches.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your home is warm, keep them in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
For the best results with a smooth, glossy finish, use high-quality chocolate melting wafers or a chopped chocolate bar (like Baker’s or Ghirardelli). However, standard semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips also work very well for this recipe.
You can customize these clusters easily! Try swapping peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans. You can also add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, toffee bits, or broken pretzel pieces for extra flavor and texture.
This usually happens if the chocolate was overheated or if there’s too much moisture. Avoid getting any water in your melted chocolate. If they are still soft, place them in the refrigerator or freezer for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Enjoy Your Homemade Candy!
There you have it—a simple yet impressive recipe for chocolate peanut clusters that’s sure to become a favorite. It’s a versatile treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. For more easy dessert ideas, check out our recipes for Oreo Truffles or classic Peppermint Bark.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see it! Share your creations and tag me on Pinterest. Happy candy making!
Chocolate Peanut Clusters: The Ultimate Easy No-Bake Treat
Create irresistible chocolate peanut clusters with this easy 3-ingredient, no-bake recipe. Perfect for holidays or a quick sweet treat, this guide offers tips for perfect clusters every time, plus fun variations like crockpot candy.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- Add the peanuts to the melted chocolate and stir until they are fully coated.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Allow the clusters to set at room temperature for 1-2 hours or in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until firm.
Notes
Chocolate Choice: Using high-quality melting wafers or a chopped chocolate bar will yield a smoother, glossier finish.
Uniform Size: A small cookie scoop is the best tool for creating evenly sized clusters quickly and cleanly.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Chocolate Peanut Clusters: The Ultimate Easy No-Bake Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- Add the peanuts to the melted chocolate and stir until they are fully coated.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Allow the clusters to set at room temperature for 1-2 hours or in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until firm.
Notes
Uniform Size: A small cookie scoop is the best tool for creating evenly sized clusters quickly and cleanly.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
