Imagine walking into your kitchen, where the heavenly aroma of melted chocolate fills the air and the soft sounds of popping marshmallows bounce around like tiny surprises. In only moments, you could be holding irresistible Peanut Marshmallow Clusters—a delightful treat that combines smooth chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and airy marshmallows—so textured that each bite feels like a new adventure. They’re not just candy; they conjure memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the room, and sweet snacks were the highlight of the day.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Peanut Marshmallow Clusters

As the holidays approach, or when you need a quick, sweet fix, these clusters seem to magically appear on every dessert table, bringing joy to everyone who indulges. Let’s try our hands at creating these delicious morsels; they’re bound to become a fun favorite in your house. Trust me, making Peanut Marshmallow Clusters is an easy, delightful experience that leads to scrumptious rewards! Are you ready to get started?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 5 minutes of cooking, you can whip these up in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and soft marshmallows creates a flavor that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These little clusters are as fun to look at as they are to eat—perfect for sharing or gifting.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, a dessert at parties, or a special treat for movie nights.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free diets; find chocolate chips that fit your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Choose a high-quality brand for smooth melting; these add intense chocolate flavor to your clusters.
2 cups milk chocolate chips: This creamy chocolate balances the richness of semi-sweet chips; if you prefer less sweetness, go for dark chocolate instead.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used to help the chocolate melt smoothly, providing a glossy finish; coconut oil is a great alternative if you’re looking for a bit of added flavor.
2 cups miniature marshmallows: Their fluffy texture adds a unique lightness—if you want to get creative, try flavored marshmallows!
1½ cups dry roasted cocktail peanuts: These give the clusters a crunchy bite; if you’re looking to switch it up, salted peanuts or pecans work well too.

How to Make Peanut Marshmallow Clusters

Prepare Your Workspace: Start by lining two baking sheets with wax paper. This will prevent your clusters from sticking and make cleanup a breeze later. Having this step done beforehand allows you to focus on the fun part—making those delightful clusters.

Melt the Chocolate: In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips with the vegetable oil. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each. You’re looking for a smooth and creamy consistency, without any lumps, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Cool and Combine: Once fully melted, let your chocolate cool to a lukewarm temperature. This step is crucial as it prevents the marshmallows from melting into goo. Now, stir in the miniature marshmallows and dry roasted peanuts until they’re perfectly coated in the decadent chocolate.

Scoop and Shape: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets. Space each cluster about 2 inches apart, giving them room to spread slightly as they set. This part is where the magic happens; it’s exciting to see them take shape!

Chill and Set: Now comes the waiting game! Pop the baking sheets into the refrigerator, letting the candy clusters chill until they’re completely set. This usually takes about 30 minutes, but if you’re eager, you can use the freezer to speed up the process a bit.

Storing & Reheating

Once your Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are set and ready to go, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need a longer-lasting option, they can be refrigerated for about two weeks in the same container. For extended storage, freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to layer parchment paper between clusters to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them back in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate. Just know that the texture might shift slightly after freezing, but they’ll still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid burning chocolate by stirring frequently during microwaving; a few seconds can make a difference.
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature to help the chocolate melt evenly.
If the mixture seems too thick when combining, you can add a tiny bit of oil to loosen it up.
Experiment with flavors — a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before chilling can enhance the taste beautifully.
Make these ahead of time for parties; they keep well and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Who wouldn’t want to delight in the sweet crunch of Peanut Marshmallow Clusters? They’re easy to whip up and even easier to share or keep all to yourself. Each cluster is a reminder of carefree childhood days and joyful gatherings. I encourage you to have fun with this recipe! Whether you’re making them for your family or just for yourself, each bite is sure to make you smile. So gather your ingredients and let’s create some sweet memories!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of nuts?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different nut, like almonds or cashews, feel free to swap them in. Just keep in mind that the roasting process may vary, so adjust accordingly to maintain that delightful crunch.

How do I make these clusters look even more festive?

To give your Peanut Marshmallow Clusters a holiday twist, drizzle them with white chocolate or sprinkle some colorful candies on top for a burst of color. They’re perfect for parties!

Can I make these clusters vegan?

Yes, you can create a vegan version by using dairy-free chocolate chips and ensuring the marshmallows are vegan-friendly. There are several brands available that cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Why did my chocolate seize up?

Chocolate can seize if it comes into contact with water or steam. To prevent this, ensure that your bowl and utensils are completely dry before melting your chocolate, and don’t let any water from steam get in.

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Peanut Marshmallow Clusters

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 24 clusters 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

Peanut Marshmallow Clusters bring together rich chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and fluffy marshmallows for a delightful treat. These clusters are quick to prepare and perfect for sweet cravings at any gathering, making them an enjoyable homemade snack everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups milk chocolate chips
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1½ cups dry roasted cocktail peanuts

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Instructions

Prepare your workspace by lining two baking sheets with wax paper.
Melt the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a heat-safe bowl, microwaving in 30-second intervals.
Allow the melted chocolate to cool to a lukewarm temperature, then stir in marshmallows and peanuts until coated.
Using a cookie scoop, place spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart.
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the clusters set.

Notes

Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
They can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for three months with parchment paper layers in between.
If the chocolate mixture is too thick, add a tiny bit of oil to loosen it.