These simple homemade chocolate peanut clusters have just three ingredients and are made in the microwave - the easiest candy you'll make!
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Growing up, there were really only two Christmas treats that our family made religiously every year. First off, Spritz Cookies, a recipe passed down from my Grandma that we can never seem to get enough of! Though they're always made at Christmas-time, any time of year is really fair game!
And the second Christmas staple was Peanut Clusters. With four kids running around the house, I understand why Mom loved how quick and easy these were to throw together! Too bad they disappeared just about as quickly as she could make them! 😉 My oldest brother Pat was typically the one to blame - these are his favorite!
Three Ingredient Peanut Clusters
Yes, that's right. Just three ingredients needed!
- Almond Bark. As you can see in the photo above, the almond bark comes in a large brick. I find that it works best to chop it up a bit before microwaving.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. I like to use semi-sweet, however milk or dark chocolate chips can also be used. Or, try using peanut butter chips if you'd prefer that over chocolate!
- Salted Peanuts. Salted is the key word here! The sweet & salty combo is really what makes these so addicting (in my opinion, anyway!). You could also use salted cashews, salted almonds or a combination of the three.
How to Make Peanut Clusters
As I've said a few times now, making peanut clusters is truly super easy (almost hard to mess up!). First, you'll combine the almond bark and chocolate chips. Though you can cook it over a double-boiler, I prefer to use the microwave as it's quick and easy.
Once the chocolate is melted, you'll stir in the salted peanuts. Once the peanuts are well-coated in chocolate, you'll use a cookie scoop to drop them onto waxed paper or parchment-lined baking sheets. If you don't have a cookie scoop, you can certainly just scoop it with a spoon, but they might not look as uniform.
Lastly, you'll let the cool. Once they're set, which doesn't take much time, you can place them in an air-tight container. I like to place waxed paper between the layers so they don't get stuck together.
Can you Freeze Peanut Clusters?
Yes, you sure can!! I recommend freezing them in an airtight container (or a freezer bag) with waxed paper between the layers. They'll last at least 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, simply set them out at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to thaw.
Other Delicious Christmas Candy
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge - This two layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is smooth, creamy, easy to make and totally gorgeous!
Cookie Dough Truffles - Cookie Dough Truffles are chocolate chip cookie dough balls dunked in chocolate, making them the best holiday goodies!
Salted Caramel Brownie Bites - A soft and fudgy brownie surrounds a smooth caramel and is dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt. These salted caramel brownie bites really are the most delicious little morsel!
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Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Ingredients
- One 1 ½ lb pkg white almond bark coarsely chopped
- 2 ¾ c semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Two 12 oz containers salted peanuts (about 4 cups total)
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond bark and chocolate chips.
- Microwave on high for 45 seconds; stir.
- Continue to microwave in 30 second increments until smooth.
- Once smooth, add the peanuts and stir until they're all coated.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop the mixture onto waxed paper or parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
- Let cool in the refrigerator until set.
- Place in an air-tight container.
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