The air fills with the rich aroma of melting chocolate, mixed with the jovial crunch of peanuts, creating a playful symphony of scent that immediately calls to mind cozy kitchen moments. As I stir the warm, velvety chocolate mixture, memories of holiday gatherings flood my mind—friends and family nibbling away on delightful treats, their faces lighting up at every sweet bite. These Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are not just a treat; they’re nostalgia captured in candy form, perfect for any occasion where you want to spread joy and deliciousness.

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

Imagine biting into one of these clusters, the chocolate forming a smooth shell, revealing a fluffy, chewy interior filled with bites of marshmallow and the satisfying crunch of nuts. Whether it’s summer barbecues or winter festivities, these delightful clusters have a way of making any gathering feel special. So, let’s embark on this sweet adventure together, shall we? You’re just a few simple steps away from creating your own batch of Peanut Marshmallow Clusters that are sure to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate, soft marshmallows, and crunchy peanuts creates a dreamy texture.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These clusters are as fun to look at as they are to eat, making them great for parties.
Flexible Serving: Perfect snack for movie night, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or festive gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, and you can even use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are ideal for delivering that classic sweet and slightly bitter chocolate flavor. You can substitute with dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer taste.
2 cups milk chocolate chips: For a creamy touch, milk chocolate brings sweetness to balance the rich semi-sweet. If you’re a dark chocolate lover, feel free to mix it up!
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: A touch of oil helps to achieve a silky chocolate consistency that’s easy to mix and spread. Coconut oil is a great substitute with a light coconut flavor.
2 cups miniature marshmallows: These fluffy bites offer a delightful chewy texture and sweetness. If you want a different taste, try using flavored marshmallows in the mix.
1½ cups dry roasted cocktail peanuts: Their crunchy texture and savory saltiness perfectly complement the chocolate. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.

How to Make Peanut Marshmallow Clusters

Prepare Baking Sheets: Start by lining two baking sheets with wax paper. This will create a non-stick surface for your clusters to cool and set properly. You want them to be nicely spaced, so they don’t stick together later on!

Melt Chocolate: In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture turns completely smooth and melted. Just take care not to overheat the chocolate; you want it deliciously velvety!

Cool Down: Set the melted chocolate aside to cool to a lukewarm temperature. This is important as piping hot chocolate might cause the marshmallows to melt too much and lose their delightful fluffiness!

Mix in Goodies: Once the chocolate is cool, fold in the miniature marshmallows and dry roasted peanuts. Stir gently until everything is well coated with chocolate. You want those marshmallows and peanuts to be generously wrapped in that luscious mixture!

Shape Clusters: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out the chocolatey mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cluster to give them room to spread as they set.

Chill and Set: Finally, pop the baking sheets into the refrigerator, allowing the peanut marshmallow clusters to chill and completely set for about 30 minutes. The waiting will surely pay off when you taste these delicious delights!

Storing & Reheating

Once your Peanut Marshmallow Clusters have set, transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can store these sweet treats at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate them for up to three weeks or freeze for up to three months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready for a taste, just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to regain their beloved texture—though I have to warn you, I’m not sure how long they’ll last before you want to devour them!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Chocolate Melting: Be cautious while melting chocolate. Stirring frequently helps avoid any scorching and ensures you have a silky base for your clusters.
Marshmallow Alternatives: If you find yourself without miniature marshmallows, feel free to cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces and mix those in for a s’mores-like effect.
Peanut Substitutes: For those allergic to nuts, consider using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, which add great crunch.
Customize Your Clusters: Experiment with adding your favorite mix-ins, like dried fruits or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor dimension.

The beauty of cooking is that it’s all about experimenting and making it your own! Whether you tweak ingredient amounts or incorporate new flavors, the joy lies in making these treats uniquely yours.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can mix and match different chocolates. Dark chocolate adds a richness that’s fantastic, while white chocolate can give a sweet, creamy twist. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the type of chocolate you choose.

Are these clusters safe for kids?

Yes! These peanut marshmallow clusters are kid-friendly. The soft marshmallows and crunchy peanuts create a fun texture that children enjoy. Just keep an eye on younger children with nut allergies if you’re using peanuts.

How do I make these clusters vegan?

To make a vegan version of these clusters, simply use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your marshmallows are vegan-friendly. This way, everyone can enjoy these yummy treats together!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely! These clusters store well and taste just as delightful a few days later. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. This makes them a perfect treat to whip up before events or gatherings!

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Peanut Marshmallow Clusters

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 clusters 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy the perfect combination of rich chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy peanuts in these easy-to-make Peanut Marshmallow Clusters. Ideal for any occasion, this delightful treat will bring smiles to faces young and old!

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

Line two baking sheets with wax paper.
Melt semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and vegetable oil together in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth.
Allow melted chocolate to cool to lukewarm.
Fold in miniature marshmallows and dry roasted peanuts until coated.
Scoop out tablespoons of the mixture onto the baking sheets, leaving space in between.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to three weeks or freeze for three months.
Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds as nut substitutes for a nut-free version.