There’s something deeply comforting about simple homemade candy, especially when it’s made with just a handful of familiar ingredients. These chocolate peanut clusters are the kind of treat that feels nostalgic and unfussy.
They’re made with crunchy roasted peanuts wrapped in rich chocolate, and finished with a soft drizzle that makes each bite feel a little special. They’re easy enough to make on a quiet afternoon and perfect for sharing, gifting, or tucking away for a sweet moment later in the day.
No fancy equipment, no complicated steps; just a classic treat that always delivers.
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Prep time: 15 minutes (+ 40 minutes to chill)
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 large peanut clusters
Ingredients:
- 3 c. raw, blanched peanuts, unsalted
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- 1 c. bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 t. coconut oil or melted butter
- ½ c. milk chocolate chips
Directions:
Place the top oven rack in the center position. Pre-heat oven to 350°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat™ baking mat.
Pour peanuts onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer without overcrowding. Season generously with salt and stir to combine.
Place baking sheet in pre-heated oven for 10 minutes, then carefully shake the baking sheet to make sure the peanuts are evenly toasted.
Return to oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not overcook.
Remove from oven and set aside.
Pour semi-sweet chocolate chips into a dry, microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20 seconds on “high.” Stir and return to the microwave for another 20 seconds before stirring again.
Repeat until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil or melted butter and set aside.
Add the roasted peanuts one scoop at a time to the melted chocolate and stir to combine. Repeat until all peanuts are coated in the chocolate.
Spoon the chocolate-coated peanuts onto the baking sheet, leaving a little room between each cluster. Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.
Pour the milk chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20 seconds on “high.” Stir briefly and return to the microwave for another 20 seconds before stirring again.
Repeat until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the peanut clusters and return to the refrigerator for another 20 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
These chocolate peanut clusters are proof that you don’t need an elaborate recipe to create something truly satisfying.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday tray, a homemade gift, or simply to enjoy throughout the week, they’re a simple reminder that small, homemade treats can bring a lot of joy. Pour a cup of coffee or tea, reach for one (or two), and enjoy the kind of cozy sweetness that never goes out of style.
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FAQs
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes. If you’re short on time, you can use shelled, roasted peanuts. If they’re already salted, simply skip the roasting and seasoning steps and adjust salt to taste.
Why did my chocolate seize when melting?
Chocolate can seize if it comes into contact with even a small amount of moisture. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before melting, especially when working with milk chocolate.
What does adding coconut oil or butter do?
A small amount of fat helps the chocolate stay smooth and prevents it from becoming brittle once hardened, making the clusters easier to bite into.
How should I store chocolate peanut clusters?
Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them if your kitchen is warm.
Can I freeze chocolate peanut clusters?
Yes. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
More Holiday Treats:
- Candy Filled Christmas Chocolate Balls
- Almond Buttercrunch Candy
- Grinch Oreo Balls
- Reindeer Chocolate Bark
- Snowman Cake Pops
- Chocolate Pretzel Snowmen
- Grinch Bark
Find tips for tempering and melting chocolate from Ghirardelli here.
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Chocolate Peanut Clusters are a simple, classic candy made with toasted peanuts coated in rich bittersweet chocolate and finished with a drizzle of creamy milk chocolate. They’re easy to customize, require minimal ingredients, and make a perfect homemade treat or gift for the holidays or anytime you’re craving something chocolatey and crunchy.
Ingredients
- 3 cup raw blanched peanuts, unsalted
- Fine sea salt to taste
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil or melted butter
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Place the top oven rack in the center position. Pre-heat oven to 350°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat™ baking mat.
-
Pour peanuts onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer without overcrowding. Season generously with salt and stir to combine.
-
Place baking sheet in pre-heated oven for 10 minutes, then carefully shake the baking sheet to make sure the peanuts are evenly toasted.
-
Return to oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not overcook.
-
Remove from oven and set aside.
-
Pour semi-sweet chocolate chips into a dry, microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20 seconds on “high.” Stir and return to the microwave for another 20 seconds before stirring again.
-
Repeat until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
-
Stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil or melted butter and set aside.
-
Add the roasted peanuts one scoop at a time to the melted chocolate and stir to combine. Repeat until all peanuts are coated in the chocolate.
-
Spoon the chocolate-coated peanuts onto the baking sheet, leaving a little room between each cluster. Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.
-
Pour the milk chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20 seconds on “high.” Stir briefly and return to the microwave for another 20 seconds before stirring again.
-
Repeat until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
-
Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the peanut clusters and return to the refrigerator for another 20 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and serve immedia
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