Delight in these irresistibly tasty Peanut Marshmallow Clusters, a perfect blend of smooth chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and soft marshmallows. Whether you’re looking for a quick homemade treat or a sweet snack to share, these clusters come together effortlessly with everyday ingredients.
The combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips creates a rich and creamy coating, while the dry roasted cocktail peanuts add a satisfying crunch. Quick to prepare and chill, these clusters are sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
- Quick and simple to make with no baking required, ready in just 20 minutes.
- The mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate adds deep flavor complexity.
- Perfectly balanced texture with crunchy peanuts and chewy marshmallows.
- Easy to customize with your choice of nuts or chocolate varieties.
- Ideal for vegetarian diets and makes a great shareable snack.
Ingredients
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 2 cups provide a rich, slightly bitter chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Milk chocolate chips: 2 cups add creamy sweetness and smooth texture to the clusters.
- Vegetable oil: 3 tablespoons help achieve a silky melted chocolate consistency for easy coating.
- Miniature marshmallows: 2 cups add soft, chewy pockets that contrast wonderfully with the crunch.
- Dry roasted cocktail peanuts: 1½ cups lend a crunchy, salty element that enhances the flavor and texture.
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Oil
Combine both types of chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a large heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each to ensure smooth, lump-free melted chocolate. This gentle melting prevents burning and produces a creamy, even coating.
- Cool and Mix in Marshmallows and Peanuts
Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly to lukewarm before folding in marshmallows and peanuts. This prevents the marshmallows from melting and keeps their chewy texture intact while ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Form Clusters on Baking Sheets
Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture into clusters. Place them about 2 inches apart on wax paper-lined baking sheets to prevent sticking. This makes handling and chilling easier while maintaining uniform shapes.
- Chill to Set
Refrigerate the clusters until the chocolate is firm and set, typically about 15-20 minutes. Chilling locks in the shape and texture, ensuring the clusters hold together for serving or storing.
- Be sure to cool the melted chocolate before adding marshmallows to avoid melting and losing texture.
- These clusters are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
- You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans for variety.
Storage Tips
Store leftover peanut marshmallow clusters in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight. They keep well for up to one week, maintaining their texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these clusters as a sweet snack with coffee or tea, or pack them in lunchboxes for an indulgent treat. They also make festive additions to party platters or holiday gift tins.
- Use a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate to balance richness and sweetness.
- Dry roasted peanuts add a deeper flavor than raw peanuts; consider lightly chopping for easier eating.
- To avoid clusters sticking, line baking sheets with wax paper and space clusters evenly.
- For a glossy finish and faster melting, gently stir oil into warm chocolate.
FAQs
- Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, almonds, pecans, or cashews work well and add unique flavors and textures to the clusters.
- How long do these clusters keep?
Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, the clusters last about one week without losing freshness.
- Can I make these clusters without vegetable oil?
Oil helps give the chocolate a smooth melt and glossy finish; you can omit it but the chocolate may be thicker and less shiny.
- Why do I need to cool the chocolate before adding marshmallows?
Adding marshmallows to very hot chocolate will cause them to melt and lose their chewy texture, so cooling prevents this.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe contains no animal-derived gelatin or ingredients, making it vegetarian-friendly.
- Can I store these clusters in the refrigerator?
Yes, refrigeration speeds setting, but store clusters in airtight containers to avoid absorbing fridge odors and moisture.
- Can these clusters be frozen?
While possible, freezing may change the texture of marshmallows and nuts; room temperature storage is recommended for best quality.
Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
Equipment
- 2 baking sheet lined with wax paper
- 1 large heat-safe mixing bowl
- 1 cookie scoop 1.5 tablespoon size
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1.5 cups dry roasted cocktail peanuts
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with wax paper and set aside.
- Combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a large heat-safe mixing bowl.
- Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Let the chocolate cool to lukewarm before stirring in marshmallows and peanuts until evenly coated.
- Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to form clusters and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
- Chill the clusters in the refrigerator until set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chocolate is lukewarm to avoid melting marshmallows.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
