Easy Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients | Microwave or Crockpot)

This Easy Chocolate Peanut Clusters recipe is the simplest homemade Christmas candy you’ll ever make! This 3-ingredient recipe comes together in about 10 minutes in the microwave or slow cooker, and they’re perfect for Christmas gifts, holiday parties, cookie trays, and candy boxes. They’re sweet, salty, crunchy, and so good that nobody will believe how little work went into them.

Originally posted November 2013, updated October 2026

Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Chocolate and peanuts… yes, they’re every bit as good as they sound. Better, actually!! These are hands down the easiest, most delicious candies I make every holiday season.

This isn’t a new candy (at least not for me). My Aunt Julie gave me this peanut clusters recipe ages ago, and from the very first batch I was hooked. I’ve been making them for more years than I can count, and we have never gotten tired of them.

I’ll say it again… this may be the most easiest, bestest homemade chocolate candy EVER. It takes 3 ingredients, about 10 minutes, and absolutely zero candy-making talent (not that any of you have to worry about that). Anyone can make these, I promise!

Note: I prefer mine with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, but go with milk chocolate if that’s more your thing. You’ll still have really delicious treats (just a little sweeter)!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Clusters

They’re so easy. You only need 3 simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on time. There’s no need to bake peanut clusters, and you won’t need a candy thermometer or any special skills either.

They’re perfect for the busy holiday season. This time of year gets crazy busy around here, so I love a recipe I can whip up in between everything else. They’re great for last-minute Christmas gifts, a quick dessert for holiday parties, or filling in the empty spots on a candy tray.

They’re freezer friendly. You can make a batch ahead of time and tuck them in the freezer until you need them. That’s a big help when you’re trying to get ahead on your Christmas candy making (or when one batch is more than you need right now).

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What Are Chocolate Peanut Clusters?

Peanut clusters are little bite-sized mounds of salted peanuts coated in melted chocolate. Think of chocolate-covered peanuts (like Goobers), only in clusters instead of one at a time.

My version adds peanut butter chips to the chocolate, which makes them extra creamy and gives them a little peanut butter flavor in every bite. They’re crunchy treats with that perfect sweet and salty combo, and they sit right alongside favorite candies like peppermint bark, peanut butter fudge, and cream cheese mints on a Christmas candy tray.

Tools You’ll Need

Some peanut cluster recipes call for a double boiler on the stove top or a candy thermometer, but you don’t need either one for this recipe. A microwave and a few basic kitchen tools are all it takes.

• Large microwave-safe bowl (glass is best)
• Spatula or large spoon for stirring
• Large baking sheets
• Parchment paper or wax paper (I much prefer parchment)
• Tablespoon or small cookie scoop
• Mini cupcake liners (optional, but so cute for serving and gifting)

Ingredients for Peanut Clusters

You only need three simple ingredients for these homemade chocolate peanut clusters, and you can find all of them at any grocery store.

• Chocolate chips – Dark chocolate chips are my favorite, but semi-sweet chocolate chips work great too. Milk chocolate chips make sweeter milk chocolate peanut clusters (a little too sweet for me, but plenty of people love them that way).
• Peanut butter chips – These melt right into the chocolate and make the coating smooth and creamy. See section below about substituting peanut butter for the peanut butter chips.
• Salted peanuts – I always use salted cocktail peanuts because I love a sweet and salty treat. Unsalted peanuts work fine too… just sprinkle a little sea salt on top before the clusters set up.

Find the full recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Peanut Clusters (Microwave Method)

This recipe could not be easier, and the microwave method is the one I use every single time. You’ll have a pan full of microwave peanut clusters in about 10 minutes, plus a little time for them to set.

1. Line your pans. Cover two large baking sheets with parchment paper (or wax paper) and set them aside.
2. Combine the chips. Place chocolate chips and peanut butter chips in a large bowl and stir them together.
3. Melt. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. For me, one minute is usually enough, but keep going in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until the melted chocolate is completely smooth. Don’t rush it with long bursts… chocolate can scorch quickly.
4. Add the peanuts. Pour in the peanuts and stir until every one of them is coated.
5. Scoop. Drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. A small cookie scoop makes this go so fast! You can also scoop them right into mini cupcake liners.

6. Let them set. Leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes (depending on the temperature and humidity in your house), or pop the pans in the fridge for about 10 minutes and they’re done!
7. ENJOY!!

This peanut clusters recipe makes about 48 pieces, enough to fill two baking sheets.

Crockpot Peanut Clusters (Slow Cooker Method)

Don’t have a microwave, or would rather not tie it up? Crockpot peanut clusters are another really popular way to make this recipe. It’s the same 3 ingredient peanut clusters, just made in a slow cooker. This is also a great option for doubling the batch for holiday parties.

1. Pour the peanuts into the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips on top. Don’t stir yet.
3. Cover and cook on the lowest setting for 1-2 hours. Check and stir after the first hour, since every slow cooker runs a little different.
4. Once the chips are melted, stir until the peanuts are well coated.
5. Drop rounded spoonfuls onto parchment paper (or into candy cups) and let them set.

Stove Top Method

You can also melt the chips in a double boiler on the stove top. Stir the chips over gently simmering water for about 7-8 minutes, until smooth, then stir in the peanuts and scoop like normal. Just be careful not to let any water or steam drip into the chocolate, or it can seize (turn thick and grainy).

Variations

This is one of those recipes you can easily make your own. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap the chocolate. Use semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate chips, or a mix of both. White chocolate chips would make pretty White Chocolate Peanut Clusters (I haven’t tried those yet, so let me know if you do!).
• Use almond bark. Some recipes call for chocolate almond bark. I personally like real chocolate better, but almond bark sets up firm and melts easily, so it’s a fine swap.
• Try butterscotch chips. A reader asked about this one! Swap some or all of the peanut butter chips for butterscotch chips for a different twist.
• Change the peanuts. Spanish peanuts (the ones with the red skins) are a classic choice for chocolate clusters. You could also use roasted peanuts, or skip peanuts altogether and make Chocolate Almond Clusters or Chocolate Pecan Clusters.
• Make them extra smooth. Stirring in a teaspoon of coconut oil gives the melted chocolate a shinier finish. Some people also like to stir in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter for even more peanut butter flavor.
• Top with sea salt. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before they set makes them look (and taste) a little fancy.

Peanut Butter Clusters with Peanut Butter

Can I Use Peanut Butter Instead of Peanut Butter Chips?

Yes, you can! Can’t find peanut butter chips, or just don’t want to make a run to the grocery store? A jar of creamy peanut butter will do the trick.

The chips help the clusters set up firm, so you’ll want to add more chocolate when you use peanut butter instead. Here’s how to swap it:

• Use 2 bags (24 oz total) of chocolate chips instead of 1.
• Replace the bag of peanut butter chips with 1 cup creamy peanut butter.
• Melt the chocolate chips first, then stir in the peanut butter until smooth before adding the peanuts.

Stick with regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) instead of natural peanut butter, which can separate and keep the clusters from setting. These will be a little softer than the original, so chilling them (to set up) and storing them in the refrigerator is the way to go.

Pro Tips

• Make them all the same size. I love using a small cookie scoop so every candy turns out uniform (and they look so pretty on a tray). [Keep your existing Amazon affiliate link to the scoop here.]
• Go slow when melting. Short bursts in the microwave keep the chocolate smooth. Overheated chocolate gets thick and lumpy, and it’s hard to bring back.
• Make single servings. Scoop the clusters into mini cupcake liners when you’re serving kids, so little hands don’t touch every piece on the plate while picking one out.
• Work quickly once the peanuts go in. The mixture starts to firm up as it cools, so scoop right away. Pop it back in the microwave for 15 seconds if it gets too stiff.

How to Package Peanut Clusters as Christmas Gifts

Peanut clusters make the sweetest edible gift for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. They hold their shape well, travel easily, and look so festive with just a little packaging.

• Place each cluster in a mini cupcake liner, then stack them in a small tin or candy box.
• Fill a clear cellophane bag with 6 to 8 clusters and tie it closed with a pretty ribbon.
• Mix them into a holiday candy box with other homemade treats like peppermint bark and fudge.

They’re also a great holiday dessert to set out at parties, church functions, and family get-togethers. Set them on a platter next to your Christmas cookies so there’s a little something for everyone.

How to Store Peanut Clusters

• Room temperature: Store chocolate peanut clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep them in a cool, dark spot away from the stove.
• Refrigerator: Living in a warm, humid place (like me here in Mississippi)? Store them in the refrigerator so they don’t get soft and stick together. They’ll last up to a month in the fridge.
• Freezer: Freeze the clusters on a baking sheet until solid, then move them to a ziptop bag. They keep for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to prevent condensation on the chocolate.

FAQ

Can I make peanut clusters with chocolate chips?

Absolutely! That’s exactly how this recipe works. Regular bags of chocolate chips from the grocery store melt beautifully in the microwave, so you don’t need any special candy melts.

Which is better for peanut clusters, chocolate chips or almond bark?

It really comes down to what you like. I prefer real chocolate chips for the flavor, but almond bark melts very easily and sets up firm, so lots of people love it. Either one makes a delicious batch.

Can I make peanut clusters in the crockpot?

Yes! Layer the peanuts in the bottom of your slow cooker with the chips on top, then cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring after the first hour. The full steps are in the Crockpot Peanut Clusters section above.

Do you have to bake peanut clusters?

Nope! This is a no-bake treat. You simply melt the chips, stir in the peanuts, and let them set up.

Why did my chocolate get thick or grainy?

That usually happens when chocolate gets too hot or a little water sneaks in. Melt it in short 30 second intervals, stir well each time, and keep your bowl and spatula completely dry.

Can I use Spanish peanuts or unsalted peanuts?

Yes, both work great. Spanish peanuts are a classic choice. Unsalted peanuts are fine too… just add a pinch of sea salt on top if you still want that sweet and salty flavor.

How many peanut clusters does this recipe make?

About 48 clusters using a rounded tablespoon or a small cookie scoop. Make them bigger or smaller and your count will change a little.

Can I freeze peanut clusters?

Yes, you can freeze your homemade peanut clusters! Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then store them in a ziptop bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator so the chocolate stays pretty.

Peanut Butter Clusters

These easy chocolate peanut clusters have been on my Christmas candy list for years, and I hope they become a holiday favorite at your house too. Make a batch for your family, share a few with friends, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe (you’ll be an instant hero!).

I’d love to hear how yours turn out!! Please leave a comment and a star rating below… it helps other readers find the recipe, and I’d be so grateful.