Crunch and sweet, chocolate-covered peanut clusters are a decadent candy that is incredibly easy to make. Dry roasted peanuts are mixed with melted chocolate, scooped into clusters and allowed to set. A few candy sprinkles or a dusting of sea salt makes them extra special. These are perfect to add to the holiday baking tray, and they make great gifts.
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What are Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters?
Chocolate-covered peanut clusters are just peanuts mixed with melted chocolate, spooned into clusters, and allowed to harden. These candies are super easy to make and require only two ingredients: peanuts and chocolate.
If you want to get fancy, you can add some candy sprinkles, or if you want a bit of salt with your sweet, you can add some flaked sea salt, but this is optional.
Chocolate-covered peanut clusters are the easiest candy to make and take no time at all. Because they are so easy to make, you can quickly make a large batch, and they are simple enough for kids to help.
They are similar to treats like pecan turtles but don’t have the added step of making or melting caramel.
They are a fun treat to make at Christmas time, and because they are so quick and easy, they also make great last minute gifts.
To give them as a gift, add a few to a cellophane bag and tie them with a pretty ribbon, present them in a mason jar, place them in mini cupcake liners in a small box, or add them to a tin of mixed baking.
Chocolate peanut clusters are the perfect addition to a holiday baking tray.
Ingredients
For a full list of ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Chocolate melting wafers – You will want a good quality chocolate melting wafer or chocolate chip to coat the peanuts. Melting wafers, or candy melts, melt easily and smoothly, creating a nice coating on anything you are dipping. You can use milk, white or dark chocolate. For the best flavour, make sure cocoa butter is listed as one of the ingredients, as some candy melts are only flavoured like chocolate.
Dry Roasted Peanuts – Dry roasted peanuts give these clusters the best flavour and crunch. Choosing unsalted peanuts is best, and if you want to add a bit of salt you can add some to the top of the clusters. If you can’t find dry roasted, raw peanuts will work, they just won’t have as much flavour.
Toppings – While these are delicious to eat with just the chocolate and peanuts, add a bit of fun by adding some colourful candy sprinkles. Or if you like the salty-sweet combo, add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
Step by Step Instructions
Place the melting wafers in a microwave-safe bow. Heat for 20-second intervals, at half-power, stirring between intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Add the peanuts to the melted chocolate.
Stir to combine the chocolate and peanuts until they are well mixed.
Spoon onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. One tablespoon makes a nice treat, but you can make them as big or small as you like. A small cookie scoop works well if you want to ensure they are evenly sized.
Pro-Tip: If you want to add candy sprinkles or sea salt, allow the chocolate to set for a minute or two, then add your topping when the chocolate is still slightly tacky. This will ensure the sprinkles adhere to the chocolate without sinking in.
Allow the chocolate to set, then move the candy to an airtight container for storage.
Pro-Tip: If you like fruit and nut combinations, try adding some raisins or dried cranberries to the mix!
Heating Chocolate for Dipping
There are several methods you can use to melt chocolate depending on the equipment you have available and how much chocolate you need.
Double-boiler method – The double boiler method involves simmering a pot of water and placing a second pot, or heat-safe glass bowl, over the water-filled pot. The water should reach the bottom of the top pot or bowl.
Simmer the water over medium-low heat and place the chocolate in the top bowl. Stir the chocolate as it heats to help it melt smoothly and prevent the chocolate on the bottom from getting too hot. With this method, you must be careful not to let any water enter the bowl of chocolate. Water will cause the chocolate to seize and harden, making it unsuitable for dipping.
Remove the pot from the stove before dipping. However, keep the pot assembled as the warm water below the melted chocolate will help keep it warm giving you more time to work.
Microwave method – With the microwave method, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate on half-power for 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is smooth. The length of time it takes to melt fully will depend on the wattage of your microwave, the type of chocolate, and how much you are melting.
It is important not to overheat the chocolate or it will burn and solidify, rather than melting smoothly. Less heat is better than more.
Instant pot method – One of my favourite ways to melt chocolate if I need a lot of it is using the instant pot. If your instant pot has a yogurt setting, melting chocolate is super easy, and it it a great way to keep it smooth and silky throughout the process.
Place the chocolate in the pot and turn it on to the yogurt setting. While the chocolate is heating, stir it several times to help it melt smoothly. Once it is fully melted and smooth, it is ready to use.
Because the pot will hold a consistent temperature, you do not have to worry about overheating or burning the chocolate. There is no worry about accidentally adding water to the chocolate, which causes it to seize and harden.
Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters
You can easily use the slow cooker to make this chocolate peanut cluster recipe. This method is great when you want to make a large batch.
Place the chocolate and peanuts in a slow cooker and keep the temperature low.
As the chocolate warms, stir using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to ensure the bottom does not become too hot. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, scoop into clusters and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Add candy sprinkles or sea salt before the chocolate fully sets.
Substitutions & Variations
Chocolate melting wafers – If you don’t have melting wafers, you can use a good quality chocolate chip or chocolate bark instead. To get the chocolate to melt smoothly, you may need to add 1 or 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil.
For extra peanut flavour, you can even add a handful of peanut butter chips if you like.
Peanuts– If you want to experiment with different nuts, there are endless options you can try. This recipe will work with almonds, cashews, chopped pecans, or any other nut.
If you like a fruit and nut combination, you can add some dried cranberries or raisins to the mix.
For those with nut allergies who like the idea of a crunchy chocolate cluster, try chopped pretzels for a delicious treat.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchase
Equipment
Double-boiler – A double-boiler is the best way to melt the chocolate if you don’t have access to a microwave.
Baking Sheet – You will need a flat baking sheet to scoop the peanut clusters onto so they can set.
Parchment paper – It is important to line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner otherwise, the chocolate will adhere to the baking sheet and you will have to pry them off.
Storage
Chocolate-covered peanut clusters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should keep well for several months.
If you live in a warm climate and find the chocolate melts at room temperature, you can store them in the refrigerator. After chilling, the chocolate may sweat when it comes to room temperature, but it is still perfectly delicious and edible.
These treats also freeze well as long as they are kept sealed tightly in an airtight container or freezer bags.
Layering them between pieces of parchment paper will help prevent them from sticking together, making it easier to remove just a few as needed.
Top Tips & FAQS
Unless you live in a hot climate, will be fine at room temperature in an air-tight container.
Chocolate-covered peanut clusters should keep for several months as long as they are stored in an air-tight container.
More Chocolate Covered Treats
Printable Recipe
Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 oz (1 cup) Dry roasted peanuts unsalted
- 12 oz (2 cups) Chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- Place the melting wafers in a large microwave-safe bow. Heat for 20-second intervals at half-power, stirring between intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Add the peanuts to the melted chocolate.
- Stir to combine the chocolate and peanuts until they are well mixed.
- Spoon onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. (One tablespoon makes a nice treat, but you can make them as big or small as you like. A small cookie scoop works well to ensure they are evenly sized.)
- If you want to add candy sprinkles or sea salt, allow the chocolate to set for a minute or two, then add your topping when the chocolate is still slightly tacky. This will ensure the sprinkles adhere to the chocolate without sinking in.
- Allow the chocolate to set, then move the candy to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.