There’s something truly magical about the sweet, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen when you make Peanut Marshmallow Clusters. As the rich chocolate melts and mingles with cozy marshmallows and crunchy peanuts, your senses awaken; you can almost taste the irresistible combination. Each little cluster, glistening with chocolate, beckons to be tasted, promising a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. This treat has a special place in my heart; I vividly remember making it with my grandmother during chilly autumn afternoons, the two of us giggling and sneaking bites before they were even fully set.

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

These delightful clusters are perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy get-together with friends or a sweet snack while watching a movie. The balance of chewy marshmallows and crunchy nuts, all wrapped in smooth chocolate, is simply heavenly. I can’t wait for you to try these Peanut Marshmallow Clusters; they’re bound to become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 20 minutes, these are perfect for an impromptu treat!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy peanuts will have you reaching for more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Each cluster is cute and so fun; they make a great addition to any dessert table!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even pack them for lunch!
Diet-Friendly Options: Adjust the recipe to be gluten-free or even vegan with appropriate substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The backbone of your clusters, providing rich sweetness and a smooth texture. Feel free to use dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
2 cups milk chocolate chips: These add extra creaminess; you can substitute with more semi-sweet chocolate if that’s your preference.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and creates a nice sheen. Coconut oil is a great alternative for a hint of tropical flavor.
2 cups miniature marshmallows: Their fluffy texture brings a delightful chewiness to each bite. Look for the mini versions for even coating in the clusters.
1½ cups dry roasted cocktail peanuts: The salty, crunchy element that balances out the sweetness. You could switch to mixed nuts or even add some seeds for a twist.

How to Make Peanut Marshmallow Clusters

Prep Your Surface: Line two baking sheets with wax paper, ensuring they’re clean and ready for your delicious creations. This step not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze once your clusters are cooled and set. Place the sheets on a flat surface, allowing easy access as you continue with the recipe.

Melting Magic: In a large mixing bowl, combine the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips with the vegetable oil. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each. You want the chocolate to be silky and smooth without any lumps. Make sure not to overheat it, as burnt chocolate can turn grainy, ruining the lovely texture!

Cool Down: Allow the melted chocolate to cool to a lukewarm temperature. This is an important step; if the chocolate is too hot, it can cause the marshmallows to become overly gooey instead of holding their puffiness. A couple of minutes is usually enough time for it to reach the perfect consistency.

Mix in Goodies: Once the chocolate is cool, gently fold in the miniature marshmallows and dry roasted peanuts. Use a spatula to ensure every marshmallow and peanut gets coated without breaking them apart. The goal here is to create a uniform mixture that will taste fantastic in every bite!

Scoop & Space: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, dollop the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets. Space each cluster about 2 inches apart to allow for any spreading. This nifty scoop helps maintain uniform sizes, making your clusters look professional and enticing!

Chill & Set: Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and allow the clusters to chill completely until they firm up. This usually takes about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel solid to the touch. This step is essential for achieving that delightful crunch when you bite into them.

Storing & Reheating

Once your Peanut Marshmallow Clusters have set, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you prefer to refrigerate them, they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about two weeks when housed in a sealed container. For longer storage, you can freeze the clusters in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature. They may lose a bit of their crunch but will still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overheating: Be cautious when melting the chocolate; keep it at a gentle heat to prevent burning.
Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate will elevate the overall taste of your clusters.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in other goodies like raisins or coconut flakes according to your preference.
Timing is Key: Work quickly after mixing to prevent the chocolate from setting before you can form clusters.
Be Patient with Chilling: Properly chilling allows the chocolate to harden and gives you that satisfying texture when you bite in.

When you make these Peanut Marshmallow Clusters, you’ll not only enjoy their sweet flavors but also share in the nostalgia they bring. You can swap out ingredients, perhaps trying different nuts or chocolates, and with each batch, make them uniquely yours. These are more than just a treat; they’re a chance to create memories in the kitchen, enveloped in warmth and joy.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can mix and match milk chocolate with dark or even white chocolate based on your personal preference. Just remember that different chocolates have different melting points, so keep an eye on them as they heat.

What can I substitute for peanuts?

If you have nut allergies or want a different flavor, consider using sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even some crunchy granola for a unique twist. Each will alter the flavor slightly, but they’ll still work beautifully with the chocolate and marshmallows.

How should I store any leftovers?

Store your clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Just ensure they are properly sealed to maintain texture and flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these clusters are perfect for making ahead! Simply prepare them and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to enjoy or serve them. This makes them a great option for parties or holiday treats!

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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: 12 clusters 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are a delightful blend of creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy peanuts. This quick and easy treat is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying anytime as a sweet snack.

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.
Combine semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a large bowl.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each.
Allow the melted chocolate to cool to lukewarm temperature.
Fold in miniature marshmallows and dry roasted peanuts gently.
Using a cookie scoop, dollop the mixture onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until clusters firm up.

Notes

Store clusters at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, or refrigerate for two weeks.
You can freeze clusters for up to three months; thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Feel free to substitute nuts or add other mix-ins according to preference.