One of my favorite candies has always been Peanut Clusters. There is just something heavenly about peanuts and chocolate. These delicious treats are quick and easy to make utilizing either your crockpot or your microwave. They make great holiday desserts and Christmas gifts and can be made in advance.
Salted or unsalted peanuts in peanut clusters?
This age-old debate is very much still alive. It really is a matter of personal preference. I personally love the combination of the salty-sweet. It gives the peanut cluster more dimension and character. Try a little sprinkle of sea salt on the top. It is so delicious!
However, if you don’t really like the salty-sweet combination then go with unsalted. I have made them both ways and with the unsalted peanuts the chocolate really is the star of the show.
Can I use Spanish Peanuts in Chocolate Peanut Clusters?
Yes, you most certainly can. These red-skinned peanuts are smaller in size than other peanuts. It is a slightly oily nut with a robust nutty flavor. These peanuts are primarily grown in Oklahoma and Texas. If you have never tried them I suggest doing so. They are delicious but slightly different than the runner variety that everyone is used to. Make sure you try a handful before you put them in your clusters.
There are many ways to make these beauties however both the crockpot method and the microwave method are tried, true, and foolproof.
How do you make Crockpot Peanut Clusters?
Make sure that your crockpot is good and dry. When I get out a dish that is not used often I clean it out before using it. However water and chocolate do not mix so I double-dry it to ensure that all moisture has been removed. Water causes chocolate to seize therefore grab about three paper towels and place them under the lid to so that no moisture from the crockpot drips into the chocolate. Place the paper towels right on top of the crockpot but under the lid. Let them overhang the pot so they don’t fall in.
Simply put the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and coconut oil (or shortening) in the covered crockpot on low. Layer the paper towels right under the lid. Stir the chocolate about every twenty minutes until it melts. It can take anywhere from one to two hours however keep a close eye on it and stir often because the chocolate can scorch.
Once melted turn the crockpot off and stir in the peanuts. Drop the mixture by rounded spoonfuls onto wax paper or parchment paper covered baking sheets and if desired sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to set for a couple of hours. Store in an airtight container with wax paper between the layers.
How do you make Microwave Peanut Clusters?
Make sure that your microwave safe bowl is completely dry. Add the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and coconut oil (or shortening). Microwave at 50% power for 1-1 1/2 minutes. Then remove the bowl and stir until the bowl no longer feels warm. Heat at 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Stir in your peanuts and drop by rounded spoonfuls on wax paper-covered baking sheets and if desired sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to set for a couple of hours. Store in an airtight container with wax paper between the layers.
How to easily prepare peanut clusters for holiday gifts.
They make cupcake liners for every holiday and occasion imaginable. Pick something that fits the holiday or occasion. After you stir the peanuts in the melted chocolate, spoon it into cupcake liners that are placed on a cookie sheet or large platter. Allow several hours to set. Place in gift boxes or tins.
Other peanut recipes you will love!
Peanut Clusters (Crockpot or Microwave)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips I use Ghirardelli
- 1 10 ounce bag peanut butter chips
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
- 2 cups salted or unsalted roasted peanuts
Instructions
Crock-pot Method.
- Place chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and coconut oil in a covered crockpot on low. Layer paper towels right under the lid. Stir every 20 minutes until melted.
- Once melted stir in peanuts. Drop by rounded spoonfuls on wax paper-covered baking sheets. If desired sprinkle with sea salt. Allow them to set.
- Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Microwave Method
- Add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and coconut oil to microwavable bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 1-1 1/2 minutes. Remove the bowl and stir until the bowl no longer feels warm. Continue heating at 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Stir in peanuts. Drop by rounded spoonfuls on wax paper covered cookie sheets. If desired sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to set.
- Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Notes
- For optimal taste use good quality chocolate like Ghirardelli or Guittard. However, if making white chocolate peanut clusters stick with Guittard. Ghiradelli White Chocolate does not melt as well.
- Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and ease.
- Substitute almonds, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
Nutrition
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mark l lusti
Can you ditch the peanutbutter type addition all together?
Beth Pierce
Not quite understand what you are asking. Can you please elaborate?
Kelly fuller
Why do you put paper towels under lid?
Beth Pierce
to absorb any condensation that might drip into the chocolate. Any kind of moisture could cause porblems with your chocolate melting.
Healthawareness
the sight of this make me hungry, i will try this out definitely.
Emman Damian
Wow! I want some Peanut Clusters! I will make some on weekends. Sounds so yummy!
Manali Oza
Oh wow! I loved the recipe this looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Cinny
I’m pretty sure I know a few people who would love that. I love that you can make it in the crockpot too.
Neely Moldovan
Oh I love these! My grandmother used to make them!
Rose Ann Sales
Oh my! This was really an amazing recipe! Thanks for sharing! My family really enjoyed it.
Wan
Wow this looks so good. I’ve been craving chocolate lately and would love to try this out for my mid day snack! Trying this recipe out asap!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! I sure hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
jen schreiner
OH MY GOSH!!!! Where have these been all my life? I can not wait to make these… So simple. Thank you
Alita pacio
There are a few recipes I absolutely have to pull out every Valentine, and this is one of them. The chocolate-covered peanuts are so tasty.
Gervin Khan
Such an easy and delicious recipe. I made this for everyone last weekend and they really love it!
Heather Castillo
Yum! These are one of my favorite treats!
Anitra
If you use regular peanut butter, how much? Tia!
Beth Pierce
There isn’t any peanut butter in this recipe. Were you referring to a different recipe?
Jeanette
It’s peanut butter chips.
Anita Ivey
can i use reguluar peanut butter
Beth Pierce
Yes you can!
Ann Marie Torrey
Do you think adding raisins would work? I love nuts, chocolate and raisin combo
Beth Pierce
Yes raisins will work too! Delicious!