Save These delightful clusters combine the satisfying crunch of salted roasted peanuts with the soft sweetness of mini marshmallows, all held together by a rich chocolate and butterscotch coating. The preparation is incredibly simple—just melt the chocolate mixture, fold in the peanuts and marshmallows, then scoop onto baking sheets to set.
What makes these treats special is the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, along with the appealing contrast between smooth chocolate, crunchy nuts, and fluffy marshmallows. They're an ideal make-ahead dessert since they store beautifully for up to a week, and the basic formula is easily customizable with different nuts or pretzel pieces for variety.
The kitchen counter was scattered with half-unpacked grocery bags when my college roommate grabbed a bag of peanuts and the marshmallows meant for hot cocoa. Within twenty minutes, wed created these messy, chocolatey mounds that became our late-night study tradition for three straight years.
Last Christmas, I made three batches for neighbors and suddenly my doorbell kept ringing with people asking for the recipe. Something about the combination triggers childhood memories while feeling sophisticated enough for gift giving.
Ingredients
- Salted roasted peanuts: The salt matters here, providing the crucial contrast to the sweet chocolate and marshmallows
- Mini marshmallows: Stay pillowy through the coating process, creating this incredible texture that keeps soft even after the chocolate sets
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic base that holds everything together without being too sweet
- Butterscotch chips: Optional but adds this caramel depth that makes people ask whats your secret
- Unsalted butter: Just enough to make the melting chocolate glossy and smooth
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate base:
- Combine chocolate chips, butterscotch chips if using, and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in thirty-second bursts, stirring between each interval, until you have this gorgeous glossy pool.
- Let it cool briefly:
- Wait about two or three minutes so the chocolate is still fluid but not hot enough to melt the marshmallows into nothingness.
- Everything into the bowl:
- Dump in the peanuts and marshmallows, then fold everything together until each piece gets coated and the mixture looks like this irresistible mess.
- Drop and shape:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between them.
- The waiting game:
- Set them at room temperature for two hours or speed things up in the fridge for thirty to forty minutes until theyre firm.
Save My niece accidentally left a batch out overnight once, and honestly, they were still delicious. The texture gets slightly softer, almost fudgelike, which some people actually prefer.
Make Them Your Way
Sea salt on top transforms these from great to unforgettable. A drizzle of white chocolate creates that swirled professional look you see in bakery windows, and sprinkles make them perfect for holidays.
Playing with Nuts
Cashews bring this buttery sweetness while almonds add crunch and elegance. For something completely different, pretzel pieces replace the nuts beautifully and keep the same salt factor while making them nut-free friendly.
Storage Secrets
These keep remarkably well in an airtight container for up to a week, though they rarely last that long in my house. Layer parchment between stacks if you are storing multiple tiers.
- Hide the container in the back of the pantry if you actually want them to last
- Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture experience
- Package in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for instant gifting
Save Every time I make these, someone texts me the next day asking for the recipe. That is probably the highest recommendation any treat can get.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long do these clusters need to set?
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The clusters need approximately 2 hours to set completely at room temperature. If you're in a hurry, you can refrigerate them for 30–40 minutes until firm. Room temperature setting helps prevent condensation from forming on the chocolate, which can affect the texture and appearance.
- → Can I use different types of chocolate?
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Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the classic flavor, you can substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste, dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or even white chocolate for a decorative drizzle. The melting process remains the same regardless of chocolate type.
- → What's the best way to store these clusters?
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Store your clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent the chocolate from melting or becoming soft. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you may prefer to store them in the refrigerator.
- → Can I make these nut-free?
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Yes! Simply replace the salted peanuts with an equal amount of pretzel pieces, seeds, or even rice cereal for crunch. The pretzel pieces actually maintain the sweet and salty flavor profile beautifully while making the treat safe for those with nut allergies.
- → Why add butter to the melted chocolate?
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The tablespoon of butter helps create a smoother, creamier chocolate coating that sets with a nice sheen. It also prevents the chocolate from seizing during melting and makes it easier to coat all the peanuts and marshmallows evenly. The butter enhances the overall richness of the finished clusters.
- → How can I make these clusters more festive?
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Before the chocolate sets completely, sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt for extra contrast, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a decorative finish. You can also add colorful sprinkles for holidays, or roll the edges in crushed nuts, coconut, or toffee bits for extra texture and visual appeal.
