This recipe for fluffy chocolate marshmallow peanut clusters has been my go-to festive treat for years. I first made a version of these during a frantic holiday season when I wanted something quick, crowd-pleasing, and portable. The first tray disappeared before I could finish arranging a gift box, and ever since, these clusters are my reliable party offering. They combine three textures that always win: glossy chocolate coating, crunchy roasted peanuts, and soft, airy mini marshmallows that give each bite a playful spring.

I love how simple and forgiving the method is. Even on busy days or when you need last-minute hostess gifts, these clusters come together in less than half an hour of active time. The flavor balance is familiar and comforting. The semi-sweet chocolate offers deep cocoa notes while milk chocolate lends creamy sweetness. A small amount of creamy peanut butter ties the chocolate to the peanuts, helping the coating set with a silky sheen. When I bring these to gatherings, people immediately ask for the recipe, and kids always have the biggest smiles when they bite into the marshmallow pockets. These are perfect for cookie exchanges, lunchbox surprises, or a tin of treats for neighbors.

Ingredients

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Use a good-quality brand like Ghirardelli or Guittard for best melting behavior and flavor. Two cups give the mixture a dark chocolate backbone that balances the milk chocolate sweetness.
• Milk chocolate chips: One cup adds creaminess and helps the final coating set with a slightly sweeter profile. If you prefer richer, use all semi-sweet.
• Creamy peanut butter: A quarter cup smooths the chocolate, improves spreadability, and reinforces the peanut flavor. Choose a natural style without excess oil separation for best texture.
• Roasted salted peanuts: About one and one third cups provide the crunch and salty counterpoint that makes each cluster crave-worthy. Use roasted, not raw, and roughly chop if you want smaller pieces.
• Mini marshmallows: One and one third cups deliver the fluffy pockets of sweetness that define these clusters. Miniature marshmallows integrate easily and stay soft once set.

Instructions

Prepare the workspace:Line two baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper and place them within easy reach. Having two sheets allows you to spread the clusters without crowding. Grab a medium cookie scoop and a spatula for quick assembly.Melt the chocolate and peanut butter:Place both chocolate chip varieties and the peanut butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in one-minute intervals, stirring thoroughly after each minute. Expect 2 to 3 intervals, depending on microwave wattage. Stirring is important to remove hot spots and prevent chocolate from seizing. Stop microwaving when the chocolate is mostly melted and finish stirring off heat until fully glossy.Mix in the peanuts:Stir the roasted peanuts into the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture until evenly coated. The peanuts should be well distributed so each cluster has both crunch and flavor. If you like smaller nut pieces, roughly chop before adding.Fold in marshmallows:Gently fold in the mini marshmallows until just combined. Work quickly so the marshmallows retain some loft rather than fully melting. The marshmallows will soften into the warm chocolate but should remain pillowy once set.Scoop and set:Use a medium scoop approximately 1.5 tablespoons to drop uniform mounds onto the lined baking sheets; this yields about 30 clusters. For smaller bites, use a 1-tablespoon scoop. Leave space between clusters so they don’t merge while setting. Allow them to firm at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes until fully set.Store and serve:Once firm, transfer clusters to an airtight container with layers separated by parchment. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Bring to room temperature before serving if chilled.

Storage Tips

For short-term storage, keep clusters in an airtight container at cool room temperature away from direct sunlight for up to five days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer until firm, then stack with parchment and transfer to a freezer-safe tin or bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then bring to room temperature before serving to restore the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a darker chocolate profile, replace the milk chips with additional semi-sweet chips or use chopped dark chocolate bars. Swap peanut butter for almond butter for a different nutty flavor, though this will alter texture slightly. For a nut-free version, substitute roasted, salted pumpkin seeds and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. To keep them dairy-free, choose dairy-free chocolate chips and check marshmallow ingredients or use vegan marshmallows.

Serving Suggestions

Serve clusters on a simple white platter for holiday gatherings, tucked into small cellophane bags for gifting, or arranged around a cake as a playful garnish. Pair with strong coffee, mulled wine, or a creamy hot chocolate to complement the peanut and chocolate notes. Garnish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an elevated contrast, or drizzle melted white chocolate in thin lines for a festive look.

Cultural Background

Clusters like these are part of a long tradition of no-bake confections that pair chocolate with crunchy inclusions. Variations appear across many home kitchens where simplicity and portability are prized. The combination of marshmallow and chocolate is deeply rooted in American nostalgic desserts, often appearing in holiday treats and campfire sweets. Adding roasted peanuts adds a salty-sweet dynamic reminiscent of classic candy bars, but in a homemade, approachable form.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, dress clusters with red and green sprinkles or a dusting of peppermint crumbs. For summer gatherings, swap salted peanuts for toasted coconut and add chopped dried apricot for a lighter feel. Around Halloween, fold in candy corn and use dark chocolate to create dramatic contrast. For Valentine’s Day, press a heart-shaped sprinkle into each cluster before they set.

Meal Prep Tips

Portion out clusters into individual servings using small muffin liners for grab-and-go snacks. Prepare batches in advance and freeze for emergency hostess gifts. If you plan to transport them, layer with parchment and keep chilled until just before serving to maintain shape. I label tins with the date and contents to avoid freezer mystery items later.

These clusters capture the joy of the season and the ease of simple ingredients combined with careful technique. I hope they become a quick favorite in your rotation and bring the same smiles to your table that they bring to mine.