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Peanut Cluster

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desserts•american•vegetarian, gluten-free, contains nuts
45 minutes•30 clusters•

Ingredients

  • 9 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
  • 9 ounces milk chocolate chips
  • 16 ounces roasted salted peanuts
  • flaky sea salt – sprinkled on top (for serving)
Peanut cluster

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. 2.

    Set a medium heatproof bowl over a saucepan with 1 inch of barely simmering water (the bowl should not touch the water). Add the semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips.

  3. 3.

    Warm, stirring gently, until about 90% melted, 5–7 minutes. Remove the bowl from heat and stir until completely smooth and glossy; the residual heat will finish melting.

  4. 4.

    Add the roasted salted peanuts and fold until every peanut is evenly coated and no dry spots remain.

  5. 5.

    Using a heaping tablespoon or small scoop, drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. If using, sprinkle each with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

  6. 6.

    Let the clusters set at cool room temperature until firm, 45–60 minutes, or refrigerate until just set and no longer tacky, 15–25 minutes. Store airtight in a cool, dry place up to 2 weeks.

Peanut clusters are bite-size confections of roasted peanuts bound together by smooth, set chocolate. The contrast of crunchy, salty peanuts and creamy, sweet chocolate gives them broad appeal, from holiday platters to bake-sale tins. They are simple to make yet deeply satisfying, with a pleasing snap from the chocolate and a rich nutty finish in every bite.

Originating in American home kitchens and candy shops, peanut clusters grew popular in the 20th century alongside other nut-and-chocolate sweets. They reflect a pragmatic confectionery tradition: minimal ingredients, dependable technique, and flavors that travel well for gifting. Over time, they have appeared under many names and forms, but the core idea—good chocolate with well-roasted peanuts—remains central to their identity.