Easy Rocky Road Peanut Clusters
A quick and easy homemade candy recipe combining semi-sweet chocolate, toasted peanuts, and mini marshmallows for a nostalgic and delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 clusters (serves 12) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup (150 g) dry roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1 cup (50 g) mini marshmallows
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup (75 g) dried cherries or raisins
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth and glossy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanuts, mini marshmallows, and optional dried cherries or raisins. Fold gently to avoid squishing the marshmallows.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut and marshmallow mix. Fold together with a silicone spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the lined baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Chill the clusters in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until firm. Alternatively, chill in the freezer for 15 minutes but avoid freezing the marshmallows hard.
- Once firm, peel the clusters off the parchment and serve.
Notes
If chocolate mixture is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to loosen. Use dry peanuts to prevent chocolate seizing. Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to avoid burning. Chill clusters properly to set; skipping chilling results in soft, messy clusters. For a shinier finish, add a teaspoon of corn syrup to melted chocolate. Avoid humidity when setting clusters.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 clusters
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: rocky road, peanut clusters, homemade candy, easy candy recipe, chocolate clusters, marshmallow candy, quick dessert