Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters

$- 2 cups roasted peanuts (unsalted) - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional) - Sea salt (for finishing touch) These simple ingredients make a delightful treat. Start with the unsalted peanuts. They give a nice crunch without extra salt. Next, the semi-sweet chocolate chips create a sweet and rich flavor. If you want a smoother chocolate, add coconut oil. It helps the chocolate melt evenly and adds a nice finish. Finally, sprinkle sea salt on top to balance the sweetness. The salt enhances every bite and makes the flavors pop. Gather these ingredients before you start. This will help you move quickly through the recipe. With just four items, you are close to making a tasty snack! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This paper helps the clusters not stick, making your life easier. It also means less mess to clean up later. The parchment allows for quick removal of the clusters when they are set. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you want a silkier texture, add the coconut oil now. Heat the bowl in the microwave using 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir the chocolate to help it melt evenly. Keep doing this until the chocolate is smooth and creamy. Once your chocolate is ready, gently fold in the roasted peanuts. Use a spatula for this step. Make sure every peanut gets coated in chocolate. This ensures each bite will be delicious. Now it’s time to shape your clusters. You can use a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop. Drop generous mounds of the mixture onto your lined baking sheet. Aim for a rounded shape to get that classic cluster look. Avoid making them flat; you want them to have some height. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on each cluster. This adds a nice salty contrast to the sweet chocolate. Timing is key; do it while the chocolate is warm. This step enhances the overall flavor and makes each bite pop. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Let the clusters chill for about 30 minutes. This is the perfect time for the chocolate to harden. You’ll know they are ready when the chocolate feels firm to the touch. Then, enjoy your tasty treat! For the best flavor, I recommend using semi-sweet chocolate chips. Brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard offer a rich taste. They melt well and coat the peanuts perfectly. If you want to try something different, consider dark chocolate for a deeper flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter bite. Each chocolate brings its own charm to the clusters. To get a smooth texture, you can add coconut oil. This step is optional but helps make the chocolate silkier. Be careful not to use too much. Start with just one tablespoon. When melting chocolate, heat it slowly. Use 30-second bursts in the microwave. Stir well in between to avoid burning. If the chocolate gets too hot, it can seize and become grainy. These clusters make great gifts! You can place them in small bags or boxes and tie them with ribbon. They look lovely and taste even better. For drinks, pair them with coffee or hot cocoa. The salty-sweet mix of the clusters goes well with both. You can also serve them with fresh fruit for a balanced snack. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture. The better the chocolate, the more delicious your clusters will be! Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like dried fruits, mini marshmallows, or even a splash of vanilla extract to customize your clusters and add more flavor. Store Properly: To keep your clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you live in a warm climate, refrigeration may be necessary to maintain their shape. Perfect Portioning: For evenly sized clusters, use a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop. This ensures that each cluster is a consistent size, making them more visually appealing. {{image_4}} You can switch peanuts for other nuts. Almonds and cashews work great. Each nut brings its own flavor. Almonds have a nice crunch, while cashews are creamy. Try mixing different nuts for fun textures and tastes. Want to jazz up your clusters? Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin can also add a crunch. You can flavor your chocolate with vanilla or a hint of espresso. These options create a unique twist on a classic snack. If you prefer vegan treats, use dairy-free chocolate. Look for chocolate chips made with almond or coconut milk. You can also replace coconut oil with a nut butter for creaminess. These swaps keep your snack tasty and suitable for everyone. To keep your chocolate covered peanut clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents air from making them stale. You can keep them at room temperature for a day or two. However, if you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. The cold will help keep them firm and tasty. For optimal freshness, enjoy your clusters within a week. After that, they may lose their crunch and flavor. Signs of spoilage include a dull appearance or a strange smell. If you notice these, it’s best to toss them. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. First, let the clusters cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours until hard. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge for best results. This keeps them from getting mushy. Chocolate covered peanut clusters can last about two weeks. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for the best taste. If you refrigerate, they may last a bit longer, up to three weeks. Just check for any signs of melting or changes in texture. Yes, you can use many types of chocolate. Milk chocolate gives a sweet flavor. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste. White chocolate adds creaminess. Just choose what you love most. Mixing different chocolates can create fun flavors too. To melt chocolate safely, use a microwave or a double boiler. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval. This helps prevent burning. If using a double boiler, keep the water at a gentle simmer. Stir the chocolate until smooth. Yes, chocolate covered peanut clusters are gluten-free. The main ingredients are peanuts and chocolate. Just check your chocolate labels for any added ingredients. Most chocolate chips are gluten-free, but it’s always smart to check. You can make these clusters ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container. Make them a few days before an event. This way, you have one less thing to worry about. Just remember to let them set in the fridge before serving. You learned how to make chocolate-covered peanut clusters step by step. We covered ingredients, melting techniques, and storage tips. Remember, these treats are easy to customize with different nuts or flavors. Adjust the chocolate and oil for the right texture. Store them correctly for the best taste. Enjoy sharing these tasty snacks with friends or family. Making them ahead of time makes for simple gifts or snacks. Keep experimenting, and you’ll find your perfect recipe!$

Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters

Delicious clusters of roasted peanuts coated in silky semi-sweet chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups roasted peanuts (unsalted)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for a silkier texture)
to taste pinch sea salt (for a finishing touch)

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the clusters from sticking and make for easy cleanup. Set the prepared sheet aside.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the coconut oil if using. Heat the mixture in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each session. Continue this process until the chocolate is fully melted and has a velvety consistency.
Mix in the Peanuts: Once the chocolate is smooth, gently fold in the roasted peanuts. Use a spatula to ensure every peanut is evenly coated in the luscious chocolate.
Shape the Clusters: Utilizing a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop generous mounds of the chocolate-covered peanut mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Aim for a rounded shape, avoiding flat formations to give them that cluster appeal.
Add Sea Salt: While the chocolate remains warm, lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each cluster. This step enhances the flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.
Chill to Set: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator, allowing the clusters to chill for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened and set firmly.
Finishing Touch: Once the clusters are fully set, they're ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately for a delicious treat, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.

Notes

These delightful clusters make excellent gifts or party treats. Consider presenting them in decorative bags or boxes for special occasions!

Keyword chocolate, clusters, dessert, peanuts, snack