If you’re looking for a fast, foolproof, and totally irresistible sweet treat that looks festive and tastes like heaven, you’ve landed on the right recipe. These White Chocolate Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are everything you want in a holiday dessert: creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. The best part? No oven required.
Whether you’re building a holiday cookie platter, filling up treat bags for friends and neighbors, or just craving something easy and sweet — this is the recipe you’ll come back to every year. Trust me.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest — baking during the holidays can be a bit of a hassle. Rolling dough, waiting on batches, cleaning multiple pans — it adds up. But these little clusters? They come together in one bowl with just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of active work.
- No baking
- No fancy equipment
- Big flavor, minimal effort
They’ve got the perfect texture balance: the creamy coating hugs each salty peanut and squishy marshmallow, giving you a satisfying bite every time. They’re like peanut brittle and a marshmallow fudge had a baby — but way less work.
The Perfect Combo: Sweet, Salty, Crunchy, and Creamy
Let’s break it down.
- White chocolate brings in the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
- Salted peanuts add that crave-worthy crunch and a punch of salty contrast.
- Mini marshmallows soften everything up with a little chewy bounce.
Every bite is a flavor party. And when you see the final product — like the photo you see above — you’ll feel like a professional holiday candy maker (without actually doing much at all).
When to Make These Clusters
These clusters shine the most during the holiday season, but they’re honestly good anytime. Here are a few great times to make them:
- Christmas cookie platters
- Office potlucks
- Family movie night snacks
- Thank-you gifts for teachers, neighbors, or delivery drivers
- Holiday bake sales
- “Oops, I forgot the dessert!” last-minute saves
Let’s Talk Ingredients
This recipe keeps it simple. But each ingredient plays a key role in texture and flavor:
- 2 cups salted peanuts – Brings that nutty crunch and balances out the sweetness.
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows – Adds softness and chew.
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or almond bark – Forms the luscious coating.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter – Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a touch for warmth and depth.
What Type of White Chocolate Should You Use?
You’ve got two options here: white chocolate chips or white almond bark. Both work beautifully, but here’s the breakdown:
White Chocolate Chips
- Easily found in any grocery store
- Richer, sweeter flavor
- Tends to seize if overheated — be careful!
White Almond Bark
- More forgiving when melting
- Smoother coating
- Slightly less sweet
TIP: If you’re new to melting chocolate, go with almond bark. It’s way more forgiving.
Salted vs Unsalted Peanuts – Which is Best?
Salted peanuts all the way. That touch of salt cuts through the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. It’s the salty-sweet combo that makes these so addicting.
Roasted is even better — it adds a toasted, nutty flavor that gives the clusters more depth.
Mini Marshmallows – Don’t Skip Them!
Mini marshmallows aren’t just for hot cocoa. They bring the fluff factor in these clusters. Each one acts like a tiny cloud of chewy sweetness, giving the clusters a soft break from all the crunch.
Whatever you do — don’t use regular-sized marshmallows. They’re too big and won’t mix in well.
Creamy Peanut Butter – The Glue That Holds It Together
That half cup of peanut butter is doing a lot of heavy lifting in this recipe. It not only adds that rich, nutty flavor — it also makes the white chocolate coating smoother and easier to work with.
Use creamy — not chunky — so the coating doesn’t get too thick.
How to Make White Chocolate Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
Ready? Let’s go step by step. You’ll be shocked how easy it is!
1. Melt the Coating
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped almond bark)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until completely melted and smooth.
This usually takes about 1½ to 2 minutes total.
2. Add Vanilla
Once smooth, stir in:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Just a quick 10-second stir and you’re good.
3. Fold in the Mix-ins
Now, dump in:
- 2 cups salted peanuts
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
Gently stir with a spatula until everything is evenly coated in that creamy, dreamy white chocolate.
4. Form the Clusters
Using a spoon, drop heaping scoops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Try to keep them about 2 inches apart.
Aim for 18–20 clusters total.
5. Let Them Set
Let the clusters firm up at room temperature (about 30 minutes), or speed things up by popping them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
Once they’re set, they’ll peel right off the parchment — ready to devour.
Microwave Melting Tips – Avoiding Disaster
Melting white chocolate can be tricky. Unlike dark or milk chocolate, white chocolate burns fast and seizes easily. So here’s how to keep it smooth and luscious:
Tips to Keep Your Chocolate Creamy
- Use a glass or ceramic bowl – they distribute heat more evenly.
- Never microwave more than 30 seconds at a time.
- Stir thoroughly after each interval – even if it looks like it’s not melting yet, it probably is at the bottom.
- Stop microwaving when a few lumps remain – the residual heat will melt them as you stir.
- Add peanut butter early – it helps stabilize the chocolate as it melts.
Avoid adding water or using wet utensils — even one drop can seize your chocolate into a clumpy mess.
Room Temp vs. Fridge: What’s Best for Setting the Clusters?
Both methods work, but which one you choose depends on how much time you have — and how you like the final texture.
Room Temperature
- Takes about 30–45 minutes
- Results in a softer, creamier bite
- Great if you’re not in a rush
Refrigerator
- Sets in 15–20 minutes
- Clusters will be firmer and hold their shape better
- Perfect for last-minute needs or warm kitchens
Pro Tip: If storing or gifting, go for the fridge method. It makes the clusters more durable for transport.
How to Store Your Clusters
These babies store like a dream — just make sure they’re in an airtight container.
Storage Guidelines
- Room Temperature: 5–7 days (in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight)
- Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: 1–2 months
To freeze, layer clusters between sheets of parchment paper in a sealed container. Let them thaw at room temp before serving — about 20 minutes is plenty.
Make It Your Own – Fun Variations to Try
Want to mix things up a bit? These clusters are super customizable.
Tasty Add-Ins
- Crushed pretzels – adds even more crunch
- Dried cranberries – for a chewy, tart pop
- Holiday sprinkles – for a festive touch
- Crushed candy canes – hello, peppermint bark vibes!
- Toffee bits – rich, buttery crunch
Just make sure not to overload the mix-ins. Stick to about ½ to ¾ cup of extras total, so the chocolate still coats everything evenly.
Print
White Chocolate Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Christmas Treats
Description
🍫✨ Creamy, crunchy, salty-sweet little bites of holiday magic! These clusters are no-bake, super quick, and packed with peanuts, soft marshmallows, and silky white chocolate. Perfect for Christmas platters, gifting tins, or last-minute treats. 🎄💛
Ingredients
2 cups salted peanuts
1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
2 cups white chocolate chips (or white almond bark)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. (⏱️ 1–2 minutes)
Stir in the vanilla extract. (⏱️ 10 seconds)
Fold in the salted peanuts and mini marshmallows until fully coated. (⏱️ 1 minute)
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Allow the clusters to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster firming. (⏱️ 20–30 minutes)
Notes
Use high-quality white chocolate or almond bark for the smoothest texture.
Make sure the melted mixture is warm—not hot—before adding marshmallows so they don’t melt.
You can swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts.
Store the clusters in an airtight container to keep them fresh and firm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18–20 clusters
Troubleshooting Tips
Even with an easy recipe, things can go sideways. Here’s how to fix the most common issues:
1. Chocolate is Too Thick
- Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening and stir while warm
- Try reheating gently in the microwave for 10 seconds
2. Chocolate Seized
- Unfortunately, if water got in or it overheated, it may be unfixable
- Try starting over and use lower power or shorter bursts
3. Clusters Won’t Set
- Make sure you used real chocolate or almond bark, not a candy coating with too much oil
- Chill them in the fridge to firm them up faster
4. Peanuts or Marshmallows Won’t Stick
- Make sure the chocolate mixture is warm and fluid when you fold them in
- Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well coated
You may read as well :
🍫🥨 Chocolate Pretzel Crunch Clusters: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Snack!
🍫 No-Bake Turtle Pecan Clusters Recipe: A Gooey, Chocolatey Hug in Every Bite!
Holiday Gifting Ideas – Share the Joy
These clusters make amazing edible gifts. They look beautiful, they’re budget-friendly, and they say “I made this with love.”
Creative Packaging Ideas
- Clear treat bags with ribbon – simple and classic
- Small mason jars – rustic and cute
- Holiday tins or boxes – great for larger batches
- Mini cupcake liners in gift boxes – keeps them from sticking together
Add a little handwritten note or tag with the recipe. It’s those small touches that make it personal.
Kid-Friendly and Fun for the Whole Family
This is a perfect recipe for kids to help with!
Little Hands Can:
- Measure the marshmallows and peanuts
- Stir (with supervision)
- Spoon out clusters onto trays
- Add sprinkles or toppings
It’s a great bonding activity that doubles as a sweet holiday memory. Plus, who doesn’t want to sneak a few marshmallows while they’re “helping”?
Final Thoughts – You’re Gonna Love These Clusters
If you’re looking for that one holiday treat to add to your rotation that checks all the boxes — easy, quick, no-bake, crowd-pleaser, and sweet tooth–satisfying — these White Chocolate Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are the answer.
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a tray of delicious, creamy, crunchy clusters that’ll disappear faster than you can say “save me one!”
They’re addictive, festive, kid-approved, and dangerously easy to make. Keep the ingredients on hand — you’ll find yourself whipping these up for any excuse.
Similar recipes :
Church Lady Butter Toffee Pretzels: A Sweet & Salty Addiction in Every Bite
New Orleans Pecan Clusters Recipe: A Sweet Southern Hug in Every Bite
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! Try almonds, cashews, pecans, or a mixed nut blend. Just make sure they’re salted and roasted for the best flavor balance.
2. Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows?
Nope, fluff won’t work here. You need the structure of the mini marshmallows to create the “cluster” texture.
3. How long do these clusters stay fresh?
They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer (if you don’t eat them all first!).
4. What if I don’t like white chocolate?
No worries! You can swap it out for milk chocolate or dark chocolate, though the flavor will be richer and less sweet.
5. Are these clusters gluten-free?
Yes — as long as you check that your white chocolate and peanut butter are gluten-free. Most are, but always double-check labels.
