Rocky Road Peanut Clusters

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Rocky Road Peanut Clusters are an irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors. The creamy chocolate and butterscotch coating creates the perfect base, while the peanuts add crunch and the marshmallows offer a fluffy, chewy contrast. This no-bake candy is not only easy to make but also perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're preparing a treat for a party, a family gathering, or just a snack to enjoy, these clusters are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup butterscotch chips

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil OR shortening

• 1 ½ cups roasted, lightly salted peanuts

• 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper.

2. In a microwave-safe container, melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and vegetable oil (or shortening) together. Heat on high for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat the process until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

3. Quickly stir in the roasted peanuts and miniature marshmallows, making sure they are well-coated in the melted chocolate mixture.

4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the waxed paper, creating small clusters. You can make them as large or as small as you prefer.

5. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until set. Once the clusters are firm, pack them away in an airtight container for storage.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 clusters

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 5 minutes (refrigeration time not included)

Variations

• Add-ins: Customize your clusters with extra ingredients like chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans), dried fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra layer of flavor.

• Chocolate choices: If you prefer milk chocolate, swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste.

• Vegan version: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and butterscotch chips to make a vegan-friendly version of these clusters.

Storage/Reheating

Store Rocky Road Peanut Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to two weeks. There’s no need to reheat them; just enjoy them as they are!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut for these clusters?

Yes! You can use almonds, walnuts, or cashews in place of the peanuts. Just ensure they are roasted and lightly salted for the best flavor balance.

2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your Rocky Road Peanut Clusters a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Adjust the sweetness by adding a little extra butterscotch chips if needed.

3. Can I make these without using vegetable oil or shortening?

Yes, if you prefer not to use vegetable oil or shortening, you can skip it altogether, though the texture of the clusters may be slightly firmer.

4. How long do these clusters take to set in the refrigerator?

It usually takes about 15 minutes for the clusters to firm up and set in the refrigerator, but you can leave them for a bit longer if needed.

5. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones?

Yes, you can cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces if you prefer, but miniature marshmallows work better for an even distribution in the clusters.

6. Can I freeze these Rocky Road Peanut Clusters?

Yes, you can freeze them! Place the clusters in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

7. What if I don’t have wax paper to line the baking sheet?

If you don’t have wax paper, parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will work just as well for lining the baking sheet.

8. Can I use peanut butter chips instead of butterscotch chips?

Yes, peanut butter chips would be a great substitute for butterscotch chips. This will give the clusters an even more peanutty flavor.

9. How do I prevent the clusters from being too sticky?

Make sure to let the clusters set completely in the refrigerator to harden properly. If you find they are still sticky, you can store them in the fridge to keep them firm.

10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! These clusters store well, so you can prepare them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They make a great make-ahead treat for parties or gifting.

Conclusion

Rocky Road Peanut Clusters are the ultimate easy candy recipe, offering a delicious combination of chocolate, butterscotch, peanuts, and marshmallows. Whether you need a quick dessert or a sweet snack, these clusters are sure to please any crowd. With minimal ingredients and just a few minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a tasty treat that’s both simple and satisfying.

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Rocky Road Peanut Clusters are a quick and delicious candy treat made with chocolate, butterscotch, peanuts, and marshmallows, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes (refrigeration time not included)
• Yield: 24 clusters
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake, Microwave
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 tbsp vegetable oil OR shortening

1 ½ cups roasted, lightly salted peanuts

1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows

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Instructions

1. Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper.
2. In a microwave-safe container, melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and vegetable oil (or shortening) together. Heat on high for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat the process until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Quickly stir in the roasted peanuts and miniature marshmallows, making sure they are well-coated in the melted chocolate mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the waxed paper, creating small clusters. You can make them as large or as small as you prefer.
5. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until set. Once the clusters are firm, pack them away in an airtight container for storage.

Notes

• Customize your clusters with extra ingredients like chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans), dried fruit, or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.
• If you prefer milk chocolate, swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips.
• For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. These can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cluster
• Calories: Approx. 120
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg