Cheerful Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters Recipe: Jolly Joy!

Chocolate and peanut butter create a magical holiday candy that bursts with festive M&M Christmas colors.

These clusters shine as a delightful seasonal treat that everyone adores.

Sweet pockets of creamy peanut butter blend perfectly with smooth chocolate.

Colorful M&M candies add a cheerful crunch to each bite-sized morsel.

The no-bake recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients and zero fuss.

Decadent and simple, these clusters will become your new favorite holiday dessert.

Guests will beg you to share this delightful recipe at every seasonal gathering.

Serve M&M Clusters in Holiday Style

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange clusters on a decorative Christmas-themed serving tray, sprinkled with extra holiday M&Ms for a colorful, cheerful display.
• Gifting Delights: Package clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or cookie exchange parties.
• Dessert Companion: Serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or peppermint tea for a delightful sweet treat that complements warm winter beverages.
• Kids' Fun Station: Let children help decorate clusters with extra M&Ms, turning dessert preparation into a playful family activity.

Store Clusters to Keep Them Crisp and Sweet

• Store clusters on a flat baking sheet in the refrigerator, ensuring they maintain their shape and don't touch each other during initial cooling.
• Transfer chilled clusters to a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture integrity.
• Keep clusters refrigerated for maximum freshness up to 2 weeks, or store at cool room temperature for 1 week to retain optimal taste and consistency.
• Package clusters in festive gift boxes or clear cellophane bags with a ribbon, perfect for sharing delicious homemade treats with friends and family during Christmas celebrations.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet or white chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even baking chocolate for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe safe for people with nut allergies?

No, this recipe contains peanuts and peanut butter, which are not safe for those with nut allergies. Consider alternative ingredients if making for someone with allergies.

• Do I need special equipment to make these clusters?

You only need a microwave-safe bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. No complicated kitchen tools are required.

• Can children help make this recipe?

Children can help with mixing ingredients and decorating clusters with M&M candies under adult supervision, especially during the melting chocolate stage.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 166 kcal

Servings: 25

M&M Peanut Butter Cluster Ingredient Rundown

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Rich and smooth base that provides deep chocolate flavor with balanced sweetness.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy texture and lighter chocolate dimension to the clusters.
• Coconut Oil: Helps create smooth melting consistency and adds subtle tropical undertone.

• Peanut Butter: Delivers rich, nutty flavor and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
• Roasted Peanuts: Introduces delightful crunch and intense roasted taste that complements chocolate.

• Christmas M&M Candies: Brings colorful holiday spirit with vibrant red and green colors, adding sweet crunch and visual appeal to each cluster.

Tools to Create Christmas Clusters Fast

• Microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting chocolate smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for creating and chilling clusters.
• Parchment paper or wax paper: Prevents clusters from sticking.
• Spoon or spatula: Great for mixing and dropping chocolate mixture.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.

How to Make Peanut Butter Clusters in Minutes

• Prep the Workspace

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth cluster creation.

• Melt the Chocolate

Toss chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Zap in short bursts, stirring between each interval until the mixture becomes silky and glossy.

• Blend in Creamy Goodness

Swirl peanut butter into the molten chocolate, ensuring a perfectly smooth and rich base for your clusters.

• Mix in Crunch and Color

Fold roasted peanuts and half the M&Ms into the chocolatey mixture, making sure everything gets an even coating of deliciousness.

• Shape Your Treats

Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, creating small, irresistible clusters that look as good as they taste.

• Add Festive Flair

Dot the remaining M&Ms on top of each cluster, giving them a pop of color and extra chocolate goodness.

• Chill and Set

Slide the baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the clusters become firm and perfectly formed.

• Store and Enjoy

Transfer your completed clusters to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for two weeks or on the counter for one week – if they last that long!

Tips That Add Extra Crunch to Every Bite

• Gently fold melted chocolates together to create beautiful marbled swirls, enhancing visual appeal and flavor complexity.
• Prepare clusters up to a week in advance, storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and save time during busy holiday preparations.
• Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free version, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Let clusters sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly, creating a more enjoyable texture and smoother chocolate experience.
• Sprinkle crushed candy canes, holiday-colored sprinkles, or edible glitter on top of clusters for extra festive flair and personalized touch.

Festive Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters combine holiday cheer with creamy peanut butter and colorful candies. Quick and simple desserts delight guests with minimal preparation and maximum flavor for seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup roasted salted peanuts
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup Christmas-colored M&M candies
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) coconut oil or vegetable shortening

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth foundation for the clusters.
2. Melting Chocolate: Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short 20-30 second intervals and stirring between each burst until smoothly melted.
3. Incorporating Peanut Butter: Whisk peanut butter into the molten chocolate, creating a glossy, uniform mixture that blends seamlessly.
4. Mixing Ingredients: Gently fold roasted peanuts and half of the M&M candies into the chocolate-peanut butter blend, ensuring complete and even coating of each ingredient.
5. Forming Clusters: Carefully drop small, rustic mounds onto the prepared baking sheet using a spoon, creating artful cluster shapes with varying sizes.
6. Decorating: Strategically place remaining M&M candies on top of each cluster, adding a festive and visually appealing finishing touch.
7. Chilling: Refrigerate the baking sheet for 30 minutes, allowing the clusters to solidify and develop a perfect firm texture.
8. Storage: Transfer the completed clusters to an airtight container, storing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or at room temperature for 1 week to maintain freshness and quality.

Notes

• Prevent Chocolate Burning: Melt chocolate slowly in short 20-30 second microwave intervals, stirring consistently to maintain smooth texture and prevent scorching.
• Ensure Proper Coating: Gently fold nuts and M&Ms into chocolate mixture, making certain every ingredient gets evenly distributed for balanced flavor in each bite.
• Temperature Control Matters: Refrigerate clusters for exactly 30 minutes to achieve perfect firm consistency without over-hardening the chocolate.
• Storage Strategy: Keep clusters in airtight container, choosing refrigeration for longer preservation or room temperature for softer texture, with maximum 2-week freshness window.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 166
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg