Looking for a simple, sweet treat to add some holiday cheer? Let me introduce you to Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters—the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket by the fire, nibbling on something delicious. These little clusters are a mix of creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and a pop of colorful M&Ms, all coated in a rich layer of white chocolate. Trust me, these bite-sized goodies are so addictive, you’ll have to make a double batch to keep up with everyone’s cravings. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just as a sweet snack to enjoy while you’re watching your favorite Christmas movie.
Why You’ll Love Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters
These clusters are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making them impossible to resist. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for more (and more):
- Quick and Easy: No baking required—just a few simple steps to make these irresistible treats! They’re perfect when you need something fast but still want to impress.
- No-Fuss Ingredients: This recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, so there’s no need to hunt for anything special. Just a few basic ingredients and you’ve got magic in the making.
- Holiday Cheer in Every Bite: With colorful M&Ms, these treats are the perfect way to spread some holiday joy. They’re bright, festive, and make a beautiful addition to any holiday spread.
- Customizable: Want to tweak the recipe? Feel free to use milk or dark chocolate instead of white, or swap out the M&Ms for your favorite holiday candies. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these holiday-perfect clusters:
- Peanut Butter: The creamy, nutty base that holds everything together and adds a rich, comforting flavor.
- Unsalted Peanuts: For that crunchy, salty bite that complements the smooth peanut butter perfectly.
- M&Ms: The star of the show—these colorful little candies add a festive touch and a bit of crunch.
- White Chocolate Chips: To coat everything in a creamy, sweet layer that brings it all together.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a little extra depth of flavor to the clusters.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Here’s how to create these delicious clusters in just a few simple steps:
Melt the Chocolate
Start by melting the white chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth, or you can use a double boiler on the stovetop. Be patient—it’ll come together perfectly!
Mix Peanut Butter and Peanuts
While the chocolate is melting, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the peanut butter and unsalted peanuts and stir to combine. The peanut butter should be soft enough to mix easily, but if it’s too stiff, you can microwave it for a few seconds to make it more spreadable.
Combine with M&Ms
Once the peanut butter and peanuts are mixed together, gently fold in the M&Ms. This is where the magic happens—those little colorful candies add such a fun pop and crunch to each bite!
Coat in Chocolate
Now, slowly pour the melted white chocolate into the peanut butter mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly. The chocolate should surround the peanuts and M&Ms, binding them together in a sweet, creamy coating.
Form the Clusters
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter-chocolate mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can make them as big or as small as you like—just keep them bite-sized for easy snacking!
Let Them Set
Pop the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the clusters set. You want the chocolate to harden and the clusters to hold together, so be patient—it’s totally worth it!
Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re set, you’re ready to serve! These clusters are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. You won’t be able to resist grabbing just one more (or two… or three!).
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
- Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
- Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters
These little clusters are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:
- Hot Chocolate: Serve alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows for the ultimate holiday treat.
- Holiday Gift Boxes: Pack them in a cute box or jar for a homemade gift that will delight anyone on your list.
- Christmas Cookie Platters: Add them to your holiday cookie spread to bring some extra color and variety to the table.
Additional Tips
- Storage: Store these clusters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay nice and fresh, but they’re so good, they probably won’t last that long!
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to get creative! You can use other candies, like holiday-themed chocolate pieces, or even add mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
- Swap Chocolate: If white chocolate isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for milk or dark chocolate. The recipe is flexible!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A1: Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
Q2: How do I store these peanut butter clusters?
A2: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just let them thaw for a few minutes before serving.
Q3: Can I make these clusters ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! These are great for make-ahead holiday treats. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Q4: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A4: Yes, you can substitute the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference. Each type of chocolate will bring its own unique flavor to the clusters.
Q5: How can I make these gluten-free?
A5: This recipe is already gluten-free! Just be sure to check that your M&Ms are certified gluten-free if that’s a concern.
These Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters are the perfect holiday treat—simple, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. With peanut butter, chocolate, and M&Ms, every bite is a little moment of joy. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to friends, or just enjoying a holiday snack, these clusters are sure to become a festive favorite. Enjoy!
PrintChristmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters are a fun, no-bake treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. With creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and colorful M&M’s, these clusters are a hit with kids and adults alike. Make them ahead of time for an easy and delicious holiday snack!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup M&M’s (Christmas colored)
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and combined.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
- Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before gently folding in the M&M’s and peanuts (if using).
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming small clusters.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the clusters have hardened.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- You can use any type of M&M’s for this recipe, but holiday-themed ones add a festive touch.
- For a twist, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for extra texture.
- You can skip the peanuts if you prefer a smoother cluster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg