Quick & Jolly Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters Recipe

When the holiday spirit calls for a delightful Christmas M&M peanut butter clusters dessert, you’ll want to try this irresistible treat.

Sweet memories of childhood combine with festive cheer in these simple yet magical bites.

Crunchy peanuts and colorful candies create a playful texture that dances across your palate.

Each cluster promises a perfect blend of smooth peanut butter and chocolate-coated crunch.

Simple ingredients transform into something spectacular with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The recipe brings together classic comfort and seasonal joy in one delectable handful.

Sharing these treats around the fireplace, watching smiles light up as everyone reaches for another cluster.

How To Make Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters In A Flash

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for your delightful clusters.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter

• Chocolate chips
• Creamy peanut butter

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Add Crunch and Color

• Crispy rice cereal
• Plain peanuts
• Holiday-themed M&M candies

Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and glistening with chocolate.

Step 4: Shape Delicious Clusters

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small mounds of the chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure each cluster is roughly the same size for consistent cooking.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or until the clusters are firm and set. The cool temperature will help the chocolate harden and create a satisfying snap when bitten.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the clusters from the refrigerator and transfer to a serving plate. These festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

Tips To Shape Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters Neatly

• Swap Paper Types: Use silicone baking mats as an eco-friendly alternative to parchment or wax paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
• Control Chocolate Consistency: Melt chocolate chips slowly using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals to prevent burning and achieve smooth texture.
• Customize Holiday Colors: Select seasonal M&M colors like red, green, and white for festive Christmas clusters that match your holiday theme.
• Adjust Nut Allergies: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for those with peanut sensitivities while maintaining similar creamy texture.
• Store Smartly: Keep clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for extended freshness during busy holiday season.

How To Store Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters With Ease

• Refrigerate: Store clusters in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual clusters in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen treats will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Thaw: Transfer frozen clusters to the refrigerator and let sit for 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain texture.
• Room Temperature: If serving soon, keep clusters in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Best consumed within 2 days for optimal taste and freshness.

Perfect Pairings For Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters

• Craft Creamy Chocolate Companion: Pair these clusters with a smooth, rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows for a decadent Christmas treat that melts in your mouth and warms your soul.
• Brew Nutty Coffee Match: Serve alongside a freshly brewed dark roast coffee or espresso, which complements the peanut butter's richness and cuts through the sweetness of the M&Ms.
• Enhance with Dessert Wine: Enjoy a small glass of sweet dessert wine like port or moscato, whose fruity notes beautifully balance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Create Festive Milk Pairing: Indulge with a cold glass of whole milk or almond milk, which provides a creamy backdrop that enhances the clusters' sweet and nutty profile.

Ways To Tweak Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters

• Holiday Color Swap: Replace red and green M&M's with seasonal color variations like blue and silver for Hanukkah, or use pastel colors for Easter.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans alongside peanut butter for added texture and depth of flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Lovers' Version: Substitute milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
• Sea Salt Gourmet Cluster: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of clusters before chilling to create a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combination.

Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters FAQs

• What makes these clusters special for Christmas?

These festive treats feature holiday-colored M&M candies that give a bright, cheerful look perfect for seasonal gatherings and gift-giving.

• Can I use different types of chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! You can swap milk chocolate for dark or white chocolate depending on your preference. Each type will create a slightly different flavor profile.

• Are these clusters safe for people with nut allergies?

No, these clusters contain peanut butter and are not safe for those with nut allergies. Always check ingredients carefully if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner bakers?

This recipe is super easy and requires no baking! Even kitchen newbies can create delicious clusters in just a few simple steps with minimal cooking skills needed.

Why Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters Are Festive And Fun

• Create Sweet Holiday Magic: These clusters blend festive M&M colors with rich peanut butter, delivering a delightful Christmas treat that sparkles with seasonal cheer.
• Effortless Dessert Delight: Requiring no baking and minimal ingredients, this recipe offers a super quick solution for busy holiday hosts wanting to whip up something delicious in minutes.
• Kid-Friendly Festive Fun: Children will love helping mix the colorful candies and chocolate, making these clusters an interactive and enjoyable family cooking activity that brings everyone together during the holiday season.
• Versatile Snack Solution: Perfect for Christmas parties, gift giving, or casual munching, these clusters can be prepared ahead of time and stored easily, making them a stress-free and crowd-pleasing option for any celebration.

What Goes Into Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters

• Milk Chocolate Chips: Rich and creamy chocolate that forms the smooth foundation of the clusters.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adds a sweet, lighter chocolate layer for contrast and festive appearance.

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides a smooth, nutty base that helps hold the clusters together and adds rich flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps melt and blend the chocolate smoothly, creating a silky texture.

• Christmas M&M Candies: Colorful holiday-themed chocolate candies that add crunch, color, and seasonal cheer to the clusters. Look for red and green varieties for a festive touch.
• Optional Sprinkles: Extra decoration for added holiday sparkle, if desired.

Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters bring holiday cheer with sweet peanut butter and colorful candy crunch. Simple no-bake magic delivers delightful treats perfect for seasonal celebrations and gifting friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup roasted salted peanuts

Candy Topping:

• 1 cup Christmas-colored M&M candies

Melting Agent:

• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother melting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for your clusters.
2. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring at 30-second intervals until the mixture becomes glossy and completely smooth.
3. Remove the melted chocolate mixture from the microwave and allow it to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes, preventing potential burning when adding other ingredients.
4. Gently fold in roasted peanuts, ensuring each nut is evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter blend.
5. Incorporate Christmas M&M candies into the mixture, stirring carefully to distribute them throughout without breaking the delicate candies.
6. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded mounds of the chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, creating uniform clusters.
7. Sprinkle additional M&M candies on top of each cluster for a festive and decorative touch.
8. Refrigerate the clusters for 15-20 minutes, allowing them to set and firm up completely.
9. Once hardened, transfer the clusters to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
10. Store in a cool place or refrigerate to maintain their shape and texture, enjoying within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or melting wafers for smoother, more professional-looking clusters.
• Use festive red and green M&M’s to instantly transform these treats into a holiday-themed dessert.
• Experiment with different nut butter varieties like almond or cashew butter for unique flavor variations.
• Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 98mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg