Name: Rocky Road Peanut Clusters Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup butterscotch chips; 1 tbsp vegetable oil OR shortening; 1 1/2 cups roasted, lightly salted peanuts; 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s impossibly quick, inventively crunchy, and always crowd-pleasing, you can’t go wrong with Rocky Road Peanut Clusters. Imagine rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy peanuts—all mingling in every bite. These clusters come together in minutes, and there’s hardly a cleaner plate at any party when you show up with a batch. Whether you’re new to candy-making or just want a no-fuss dessert everyone will ask for again and again, Rocky Road Peanut Clusters are about to become your go-to recipe.

Rocky Road Peanut Clusters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in simplicity, and this recipe proves it! With just five ingredients, each one shines, building those classic Rocky Road Peanut Clusters flavors and textures we love. Here’s how every piece earns its place in the recipe.

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The irresistible chocolate base; opt for a good brand to really deepen the flavor.
1 cup butterscotch chips: These add a warm, caramel-like note that balances the chocolate and lifts the whole cluster.
1 tbsp vegetable oil or shortening: This little bit of fat is key for a velvety melt and a pretty, snappy finish once set.
1 1/2 cups roasted, lightly salted peanuts: Crunchy and salty, these peanuts make every bite interesting and balance out the sweetness.
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows: For that signature chewy goo and classic Rocky Road nostalgia.

How to Make Rocky Road Peanut Clusters

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by lining a large baking sheet with waxed paper. This little step is all about safe (and mess-free!) candy-making, making sure your clusters lift effortlessly and look store-bought perfect. Set the tray aside and thank yourself later for a breezy cleanup.

Step 2: Melt the Chips

Use a large, microwave-safe bowl or sturdy glass measuring cup—Pyrex works great here. Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and vegetable oil or shortening together. Microwave on high power for 30 seconds, give it a good stir, and repeat in 30-second bursts until the mixture is silky-smooth and totally melted. If you spot any stubborn bits, just keep stirring; sometimes the residual heat does the trick.

Step 3: Mix in Peanuts and Marshmallows

While your melted chocolate blend is still warm and glossy, quickly stir in the roasted peanuts and miniature marshmallows. Work swiftly so everything gets evenly coated before the chocolate starts to set. You’re looking for a slightly chunky, fully glossy mixture with no dry patches.

Step 4: Drop the Clusters

Now the fun part—scoop generous spoonfuls of the sticky mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. You can make tiny bites or hefty handfuls depending on your mood. The irregular shapes make each cluster unique and charmingly homemade.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Transfer your tray to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. That’s just enough time for the Rocky Road Peanut Clusters to firm up and turn irresistible. Once set, they’ll lift straight off the wax paper, ready to pack up, share, or sneak straight from the tray.

How to Serve Rocky Road Peanut Clusters

Garnishes

Dress up your Rocky Road Peanut Clusters with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a few extra drizzles of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Each choice adds an extra pop—either pretty, elegant, or deeply flavorful. A few colorful sprinkles work magic for birthday vibes!

Side Dishes

Balance the rich sweetness with fresh fruit slices or serve alongside salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn. They also go beautifully with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a tall glass of cold milk. For dessert platters, pile them next to brownies or shortbread cookies for delicious variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the Rocky Road Peanut Clusters in mini cupcake liners for a polished, party-ready look. Stack them high on a cake stand, or wrap them up in little bags with ribbon for sweet homemade gifts. For a playful dessert bar, offer them alongside a bowl of ice cream—let guests crumble clusters on top for the ultimate sundae!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Rocky Road Peanut Clusters fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen runs warm, stash the container in the fridge to prevent melting.

Freezing

Rocky Road Peanut Clusters freeze beautifully! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just pull out a few whenever you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Reheating

While these clusters don’t need reheating since they’re best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you find they’ve become too firm from the fridge or freezer, just let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or even pecans work wonderfully in Rocky Road Peanut Clusters. Each nut brings a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment or mix them up for more complexity.

What if I only have unsalted peanuts?

No worries—just add a pinch of sea salt to your melted chocolate mixture for that perfect sweet-salty balance the recipe relies on.

Can I make Rocky Road Peanut Clusters ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! These clusters actually taste even better if made a day ahead, giving all the flavors time to mingle. Store them in a covered container until your guests arrive and you’ll have less to do on party day!

Do Rocky Road Peanut Clusters travel well?

Yes! Once set, these clusters hold up well and don’t crumble easily, making them super portable for potlucks, picnics, or gifting. Just keep them cool to avoid melting during transport.

Can I make a double batch in one go?

You sure can! Just be sure your mixing bowl is big enough to handle everything, and melt your chips in stages if necessary so you can stir everything smoothly and evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Rocky Road Peanut Clusters at home, you’re about to discover just how easy, tasty, and utterly comforting they are. Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast—so you might want to stash (or share) a few extra! Gather your ingredients, fire up the microwave, and treat yourself to a homemade candy classic you’ll make again and again.