Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters

Name: Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 24 clusters
Ingredients: 2 cups milk chocolate chips; 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup salted peanuts; 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Highlighted under: Dessert Magic

I absolutely love making Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters during the holiday season! These delightful treats are incredibly easy to whip up and are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and flaky coconut creates a flavor profile that is irresistible. Plus, they make for a fantastic homemade gift or a satisfying snack for any occasion. In just a short time, I can create a batch that disappears quickly, leaving everyone asking for more!

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:58:13.418Z

Creating these clusters became a fun tradition for my family. Every year, we gather together, and the kitchen fills with laughter as we melt chocolate chunks and stir in the crunchy peanuts and coconut. It's a delightful aroma that gets everyone excited for the treats we’re about to make!

One tip I learned is to use high-quality chocolate for melting, as it makes a significant difference in the flavor. If the chocolate feels too thick, I add a splash of coconut oil to ensure a smooth coating. This simple tip transforms ordinary snacks into a decadent treat!

Why You'll Love These Clusters
Irresistible combination of chocolate and coconut flavor
Easy to make and perfect for all occasions
Crunchy texture with a delightful sweetness

Mastering Chocolate Melting

When melting chocolate for this recipe, it's crucial to do it gradually to prevent burning. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. The chocolate should be melted until fully smooth and glossy, which usually takes 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave's wattage. Alternatively, a double boiler can be used to control the heat better, preventing the chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy.

Coconut oil not only helps in achieving a smooth melt but also gives the chocolate a lovely sheen and slight flavor enhancement. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil, although this may slightly alter the coconut flavor. Make sure to keep an eye on the melting process—overheated chocolate can become thick and unusable.

For a richer chocolate experience, consider using dark chocolate chips. They will impart a deeper flavor that balances nicely with the sweetness of the coconut and peanuts. If you decide to do this, just make sure to adjust the quantity to your taste since dark chocolate can be less sweet than milk chocolate.

Creating Perfect Clusters

When forming the clusters, the key is to ensure even distribution of the peanuts and coconut throughout the chocolate mixture. This guarantees each cluster delivers the perfect crunch and chewy texture. Don’t worry about achieving a perfectly uniform shape; the variations will add to the homemade charm of your treats. Aim for tablespoon-sized dollops for clusters that are easy to handle and enjoy.

To give your clusters an extra touch, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top just before refrigerating. This enhances the overall flavor and creates a pleasing contrast to the sweetness. For a fun twist, try adding mini marshmallows or dried fruit like cranberries among the clusters for additional texture and taste.

If you're making a larger batch, consider using a cookie scoop to ensure some uniformity in cluster size. This will help to manage bake time if you're using multiple trays, as smaller clusters will set faster than larger ones. Be sure to leave some space between clusters on the baking sheet to ensure they can cool evenly and maintain their shape.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters:

Ingredients

2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup salted peanuts
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Let’s get started on making these delicious clusters:

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.

Mix the Ingredients

Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the shredded coconut and salted peanuts until evenly coated.

Form the Clusters

Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape them into clusters as desired.

Chill to Set

Refrigerate the clusters for about 10 minutes or until the chocolate has firmed up.

Once set, enjoy your delicious Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters!

Pro Tips

For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the clusters before they set. It contrasts beautifully with the sweet chocolate.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters store beautifully. Once cooled and set, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, consider freezing the clusters. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain their best quality for about two months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Making these clusters ahead of time is a great idea for holiday gifting. Prepare them a few days in advance so they’re ready to share. Just remember to check for freshness as the coconut can sometimes affect the overall crunchiness if stored too long.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment with different nuts or seeds instead of peanuts. Almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds can add unique flavors and textures while keeping the clusters delightful. If you prefer a nut-free version, use pumpkin seeds as an alternative, which will still provide a lovely crunch.

Another fun variation involves adding spices to the mixture. A sprinkle of cinnamon or even cayenne can elevate the flavor and give your clusters a surprising kick. Just be cautious with the spice levels; start small and adjust according to your preference.

Lastly, consider drizzling additional melted chocolate over the set clusters for an extra decorative touch. This can also enhance the chocolate flavor when you take that first bite. Just melt a little more chocolate, and use a fork to create a zigzag pattern over the cooled clusters before storing them.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate is a great alternative and will give the clusters a richer flavor.

→ How should I store these clusters?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

→ Can I use unsalted peanuts?

Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts if you prefer a less salty taste; just keep in mind the overall flavor balance.

→ Are these clusters suitable for gifting?

Definitely! They make a lovely gift when arranged in a decorative box or jar.