Get ready to fall in love with the perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, and chewy. Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are everything you want in a no-bake treat: sweet, salty, gooey, and just the right amount of crunch. These little delights are loaded with roasted peanuts and soft marshmallows, all coated in a smooth, rich chocolate and butterscotch mixture that sets up into irresistible bite-sized clusters.
Whether you’re looking for a fast holiday goodie, a fun potluck dessert, or just something indulgent for movie night, these clusters check every box. With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, they come together in under 15 minutes. Let them chill in the fridge and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will ask about.
What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the go-to for these clusters. They balance perfectly with the sweetness of marshmallows and the saltiness of the peanuts. You can also mix in milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your taste. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a swirl of white chocolate can create a marbled effect and add another layer of flavor.

Ingredients for the Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melted chocolate gives these clusters their rich, smooth coating. Semi-sweet is a great balance of sweet and bold.
Butterscotch chips – Adds a buttery, deep caramel flavor that blends beautifully with the chocolate.
Mini marshmallows – The soft, chewy texture contrasts perfectly with the crunchy peanuts and hard chocolate shell.
Salted roasted peanuts – Bring the crunch and the salty kick. Salted is best to offset the sweetness from the other ingredients.
Butter – Helps smooth out the chocolate and butterscotch mixture for easier coating.
How To Make the Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
Step 1: Melt the Chips
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Add the butter on top. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, or the mixture may seize.
Step 2: Add the Crunch and Chew
Gently stir in the roasted peanuts until fully coated in the chocolate mixture. Once the peanuts are evenly mixed, fold in the mini marshmallows. Mix just enough to combine, without over-stirring and melting the marshmallows.
Step 3: Drop and Set
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop clusters onto the paper. Make sure they’re spaced out slightly so they don’t stick together.
Step 4: Chill to Firm
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the clusters are fully set. Once hardened, they’re ready to eat!
How to Serve and Store Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
These clusters are best served chilled or at room temperature, depending on how firm you like the chocolate. They make adorable dessert tray additions, sweet gift bag fillers, or late-night bites straight from the fridge.
To store, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just let them thaw in the fridge for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsalted peanuts instead of salted?
Yes, but the salted peanuts add that delicious contrast to the sweet elements. If using unsalted, you can add a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely. Swap peanuts for pretzel pieces, sunflower seeds, or even crispy rice cereal to keep the crunch without nuts.
Can I use regular marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows work best for even distribution, but you can chop regular ones into smaller pieces if that’s what you have.
How long do these take to set?
About 30 minutes in the fridge. If your kitchen is cool, they may also set at room temperature in about 1 hour.
Can I microwave the mix all at once?
Yes—but always stir between intervals to avoid overheating. Stirring helps melt the chips evenly and prevents burning.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be! Just double-check your marshmallow and butterscotch chip brands to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
Want More No-Bake Dessert Ideas?
If these Peanut Marshmallow Clusters made your snack table shine, you’ll definitely want to check out more sweet no-bake delights:
- No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies for a rich southern-inspired bite.
- Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites if you want a refreshing fruity twist.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding layered with dreamy creaminess.
- Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls for a quick oven treat when you’re craving cookies and rolls in one.
- Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts for a playful and charming dessert idea.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go classic or get creative with add-ins like pretzels or coconut?
I love hearing all the fun ways you make these recipes your own. You can also find more no-bake and quick treat recipes on my Pinterest board here: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 20 clusters 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are a no-bake treat that combines gooey marshmallows, crunchy roasted peanuts, and a rich blend of semi-sweet chocolate and butterscotch. Ready in minutes and perfect for any gathering, these clusters are a sweet, salty, and satisfying snack you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 ½ cups salted roasted peanuts
Instructions
1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Add butter on top.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
3. Stir in the salted peanuts until completely coated.
4. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, being careful not to overmix and melt them.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the sheet to form clusters.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the clusters are fully set.
8. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
Always stir the chocolate mixture between microwave intervals to prevent burning.
For extra crunch, add crushed pretzels or crispy rice cereal.
Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
Keywords: no-bake treats, chocolate peanut clusters, holiday dessert



