This easy Christmas candy recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray! This recipe is quick and simple enough that your toddlers and kids can help without a lot of cleanup. Only four ingredients are needed to make this delicious, nutty treat!
I absolutely love Christmastime! And now that my kids are getting older, it’s so fun to watch the magic of Christmas light up their faces. Whether it’s making Christmas crafts, watching holiday movies, baking, or just talking about Santa, the happiness just beams from their sweet little faces!
My oldest daughter is three, and absolutely loves helping in the kitchen. Whenever the weather is gloomy and gray, she always suggests that we bake and cook together. If you’ve been following along with my blog for awhile now, you’ve seen her help me with Apple Cinnamon Bread and Cinnamon Rolls a few times.
The best Christmas candy for kids
Involving kids in the kitchen is a wonderful thing. Sure, there’s more mess and it takes a lot longer. But think of everything they’re learning! Measuring, mixing, counting, calculating…it’s basically one big science and math activity! Plus, it’s a productive sensory activity, which toddlers and preschoolers desperately need.
Bonus: This is a gluten free Christmas candy recipe!
These chocolate butterscotch peanut clusters are a great Christmas cookie and candy to make with kids for many reasons, including:
- Only three ingredients are needed.
- It’s as easy as melting chocolate, stirring in nuts, and spooning onto a tray!
- They are quick and easy to make. It’s the perfect recipe if your child loses interest easily.
- The recipe can easily be adjusted to make more or less.
- You don’t need any fancy ingredients or tools.
- It’s nearly impossible to mess up!
- You don’t need to use any big appliances, like a mixer. This makes for easier cleanup, too.
- These candies keep in the freezer for several months. You can make them early in the season and freeze them for later!
How to make Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Clusters
You’re going to love how easy it is to make this Christmas recipe!
Step one: melt chocolate and butterscotch chips in a saucepan over low heat.
You can also do this over a double-boiler. But for simplicity’s sake, I just use a saucepan. Keep an eye on the chocolate as you’re melting it, and be sure to stir frequently. Chocolate burns easily, and if you’re going to mess up any step it’s this one.
Step two: stir in peanuts
Once the chocolate is smooth, add in the cocktail peanuts. I use lightly salted, but you can use whatever you like.
Step three: spoon into clusters
Scoop about a tablespoon of the peanuts onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Once the chocolate has hardened, you can place them onto your cookie sheet or into a tupperware container. Store in a cool place, or even the freezer until you’re ready to use.
Related: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark
I’m confident your family will love this easy Christmas recipe! Especially if you involved the kids in it – it makes them extra sweet!
For more easy Christmas candy recipes, check out this post.
Happy holidays!
Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Clusters
You'll love how easy it is to make these peanut clusters! The nutty and chocolatey flavors come together beautifully in this simple holiday recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 12oz bag milk chocolate chips
- 1 12oz bag butterscotch chips
- 4 cups cocktail peanuts
Instructions
Melt chocolate and butterscotch in a sauce pan on low heat or over a double boiler.
Once chips are melted and smooth, stir cocktail peanuts into the sauce pan.
Spoon by rounded tablespoon onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow to cool and chocolate to harden.
Notes
Makes 3-4 dozen, depending on size of your clusters.
I recommend using lightly salted peanuts, or even a blend of salted with unsalted peanuts. Alternatively, you can use unsalted peanuts and top with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Nutrition Information
Yield
36Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 139Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 2mgSodium 16mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 0gSugar 13gProtein 1g
Nutritional facts are approximate and based off of 3 dozen candies made. Your batch may yield more or less candies depending on the size of your clusters.