If you’re on the hunt for a cheery, crowd-pleasing holiday treat that comes together in minutes and disappears just as fast, you have to try Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters! These no-bake delights are crammed with creamy peanut butter, crunchy nuts, bouncy mini marshmallows, and are generously studded with festive red and green M&Ms. Topped with sprinkles and bursting with sweet-salty charm, each cluster feels like a bite-sized gift at your holiday table. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange, planning treat trays, or just want a fun & easy kitchen project with kids, this recipe delivers joy with every colorful cluster.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of powerhouse staples, Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters deliver huge flavor and festive flair. Each ingredient serves its purpose, making these clusters rich, creamy, crunchy, and impossible to resist.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The luscious backbone of the clusters, bringing natural nuttiness and smooth texture throughout.
- White Chocolate Chips: Adds sweetness, creamy richness, and helps bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash perks up the flavors and brings cozy holiday warmth.
- Dry Roasted Peanuts (Salted or Unsalted): Crunchy and hearty, these add major texture—and a salty pop if you choose salted nuts!
- Mini Marshmallows: For a fun, pillowy bite that keeps the clusters soft and chewy.
- Red and Green Holiday M&M’s: The stars of the show! These bring pops of vibrant color and classic chocolate crunch to every bite.
- Holiday Sprinkles (Optional): Sprinkle a little extra magic on top for show-stopping looks and fun texture.
How to Make Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters
Step 1: Melt the Peanut Butter and White Chocolate
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and white chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Don’t rush the process—gentle melting keeps everything dreamy and prevents scorching.
Step 2: Stir in Vanilla
Add in the vanilla extract once your mixture is melted and smooth. Give it a thorough stir so the vanilla lifts the whole batch with its cozy, aromatic notes.
Step 3: Fold in Peanuts and Marshmallows
Toss in the dry roasted peanuts and mini marshmallows, stirring until every little piece is coated in peanut buttery, chocolatey goodness. Be gentle—you want the marshmallows to stay intact and add those delightful soft pockets to each cluster.
Step 4: Add the Festive M&M’s
Set aside a handful of red and green M&Ms for topping, and gently fold the rest in. They’ll tumble through the mixture, adding color and a hint of crunch with every bite. Don’t overmix, or the candy shells might crack!
Step 5: Shape the Clusters
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping them into small, mounded clusters. Work pretty quickly while everything’s soft, so the clusters hold together beautifully.
Step 6: Top and Set
While the clusters are still soft, quickly press on a few extra M&Ms and a scattering of holiday sprinkles. The colors pop against the creamy base and look absolutely irresistible! Let the clusters set at room temperature for about an hour, or chill them in the fridge if you’d like to speed things up.
How to Serve Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters
Garnishes
To amp up that festive look, top each cluster with a few extra red and green M&Ms and a heavy hand of jolly holiday sprinkles. You can even add a drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate for a dramatic finish, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you’re craving that sweet-salty combo.
Side Dishes
Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters shine bright on any dessert table. Pair them with hot cocoa, a mug of eggnog, or your favorite Christmas cookies for the ultimate treat tray. Their creamy crunch is also amazing alongside salty snacks like pretzels or spiced nuts—perfect for balancing sweetness in a spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, pile the clusters in clear cellophane bags and tie with a festive ribbon, or box them up with parchment between layers for a homemade touch. Try arranging them in a wreath shape on a platter, or tuck them into muffin liners for a charming party-ready grab-and-go dessert. However you present them, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once set, Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure you store them in a cool, dry spot—they’ll stay fresh and delicious, perfect for grabbing whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up or an easy entertaining win.
Freezing
If you want to get a head start for the holidays, these clusters freeze like a dream! Place the set clusters in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
There’s no reheating needed for these treats, but if your clusters seem a little too firm right from the fridge or freezer, let them rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. That way, you’ll enjoy the perfect creamy, melt-in-your-mouth bite every time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and a nutty bite to your Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters. Just keep in mind, they’ll be slightly chunkier—which some folks might love.
What if I don’t have a microwave?
No worries! Simply melt the peanut butter and white chocolate chips together in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water, stirring constantly until smooth. You’ll have the same creamy base to proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Do I have to use holiday M&M’s?
Holiday M&Ms bring that unmistakable Christmas cheer, but any color you like will work fine. Swap them for regular M&Ms, peanut butter M&Ms, or even use pastel ones for other celebrations!
Can I make these clusters nut-free?
To make nut-free clusters, use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter and skip the dry roasted peanuts. Mix in crispy rice cereal or extra mini marshmallows for crunch. Always double-check your M&M’s and other add-ins for possible allergens.
How can I double or triple the recipe?
This recipe is perfect for scaling up! Just use a bigger bowl and double or triple all the ingredients, working in batches if needed so everything gets evenly coated and melded together. These clusters are a hit at parties, so making extra is never a bad idea.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s bursting with holiday spirit, joy, and that irresistible combo of salty, sweet, and crunchy, Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters will quickly become a seasonal tradition. They’re so simple to make but deliver such big smiles with every bite—give them a whirl and watch them vanish from your treat trays!
Print
Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes (microwave melting)
- Total Time: 1 hour (including setting time)
- Yield: 24 clusters
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Clusters, a delightful treat that’s perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet gift for loved ones.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup red and green holiday M&M’s
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and white chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Add dry roasted peanuts and mini marshmallows to the bowl, mix until well coated.
- Add M&M’s: Gently fold in holiday M&M’s, reserving some for topping. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping into clusters.
- Add Toppings: Top clusters with extra M&M’s and sprinkles. Let set at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until firm.
Notes
- Clusters can be made in advance and stored airtight.
- Substitute almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
- Recipe can be doubled for gifting or parties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
