M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters are the ultimate sweet and salty treat that will delight your taste buds and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Combining the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies and pretzels with the rich creaminess of milk chocolate, peanut butter, and the colorful pop of Mini M&M’s, this no-bake recipe is a hit for all ages. Best of all, it’s quick to make and perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or a special everyday indulgence. With only 30 minutes of prep time, M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters are an easy dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters Recipe
If you’re a fan of treats that are easy to make and even easier to enjoy, then this M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters recipe is going to be your new favorite. The balance of sweet milk chocolate, nutty peanut butter, crunchy cereal and pretzels, and fun bursts of M&M candies makes each bite irresistible. Plus, this recipe is no-bake, making it ideal for busy days, hot weather, or getting kids involved in the kitchen. Whether you’re creating dessert trays, preparing snacks for game night, or making edible gifts, these clusters are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup pretzels, crushed
- 1 cup Mini M&M’s
- 2 (12 oz) bags milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
Step-by-Step: How to Make M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters
- Prepare Your Surface: Lay out parchment paper on your countertop or on large baking sheets. This is where your clusters will cool and harden.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Krispies, crushed pretzels, and Mini M&M’s. Set aside.
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, add the milk chocolate chips, vegetable oil, and peanut butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Everything: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour the chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
- Form Clusters: Using a spoon, scoop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper. For extra flair, press additional M&M’s or pretzel bits into the tops of the clusters before they set.
- Let Them Set: Allow the clusters to sit at room temperature until fully hardened. If you’re short on time, pop them into the fridge to speed up the process.
Helpful Tips
- Use parchment or wax paper to avoid sticky cleanup.
- Stir gently to prevent crushing the cereal and pretzels too much.
- Add the M&M’s last to avoid melting from the warm chocolate.
- For perfectly round clusters, use a cookie scoop.
- Store in layers with wax paper between to prevent sticking.
Substitutions And Variations
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
- Darker Flavor: Substitute semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut.
- Themed Colors: Use seasonal M&M’s (like red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter) for holiday flair.
- Crunch Options: Swap out Rice Krispies with crushed cornflakes or puffed rice cereal.
Storage Instructions
M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the clusters for up to 2 months—just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per cluster (assuming 24 clusters):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these candy clusters as part of a holiday dessert tray.
- Pack them in decorative bags for homemade gifts.
- Offer them at bake sales, potlucks, or school events.
- Enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a perfect treat.
- Use them as a topping for ice cream sundaes or frozen yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions About M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters
Can I make these clusters without peanut butter?
Yes! You can substitute almond butter, sunflower butter, or even cookie butter if you need a peanut-free version.
How long does it take for the clusters to harden?
At room temperature, they typically harden within 1 to 2 hours. If you need them faster, pop them into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of mini?
Yes, but mini M&M’s distribute more evenly throughout the clusters. If using regular M&M’s, consider chopping them slightly.
Do these need to be refrigerated?
No, they can be stored at room temperature. However, if your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good idea to keep them from melting.
Can I make these clusters ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are great make-ahead treats and can be frozen or refrigerated until you’re ready to serve them.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for stopping by and trying this M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters recipe! I truly love how quick and easy it is to make, with that perfect combo of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all in one bite. It’s a treat that never fails to bring joy, whether you’re making it with kids, sharing it with friends, or sneaking a few pieces for yourself. I hope this becomes a staple in your dessert rotation, especially during the holidays and special occasions. Enjoy every delicious bite and happy treat-making from my kitchen to yours!
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M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 clusters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
M&M Chocolate Candy Clusters are sweet, salty, crunchy no-bake treats made with Mini M&M’s, Rice Krispies, crushed pretzels, peanut butter, and smooth milk chocolate. Perfect for holidays, parties, or edible gifts. Quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients
3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup pretzels, crushed
1 cup Mini M&M’s
2 (12 oz) bags milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare Your Surface: Lay out parchment paper on your countertop or on large baking sheets. This is where your clusters will cool and harden.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Krispies, crushed pretzels, and Mini M&M’s. Set aside.
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, add the milk chocolate chips, vegetable oil, and peanut butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Everything: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
- Form Clusters: Using a spoon, scoop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper. For extra flair, press additional M&M’s or pretzel bits into the tops of the clusters before they set.
- Let Them Set: Allow the clusters to sit at room temperature until fully hardened. If you’re short on time, pop them into the fridge to speed up the process.
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or swap in cornflakes.
Use sunflower butter or cookie butter for a nut-free version.
Make ahead and freeze for up to 2 months.
Add themed M&M’s for seasonal flair.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g