Christmas Crock Pot Candy

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If you are in desperate need of an easy and delicious Christmas dessert to make this holiday season AMAZING, this crock pot candy recipe is a surefire hit with family and friends. It only requires 4 simple ingredients – plus one hour of cooking time in the crock pot. After that’s done, you’ll have a HUGE batch of candy ready to enjoy. So get your ingredients together because it’s time to make some crock pot peanut clusters!

christmas peanut clusters crock pot candy in paper cups

Christmas is the best time to make delicious desserts and treats, and this crock pot candy is no exception!

Today’s recipe is a fun, quick, and delicious treat you can make for the holidays. And while this technically isn’t a cookie, I think it looks beautiful on a Christmas cookie platter. So, if you’re looking for more delicious cookie recipes, check out all of my favorite Christmas Cookie recipese!

Now, I’m sure many of you have heard of this since it’s become so popular this year. It’s so yummy, however, that I had to give it some love on IBC. I’m not sure where this recipe originated, but I heard about it from my mom who got it from one of her good friends.

mini chocolate peanut clusters in paper cups on a plate.
chocolate peanut crock pot candy in an unwrapped paper on a plate.

This year, my mom and I share Christmas cookie-making responsibility for the holidays. She makes half of the recipes and I make half. Then we split our baking bounty! Last year, she made crock pot candy. When she gave it to me, I sort of turned my nose up at it. The joke was on me though because, after one bite, I was hooked!

This recipe for crock pot peanut clusters just might be the ultimate holiday treat. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also really delicious and a great treat to share for Christmas. You’re going to love it! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • You only need four ingredients! Yep, you read that right. Just four! We’re all about simplicity here. No need for a shopping list as long as Santa’s naughty and nice list.
  • The beauty of this candy is how effortless it is. Seriously, your crock pot does nearly all the work. No need to hover over a stovetop or keep a hawk’s eye on an oven. Just let it do its thing and before you know it, you’ll have a delectable treat that looks like you slaved over it for hours.
  • Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a sweet treat that’s got a delightful crunch, and is drenched in silky chocolate? This candy hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of dessert where you think you’ll just have one piece and then… well, you know the rest.
  • Wrapped up in some festive cellophane or tucked into a cute tin, these peanut clusters make the perfect gift. Everyone appreciates a homemade treat, and this one screams, “I made this with love, but also didn’t stress myself out.”

Looking for more EASY Christmas treats? You’ve got it! Try this White Chocolate Puff Corn, Peanut Butter Truffles, and these No-Bake Bourbon Balls.

christmas candy in the crock pot served on a stack of white plates.

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this crock pot candy is simple. Here are all of the things you will need:

  • Dry Roasted Peanuts: These are best for this recipe, but if you can’t find them salted will work too. I don’t recommend buying the honey roasted as it might be too sweet with the chocolate and almond bark.
  • Almond Bark: If you’ve never used almond bark before, it’s a white chocolate-like coating commonly used for making candy. It melts nicely and has a great flavor when combined with the other ingredients. I used chocolate, but vanilla will also work.
  • German Chocolate Bar: I recommend using a German chocolate bar to make this crock pot candy so that you get a good amount of flavor from the chocolate without too much sweetness. This is available at most grocery stores in the baking aisle.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are the finishing touches to the crock pot peanut clusters, providing a nice balance of sweetness and richness.
  • Mini Baking Cups: I like to use these to make a big batch of individual peanut clusters. To make it even more festive, choose mini baking cups that are Christmas-themed!
  • Sprinkles: This is totally optional, but sprinkles make the candy look even more festive and delicious.
crock pot candy in paper wrappers on a white plate.

How to Make

I’ll walk you through the steps for making this crock pot candy below. (Don’t worry it’s really easy!) I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  1. Put all of the ingredients in a crock pot. (Except for the sprinkles.)
  2. Cover and set the temperature to warm. Let sit for 1 hour; then stir the mixture. Continue to heat for another hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes for an additional hour or until the chocolate is completely melted.
adding chocolate and peanuts to crock pot.
  1. Once everything is melted, portion out the candy into mini paper baking cups. (I found it helpful to place the cups in a mini muffin pan before filling them with the candy to help them keep their shape. This isn’t required, just helpful.)
  2. Top with sprinkles and allow to cool until set.
adding crockpot candy to baking cups.
  1. Pack and store in an airtight container.

And that’s it! I told you this was an easy recipe!

crock pot candy served in a festive display.

Recipe Variations

Now, while the classic version of this Crock Pot Candy is nothing short of fantastic, I totally understand the need to shake things up a bit. Here are some delightful twists you can give to this recipe:

  • Different Nuts: Not a fan of peanuts or just want to mix it up? Try using almonds, cashews, or even walnuts. The world is your nutty oyster here!
  • Choco-Variety: While the original calls for milk chocolate, feel free to explore with white chocolate or dark chocolate for a unique twist. Or hey, why not a combination of all three for a tri-chocolate cluster?
  • Add in Some Fruit: Dried fruits can be a game-changer. Consider tossing in some dried cranberries or raisins. They add a sweet-tart kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy chocolate.
  • A Hint of Flavor: Infuse your candy with a few drops of peppermint or vanilla extract for a touch of added flavor. Just a hint can elevate the entire experience.
  • Sea Salt Sprinkle: After dropping your clusters onto the tray, sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt on top. This sweet-salty combination is so tantalizing, it might just become your new favorite version.

Remember, these are just jumping-off points! Feel free to get inventive and combine some of these variations, or come up with your own unique take.

christmas chocolate candy made in a crock pot and served in small paper cups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions I’ve been asked when I have shared this recipe for crock pot candy.

Is crock pot candy gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure that the ingredients you use are gluten-free.

What other types of nuts can I use in this recipe?

You can use any type of nut that you like. Try using almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts for a different flavor profile!

How do I serve these peanut clusters?

This candy is fun to add to a cookie tray or package up as a small gift for friends, family members, or coworkers. You can also add it to a dessert charcuterie board and serve it alongside other holiday treats like these white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies and gingerbread biscotti.

Does this need to be refrigerated?

No, the peanut clusters don’t need to be stored in the refrigerator. However, if you live in a warm climate and find that the candy softens quickly, you could store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make this candy ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. It should keep well if stored correctly.

crock pot peanut clusters on a white plate.

More Homemade Candy You’ll Love

There you have it! With just four simple ingredients and one hour in the crock pot, you can whip up a huge batch of delicious crock pot peanut clusters for your holiday gathering.

Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a crowd pleaser. So don’t be afraid to give this recipe a try. I’m sure your family and friends will love it as much as mine did! If they do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Easy Crock-Pot Candy Recipe - Best Christmas Cookies recipes

Crock Pot Candy

This Crock Pot Candy just might be the ultimate holiday treat! Not only is it easy to make, it’s  really delicious and a great treat to share for Christmas.
5 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candy, chocolate, christmas, christmas cookie, holiday, peanuts
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 175 pieces
Calories: 75kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Put all of the ingredients in a crock pot. (Except for the sprinkles.) Cover and set the temperature to warm. Let sit for 1 hour; then stir the mixture. Continue to heat for another hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes for an additional hour or until the chocolate is completely melted.
  • Once everything is melted, portion out the candy into mini paper baking cups. (I found it helpful to place the cups in a mini muffin pan before filling them with the candy to help them keep their shape. This isn’t required, just helpful.) Top with sprinkles and allow to cool until set.
  • Pack and store in an airtight container.

Video

Notes

*I found these ingredients at my local Wal-mart in the baking section. I’d assume that most well-stocked grocery stores / Wal-mart (with grocery section) will carry them.
As far as I know, these ingredients can not be replaced with something else to yield the same results. 

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

 

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Recipe Rating




93 Comments

  1. Hi Michael! I just got to tell ya, this is the best candy ever! This is my third year making it as Christmas gifts for my neighbors. And they eagerly await it! They love this candy. It is so super easy to make and so delicious! I always make a little extra to keep for my husband and I. Thank you for sharing this with us. This is a home run!

  2. Thank you, Michael. These were so good! My teenager made these for her friends. She says, you are a genius ;). Everyone loved them and a couple of the parents asked for the recipe. We made them as directed, except I didn’t realize how long they would take and we had to go somewhere after starting them. So, we put them on low for the first hour. Stirring every 20 minutes or so and then put them on warm for the few hours, while we were gone, to finish melting. They were perfect by the time we got home and ready to spoon into the cups. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

  3. I always shy away from making candy because it’s so finicky. This will be something I won’t be afraid of making and they look so cute in the little baking cups. I can’t wait to give these out at our family gatherings at Christmas.

  4. Hi Michael!
    I made this crock pot candy the other day to bag up and hand out to the neighbors for Christmas, and wow, what a hit it was!!! Everyone that tastes it loves it. It was so super simple to make! I actually threw everything in the Crock-Pot and then went over to play with my grandchildren for a while and when I came back it was all melted and ready to go. Which is so nice. You don’t have to sit and babysit the double boiler. Your right, it makes a lot. Wanted to thank you for the recipe. This one is a keeper for sure. Will definitely be making it again. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

    1. I wouldn’t freeze. Since everything is coated it chocolate you should be more than find to make now. Just store in an airtight container.

      xo Michael

  5. Making the crock pot candy. The problem is my pot won’t let me start with warm. I have to cook on low for a minimum of 30 minutes, then I can go to warm.

  6. These are FABULOUS!! I made them for gifts. I’m glad it makes a substantial amount, because my family devoured many of them as soon as they cooled. (Actually, they started by “cleaning out” the crock pot with spatulas. :)) In place of the german chocolate I used a mix of milk and peanut butter chips, because I had them on hand. Other than that, I followed your recipe and everything came out perfectly. (Also, the suggestion to use mini cups IN the mini muffin tin was a great idea.) We loved it with the milk/PB, but I’m anxious to try it with the german chocolate. Thank you for an EASY and DELICIOUS recipe! I’m so glad I found your blog…can’t wait to try more recipes. 🙂

  7. Hi. I have an older crock pot which just has low and hi settings. Would the low setting be fine to use? Also, would these need to be refridgerated if I’m not giving them out for a few days? I wanted to make them on the weekend for the kids to give to their teachers the middle of next week. Thanks! 🙂