Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Clusters

$- 1 cup pretzel sticks, broken into small pieces - 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts - 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - Sea salt for sprinkling These ingredients create a tasty mix of sweet and salty. The pretzels add crunch, while the peanuts give a nutty flavor. Dark chocolate brings a rich taste that pairs well with both. Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly. You can mix in some fun extras. Try adding: - ½ cup mini marshmallows for a sweet twist - ¼ cup dried cranberries for a fruity touch - A sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth These optional ingredients can change the flavor and make your clusters more unique. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix! If you need to avoid certain allergens, don’t worry. Here are some substitutes: - Use gluten-free pretzels if you need a gluten-free snack. - Swap peanuts for sunflower seeds if you have a nut allergy. - Replace dark chocolate with dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan option. These substitutes allow everyone to enjoy these clusters. Always check labels to ensure safety for allergies! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with your baking sheet. Grab parchment paper and line it well. This step helps the clusters not stick. Make sure to cover the whole sheet. Now you're ready for the fun part! Take a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 ½ cups of dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave this mixture in 30-second bursts. Stir after each round. Keep going until the mix is smooth and melted. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Once your chocolate is melted, take it out carefully. Now, add 1 cup of broken pretzel pieces and 1 cup of roasted peanuts. Use a spatula to fold them into the chocolate. Make sure every piece gets coated well. This blend of salty and sweet is what makes it special! Grab a spoon or a cookie scoop. Use it to drop clusters of the mix onto your prepared sheet. Space them out a bit. Once all clusters are formed, sprinkle a little sea salt on top. This adds a nice touch. Let the clusters sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, move them to the fridge for 30 minutes to set. Enjoy your tasty treat! To melt chocolate well, use a microwave-safe bowl. Combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir the mix between each time. This helps avoid burning. You will know it's ready when it’s smooth and glossy. If it looks thick, keep stirring. The heat from the bowl can help. To stop your clusters from sticking, use parchment paper. Line your baking sheet with it before you start. This makes it easy to lift the clusters off later. Make sure each cluster has space around it. This helps them cool without sticking together. Want to make your clusters even better? Try adding toppings! A sprinkle of sea salt adds a nice touch. You could also try mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can add a sweet twist. Just remember to keep it balanced. You want the sweet and salty to shine together! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Higher quality dark chocolate will melt smoother and provide a richer flavor to your clusters. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute or add other nuts such as almonds or cashews for added texture and flavor. Chill for Better Texture: Allowing the clusters to set in the refrigerator ensures they hold their shape and have a satisfying crunch. Experiment with Toppings: Enhance your clusters by adding toppings like crushed pretzels, sprinkles, or drizzles of white chocolate. {{image_2}} You can make this snack lighter by using milk chocolate or even white chocolate. These options can reduce the sugar and fat in your clusters. You may also try semi-sweet chocolate for a nice balance. If you want to lower the fat, use less coconut oil or skip it entirely. This change will keep the clusters tasty without losing their charm. Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a kick. These flavors pair great with the saltiness of the pretzels. Another idea is to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty treat. Each addition can change the vibe of your clusters and make them unique. Kids love to mix things up! Let them add their favorite treats like mini marshmallows or colorful candies. You can also use different nuts, like almonds or cashews, for a fun twist. Letting kids help creates a fun activity and a special snack they made themselves. Enjoying these clusters together will make your snack time even better. To keep your Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This simple step helps maintain their crunch and flavor. Place the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat. When stored properly, these clusters last about one week at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Just make sure to check for any changes in texture or smell before enjoying them again. You can freeze these clusters to extend their shelf life. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. Yes, you can use milk chocolate. It will make the clusters sweeter and creamier. Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, while milk chocolate is softer. Choose what you like best! If you need a substitute for coconut oil, you can use vegetable oil. You can also use butter for a rich taste. Both options work well to help the chocolate melt smoothly. Yes, these clusters can be gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free pretzels. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check labels if you have gluten allergies. Absolutely! You can use almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Each nut adds a unique taste and crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! To prevent chocolate from seizing, melt it slowly. Use a microwave or double boiler and heat in small bursts. Stir often to keep the chocolate smooth. Avoid water, as it can cause seizing. You learned how to make tasty chocolate pretzel peanut clusters. We covered key ingredients and options for flavor boosts. I shared helpful step-by-step instructions, tips, and fun variations. Storing your treats properly is also crucial to keeping them fresh. With these ideas, you can make delicious snacks that anyone will enjoy. You have the tools to create, experiment, and share these delightful treats with friends and family. Enjoy your sweet creations!$

Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Clusters

Delicious clusters of pretzels, peanuts, and dark chocolate, perfect for a sweet and salty treat.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup pretzel sticks, broken into small pieces
1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
1.5 cups dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
to taste sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil.
Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted (about 1-2 minutes total).
Once melted, remove the bowl from the microwave and add the pretzel pieces and roasted peanuts to the chocolate, gently folding them in until fully coated.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop clusters of the chocolate-coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
After forming all the clusters, lightly sprinkle sea salt over each cluster for a sweet and salty finish.
Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes and then transfer to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set completely.

Notes

Allow clusters to cool completely before serving.

Keyword chocolate, clusters, peanut, pretzel, snack