Crockpot Candy
This Crockpot Candy is a rich chocolatey treat loaded with crunchy peanuts, colorful M&M's, and a sprinkle of festive sprinkles. Using just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker, these homemade candy clusters come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Perfect for gifting, sharing at a holiday party or adding to your festive cookie trays, this slow cooker candy is one of those homemade treats that feels like a holiday essential. Whether you're new to making sweet holiday treats or prepping a big batch for the holiday season, this simple Crockpot Christmas go-to never disappoints.
If you love a simple, flavorful no bake dessert for the holidays you must try our Cherry Cheesecake Pie or our Grasshopper Pie (without alcohol).
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Foolproof Method: This easy slow cooker candy uses low heat - just layer ingredients and allow it to melt away.
- Big Batch: Great for cookie exchanges, holiday parties or as a gift.
- Festive and Fun: Loaded with red and green M&M's, festive sprinkles and plenty of chocolate.
- Quick Setup: Minimal prep and less time in the kitchen, great for when you need a holiday staple in a hurry.
Ingredients
With just a quick trip to the grocery store, you will be ready to make this simple sweet treat.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers: The base of this candy, giving it a rich chocolate flavor and smooth, glossy texture.
- Dry Roasted Peanuts: Adds crunch and saltiness.
- Red and Green M&M's: A colorful pop of festive flavor and texture in every bite.
For these simple candy, you'll want to have on hand a slow cooker, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper and 3-tablespoon cookie scoop.
Variations
- White Chocolate Chips: Swap in some or chocolate chips for a sweeter, lighter cluster. To sub them all together, the ratio changes, so be sure to follow our Halloween Crockpot Candy recipe.
- No Peanuts: This works great with cashews, almonds, pecans or any favorite variety.
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of peanut butter chips to change the flavor profile.
How to Make Our Crockpot Candy Recipe
Check out how quick it is to make these chocolate peanut clusters.
Add dark chocolate wafers and peanuts to crockpot. Cover and cook on low for about 1 hour, mixing once halfway (you may not need the whole hour).
Meanwhile, prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper for later.
Allow it to cool for a couple minutes then add M&M's and stir gently to combine.
Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop candy evenly spaced onto lined sheet, then add sprinkles as desired.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set (you can set on the counter as well, but it will take longer).
Hint: Don't forget to use parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when working with melted chocolate.
Recipe Tips
- Stir Gently: Let the candy cool slightly before adding M&M's so they don't melt into the chocolate.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop helps portion even clusters without messy hands.
- Don't Overcook: Melting chocolate too long can cause it to seize - use low heat and stir midway for best results.
- Store Correctly: Once cooled, store in an airtight container layered with wax paper to keep the clusters from sticking.
For another simple no bake treat try our Easy Christmas Crack.
More No Bake Desserts
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Line layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Allow them to come to room temperature before eating as the chocolate will get hard in the fridge.
- Freezer: Freeze in cupcake liners in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Treats: Ginger Molasses Cookies, Cake Mix Christmas Cookies, Peppermint Brownies, Peppermint Cookies, Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Bark.
Christmas Candy Recipe FAQs
Yes, try white almond bark and milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate.
No, using candy melts or melting wafers that have vegetable fats makes it stable and smooth, perfect for making many types of candy clusters.
Absolutely. Sprinkle sea salt, crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, more M&Ms, or any other fun extras of your choice.
No, any method to melt chocolate, can be used. Try melting chocolate in 30-second intervals in the microwave or using a double boiler on the stove. Stir in your mix-ins and follow the same chilling process.
Yes, these candies are staple of the holiday season! Package it in festive treat bags with a ribbon, or jars with the instructions as a simple gift.
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Crockpot Candy Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- 3-Tablespoon Scoop
Ingredients
- 20 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers
- 12 ounces dry roasted peanuts
- 1 ½ cups red and green M&M's
- 2 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Add dark chocolate wafers and peanuts to Crockpot base.
- Cover and cook on low for about 1 hour, mixing once halfway (you may not need the whole hour).
- Meanwhile, prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper for later.
- Once fully melted, allow it to cool for a couple minutes then add M&M's and stir gently to combine. You may hear some cracking from the heat of the chocolate.
- Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop (or whatever size desired), drop candy evenly spaced onto lined sheet, then add sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set (you can set on the counter as well, but it will take longer).
Notes
- Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when working with melted chocolate.
- Stir Gently: Let the candy cool slightly before adding M&M's so they don't melt into the chocolate.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop helps portion even clusters without messy hands.
- Don't Overcook: Melting chocolate too long can cause it to seize - use low heat and stir midway for best results.
- Store Correctly: Once cooled, store in an airtight container layered with wax paper to keep the clusters from sticking.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
This recipe fast annd Easy to make. Delicious.
So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review.
These are so simple yet so delicious. The fact that they’re made in the slow cooker is going to come in handy during holiday cookie baking when the oven is occupied!
Exactly! It is so nice to have an alternative treat that does not require the stove.
This recipe is so quick and delicious. We love how hands off it is, and easy to customize. We make them a little smaller to put in little baggies and give to friends!