Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes. Use the same weight in place of white chocolate. Keep in mind that dark chocolate will make the clusters less sweet and slightly firmer. Milk chocolate gives similar creaminess but a deeper cocoa note. The slow-cooker method remains the same.

Do I have to use both salted and unsalted peanuts?

You can use all salted or all unsalted, but the mix provides a balanced background. If you prefer a certain flavor profile, adjust accordingly and taste a small spoonful before you make the final cluster choices.

How long will the clusters last once stored?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will keep well for up to 5 days. In warm environments, store them in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving.

Can I make this in a double batch?

Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and keep layer proportions the same. Melting may take a little longer, so check at 10-minute intervals after the first hour until fully melted.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan option?

Use dairy-free white chocolate alternatives and check that your almond bark is dairy-free. Use vegan M&Ms or skip candy coatings. The texture will change slightly, but the method still works.

Easy White Chocolate Pretzel Crockpot Christmas Candy 2026

Description

A comforting and festive candy made with white chocolate, pretzels, and peanuts, perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients

Scale

24 ounces almond bark
2 cups (11 oz bag) white chocolate chips
16 ounces dry roasted peanuts (salted)
16 ounces dry roasted peanuts (unsalted)
3 ½ cups mini pretzel twists (whole or broken)
1 ½ cups holiday M&Ms
Holiday sprinkles (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

In a medium to large crockpot, layer the almond bark, salted peanuts, unsalted peanuts, and white chocolate chips in that order without stirring.
Set the crockpot to low and let the ingredients cook undisturbed for 1 hour.
After an hour, turn off the heat and stir gently until well mixed, keeping the coating smooth and glossy.
Add the mini pretzels and stir to coat the pretzels with melted chocolate using long, slow strokes.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper and use a cookie scoop or spoon to create clusters.
Top each cluster with holiday M&Ms and sprinkles while still warm and gently press to adhere.
Let them cool completely at room temperature until set, about 15 minutes.

Notes

Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Can be kept at room temperature for several days or refrigerated in warm weather.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cluster
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg