M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate Recipe

In the heart of this magical season, the iconic candy brand we’ve all grown to adore has introduced something that is bound to become a new staple in our holiday traditions—M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate. A delightful concoction that melds the nostalgia of classic M&M’s with the cozy flavors of the holidays, this new offering promises to be a sensational hit at any gathering, from the casual cozy family movie night to the most elaborate holiday galas.

How to make M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate

M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate is a seasonal variation of the classic M&M’s candy introduced for the holiday season. This version features the familiar peanut center coated with milk chocolate and a crispy outer candy shell, but with a “toasty” twist. The “toasty” flavor likely refers to a slightly roasted or warm flavor profile, giving the peanut a more aromatic, toasted taste compared to the regular peanut M&M’s.

Ingredients

For the Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate Mix:

• 2 cups of roasted peanuts
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 cup of M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolates

For the Caramel Drizzle (Optional):

• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt

Instructions

Preparing the Toasty Holiday Peanut Mix:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the roasted peanuts, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg (if using), brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat all the peanuts.
3. Drizzle the melted butter over the nut mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
4. Spread the peanut mix out on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes or until the mixture is fragrant and slightly deeper in color. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the mix to a large bowl.
7. Stir in the M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolates, mixing gently to combine.

Preparing the Caramel Drizzle (Optional):

1. Combine granulated sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until the syrup is a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble up).
4. Add unsalted butter and sea salt, stirring until smooth.

Assembly:

1. If using, drizzle the caramel over the cooled peanut and M&M’s mix. If you prefer a crunchier texture, spread the mix back onto the baking sheet and let the caramel set before breaking it into pieces.
2. Serve in a festive bowl or package in individual bags for a delightful holiday gift.

Tips:

• Watch the Oven: When roasting your peanut mixture, keep a keen eye on the oven to prevent burning. The difference between perfectly toasted and burnt can be mere minutes.
• Customization: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on personal preference. Add a dash of clove for warmth or mix in other holiday-themed M&M’s for extra color and variety.
• Storage: To ensure your toasty holiday mix stays fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Caramel Drizzle: If making caramel seems daunting, a quality store-bought caramel sauce can be a convenient and delicious alternative.

What to serve with

M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate mix is incredibly delicious on its own, but pairing it with complementary items can elevate your indulgence.

Warm Beverages:

• Hot Cocoa: Serve a mug of rich, steaming hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. The chocolatey beverage complements the sweetness of the M&M’s mix.
• Spiced Cider: A warm glass of apple cider infused with spices like cinnamon and clove can enhance the nutty and spiced taste of the M&M’s mix.
• Coffee: Offer a full-bodied coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness of the holiday mix with its robust flavor.
• Mulled Wine: A holiday classic, mulled wine with its blend of spices and fruity notes pairs delightfully with the chocolate and peanut flavors.

Desserts:

• Ice Cream: For a textural treat, serve a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream with a generous sprinkle of M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate mix on top.
• Cheesecake: A slice of creamy cheesecake topped with this mix makes for an opulent dessert that’s sure to impress.
• Puddings & Custards: Layer your holiday mix with servings of chocolate or butterscotch pudding for a delightful crunch.

Baked Goods:

• Cookies & Brownies: Add a handful of your holiday mix in cookie dough or brownie batter before baking for an easy way to create a holiday-themed treat.
• Cakes & Cupcakes: Use the mix as a festive topping or stir it into frosting for added texture and flavor on cakes and cupcakes.

Snack Boards:

• Charcuterie Boards: Incorporate your M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate mix into a holiday snack board featuring cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a savory and sweet combination.
• S’mores Station: Set up a s’mores station and let guests use the mix in their creations, adding a crunchy, chocolaty element.

Breakfasts:

• Oatmeal or Yogurt Bowls: Sprinkle the M&M’s mix over a morning bowl of oatmeal or yogurt for a festive start to the day.
• Pancakes, Waffles, or French Toast: Use the mix as an unexpected but delightful topping for your breakfast favorites, adding syrup for extra indulgence.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate allows for customization and the flexibility to substitute ingredients based on dietary restrictions, availability, or personal taste.

For Milk Chocolate:

• Dark Chocolate: For a more prosperous and less sweet option, dark chocolate can be used. This substitute is especially appealing for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
• White Chocolate: For a sweeter, creamier taste, white chocolate is a great alternative. It can also be dyed with food coloring to match holiday themes.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate: For those with dairy restrictions or preferences, there are excellent dairy-free chocolate options made from almond, coconut, or rice milk.

For Peanuts:

• Almonds: Almonds can be a direct substitute for peanuts. They offer a similar texture but with a slightly different flavor profile.
• Cashews: Cashews are softer and sweeter than peanuts, offering a rich texture that can elevate the mix.
• Seeds: For a nut-free alternative, seeds such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can be used. They provide a crunchy texture and are a great option for those with nut allergies.

For Candy Shell:

• Colored Sugar Coating: A simpler approach to mimicking the candy shell is to use colored sugar. Though it won’t provide the same crunch, it achieves a decorative finish.
• Colored Royal Icing: To create a more rigid shell, colored royal icing can be applied in thin layers around the chocolate and nut pieces and then allowed to harden.
• Natural Coloring Agents: For natural coloring options, consider using beet juice, turmeric, or spirulina to achieve red, yellow, and green colors, respectively.

Holiday-Themed Flavors:

• Peppermint Extract: To add a holiday flavor to your mix, peppermint extract can be mixed into the chocolate before setting. Just a few drops are needed to avoid overpowering the mix.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: For a warmer, spiced flavor, incorporate a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg into the melted chocolate.

Final Thoughts

This M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate mix is a delightful way to bring a touch of warmth and sweetness to your holiday festivities, guaranteeing smiles with every bite.

More Chocolate Recipes:

• Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Recipe
• White Chocolate Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
• Dunkin’ Toasted White Chocolate Latte Recipe
• White Chocolate Alfredo Recipe