Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters

These little nuggets are a great go to for a cookie swap or a quick snack. Wrap them up with a nice bow, and you've got a tasty treat to add to a gift basket.

 

Image Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookingglutenfree/6748974301/in/faves-76097205@N05/

Ingredients:

4 oz milk, dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips ~ to your liking
3 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
2 cup cornflakes cereal
1/2 cup dried cranberries, optional {adds a sweetness similar to a PB & J sandwich!}

*other optional add-ins: raisins, salted peanuts, M&Ms, Sixlets candies.

You can also omit the peanut butter altogether, only using chocolate and/or substitute it with a Hazelnut Spread (Nutella). *

Directions:

1. Put the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes (in 30 second intervals), stir to melt the chocolate and peanut butter.

2. Add in the cornflakes and, if using, the cranberries. Stir to mix well with the chocolate.

3. Scoop with a cookie scoop and drop on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate until harden, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Store in a air-tight container at room temp, if they are for you to eat...if you plan to package them up and give away- I would suggest refrigerating them till you do so.

~MLE