If you ever wandered through a candy store as a kid and were drawn in by the buttery smell of maple and roasted nuts, this one’s for you.
Maple Nut Goodies are a classic treat — roasted peanuts coated in a creamy maple-caramel shell — and they’re just as easy to make at home as they are to eat by the handful.
This recipe captures that warm, old-fashioned flavor you remember, with a modern twist that’s quick and family-friendly.
They’re perfect for the holidays, gift-giving, or a weekend baking project with the kids. Bonus: the smell while these cook? Absolutely divine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These little goodies hit the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The maple flavor is rich and nostalgic, and the crunchy peanuts inside give it a great texture contrast.
Best of all, there’s no need for a candy thermometer or complicated equipment. Just melt, stir, coat, and cool. You can make a batch in under 30 minutes, and they keep beautifully for gifting or snacking.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups roasted salted peanuts (shelled)
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality maple extract for the best flavor — it makes a huge difference.
- White chocolate chips melt best when heated gently — use low heat and stir constantly.
- Want perfect clusters? Use two spoons to scoop and drop evenly on parchment.
- Let them cool completely before transferring or storing so the coating sets.
- For extra crunch, toast the peanuts for 5 minutes at 350°F before using.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet lined with parchment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small cookie scoop or spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts: Try cashews, almonds, or pecans instead of peanuts.
- Chocolate: Use all butterscotch or try caramel chips for a richer flavor.
- Add-ins: Mix in crushed pretzels or sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-savory bite.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and nut butter alternatives.
Make Ahead Tips
These store like a dream. You can make them up to a week ahead and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for even longer.
They also freeze well for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temp before serving.
Instructions
1. Melt the Base
In a saucepan over low heat (or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts), melt the white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter, butter, and salt. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in maple extract and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in Peanuts
Add roasted peanuts to the warm mixture and fold gently until all peanuts are evenly coated.
4. Scoop and Set
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or refrigerate to speed up setting.
5. Serve or Store
Once set, transfer to an airtight container. Keep at room temp for up to a week, or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for 2–3 weeks.
You can also freeze them in a zip-top bag with parchment between layers. To serve, let thaw at room temp for 15 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s stirred well and not too oily. You may need to chill the mixture slightly before scooping if it’s too runny.
Q: How can I make these look more polished for gifting?
Scoop with a small cookie scoop for uniform clusters, and drizzle with melted chocolate or top with crushed nuts before they set.
Q: What’s the best type of peanut to use?
Roasted salted peanuts are best for flavor and texture. Avoid raw or boiled peanuts for this recipe.
Q: Can I make these nut-free?
You can try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Great option for allergy-friendly versions!
A Sweet Bite of Nostalgia
These Maple Nut Goodies are everything we love about homemade candy — easy, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, filling treat bags, or enjoying a bite with afternoon coffee, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.
Give them a try and let me know in the comments how they turned out! Did you use a different nut? Add a fun topping? I’d love to hear your twist!