Easy, delicious Rocky Road! These candy clusters are packed with marshmallows, almonds, m&m's, and milk chocolate. A sweet treat that's perfect for the holidays!

When it comes to holiday treats, I'm all about the no-bake. Don't get me wrong... I love a good Christmas cookie as much as the next person. But if I'm the one making it? Let's just say I'm probably NOT going to be doing any baking.

Not only are no-bake recipes the quicker, easier route... but in my opinion, they're the more fun route, too! You can literally take any flavor combination you love and turn it into a delicious little bite-sized treat.

Case in point? These Rocky Road Candy Clusters. A classic flavor combination that everyone knows and loves... and they're easy enough that anyone can make them. Perfect for a day in the kitchen with kids... and a delicious addition to any holiday cookie tray!

What we love about this recipe

• It's easy. If you can melt chocolate, measure, and stir, you can make this recipe. Which means it's perfect for little helping hands, and ideal for any last minute holiday treats or gifts!
• It's fun & festive. While traditional Rocky Road doesn't have m&m's or candy sprinkles, this one has both... which makes it especially perfect for the holiday season.
• It's delicious. Let's be honest. Can you ever go wrong with Rocky Road? Chocolate, almonds, and marshmallows are a guaranteed win... and so is this fun twist!

Ingredients in Rocky Road

Almonds - I used roasted, salted almonds that I chopped slightly before adding to the melted chocolate. You could also use whole almonds or unsalted almonds if you prefer.

Marshmallows - Marshmallows are an essential part of any rocky road combo. I used plain white mini marshmallows for a nice contrast to the chocolate and m&m's. 

M&M's - Red & green m&m's add a fun, colorful twist and a nice crispy crunch to this candy. Although not a typical element of rocky road, it's a perfect complement to the flavors and textures in this recipe.

Chocolate - Since this is a chocolate covered candy recipe, you'll want to choose a chocolate that melts well. I used milk chocolate candy coating (often known by the brand name Candiquik) for easy melting and a smooth, delicious texture.

Candy sprinkles - Red and green candy sprinkles are completely optional but add a festive, fun touch to these candies. 

Sea salt - Finally, a sprinkle of sea salt helps bring out the salty/sweet flavor combo.

Why do they call it Rocky Road?

Most of us are familiar with Rocky Road, especially as a chocolate-based ice cream flavor mixed with chopped almonds and marshmallow pieces. But how did Rocky Road get its name? Well... the story is that the flavor was created by William Dreyer of Dreyer’s Ice Cream. He cut up walnuts and marshmallows with his wife's sewing scissors and added them to his chocolate ice cream. Later, the walnuts would be replaced by almonds. After the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the flavor was given its current name "to give folks something to smile about" in the midst of the Great Depression. 

How to make Rocky Road Candy

Melt the chocolate - Chop the chocolate into individual squares for even melting. Place it in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave until completely melted, stirring every 30 seconds. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate in a saucepan on the stovetop. Just be sure to use low heat and stir regularly to avoid burning.

Combine the ingredients - Add the almonds, mini marshmallows, and m&m's to the melted chocolate and stir gently to mix. I completely coated the almonds and marshmallows, but you can also leave them partially uncoated for more color variation.

Drop by spoonfuls - Drop the mixture by spoonfuls onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. 

Decorate - Decorate with candy sprinkles and/or a sprinkle of sea salt as desired. Set aside until completely hardened.

Recipe variations

• Use walnuts (like the original recipe), peanuts, or cashews in place of almonds
• Use colored marshmallows for a fun twist
• Substitute white chocolate for milk chocolate
• Add any of your favorite candies to the mix
• Omit the m&m's and add your favorite dried fruits
• Press the mixture down into a rimmed pan and cut it into squares instead of making it into candy clusters

More candy recipes you'll love

• Salted Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Bark
• Chocolate Toffee Pretzels
• Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark
• Caramel Cashew Haystacks
• Mocha Almond Fudge
• White Chocolate Gingerbread Bark
• White Chocolate Ting-a-Lings
• Gingerbread Buckeyes