Name: Ragtag Candies
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 12 oz bag white chocolate chips; 4 cups Rice Krispie cereal; 3 cups pretzel sticks (crushed); 1 ½ cups roasted peanuts

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Ragtag Candies are one of those fun, no-bake treats that you’ll want to keep in your back pocket whenever you need something sweet, crunchy, and a little salty. They’re made with white chocolate, crunchy pretzel sticks, crispy rice cereal, and roasted peanuts, all mixed together into clusters of goodness. Think of them as the candy version of a “trail mix bar,” but way more indulgent and addictive.

The beauty of Ragtag Candies is that they don’t require fancy techniques or expensive ingredients. If you can melt chocolate and stir, you can make these candies. I first stumbled across a variation of this recipe at a holiday cookie swap, where someone had brought a tin filled with these crunchy little clusters. They disappeared faster than the decorated sugar cookies, the fudge, and even the brownies. That was enough proof for me: people love Ragtag Candies.

Another reason this recipe is so popular is because of how versatile it is. You can customize it with dried fruit, swap in different nuts, or even drizzle it with dark chocolate for contrast. Plus, they’re perfect for almost any occasion: family movie nights, lunchbox treats, holiday parties, or just when you’re craving something sweet and crunchy.

Pair them with a warm drink or serve them after dinner alongside a slice of Pineapple Juice Cake for a fun dessert spread.

Ingredients – Ragtag Candies

1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips
4 cups Rice Krispie cereal
3 cups pretzel sticks, crushed
1 ½ cups roasted peanuts

Optional add-ins: dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped almonds.

Directions – Ragtag Candies

Line the Baking Sheet
- Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Rice Krispie cereal, crushed pretzel sticks, and roasted peanuts.
Melt the Chocolate
- Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals until smooth.
Coat Evenly
- Pour melted chocolate over the dry mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread and Set
- Spread spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool and harden at room temperature.
Break and Store
- Once set, break into pieces or keep as clusters. Store in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

Add dried fruit: Cranberries, raisins, or dried apricots for chewiness.
Nut lovers: Swap peanuts for cashews, almonds, or pecans.
Chocolate twist: Drizzle with melted milk or dark chocolate for extra richness.
Festive version: Add holiday sprinkles or colored candy melts.
Pairing idea: Serve these candies with a comforting bowl of Basic Vegetable Soup for a cozy movie night contrast—salty, sweet, and savory all in one evening.

Storage

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Fridge: Lasts up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Store for up to 2 months in a sealed container.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake recipe)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About 24 clusters

Tools Used

Large mixing bowl
Microwave-safe bowl
Spoon or spatula
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Final Thoughts

This Ragtag Candies recipe is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly irresistible. The mix of sweet white chocolate, salty pretzels, crunchy cereal, and roasted peanuts hits all the right notes in every bite.

They’re incredibly versatile too—you can make them festive for the holidays, simple for weekday snacking, or fancy enough for party platters. The best part? They take only 15 minutes to make, and no baking is required.

For more candy inspiration, check out this guide on AllRecipes where you’ll find plenty of creative homemade candy ideas to keep your sweet tooth satisfied.

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