Ragtag Candies – The No-Bake Sweet & Salty Treat Everyone Falls in Love With!
If you’ve never heard of Ragtag Candies, you’re not alone — but once you make them, they’ll become one of your favorite go-to desserts. These sweet and salty chocolate clusters are the perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, and creamy.
They’re made with simple pantry ingredients — chocolate chips, butterscotch, marshmallows, peanuts, pretzels, and M&M’s — and come together in minutes without even turning on the oven. Whether you need a last-minute party snack, a festive holiday treat, or a quick dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, these candies never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 1 cup pretzel sticks, broken into small pieces
- ½ cup M&M’s or any colorful candy-coated chocolates
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Melt the Chocolate and Butterscotch
Place the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until smooth and fully melted.
Tip: If you prefer, melt the mixture using a double boiler over low heat for a silkier, perfectly tempered texture.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, salted peanuts, pretzel pieces, and M&M’s.
Give everything a gentle toss to distribute evenly — this mix is what gives every bite that irresistible crunch and contrast!
3. Combine Everything
Pour the warm melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the dry ingredients.
Using a rubber spatula, stir slowly until everything is evenly coated and glossy.
You’ll see the marshmallows soften slightly, the chocolate clinging to the pretzels — it’s a beautiful, gooey mess of deliciousness.
4. Shape the Candies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the paper, shaping them into small clusters or “candy mounds.”
Don’t worry about perfection — the messy, uneven look is part of their charm!
5. Chill Until Firm
Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the candies are firm and set.
Once ready, transfer them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week (if they last that long!).
Storage Tip: Keep them chilled if your kitchen is warm, as the chocolate may soften at room temperature.
Creative Variations
Want to put your own twist on these candies? Try these fun ideas:
- Add shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
- Mix in crushed pretzel chips or popcorn for extra crunch.
- Swap M&M’s for mini Reese’s pieces or white chocolate chips.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet finish.
These candies are endlessly customizable — no batch ever has to be exactly the same!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No oven required – Just melt, mix, and chill.
Perfect balance of sweet and salty – An irresistible flavor combo.
Kid-friendly – Safe and fun for kids to make.
Crowd-pleasing – Ideal for parties, holidays, or movie nights.
Quick & affordable – Uses basic ingredients you probably already have.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 candies
- Calories: ~150 kcal per piece
Serving Suggestions
- Serve them on a holiday dessert platter for color and crunch.
- Wrap individual candies in foil or mini cupcake liners for gifting.
- Pair with a cup of coffee, milk, or hot cocoa for a cozy snack.
- Use them as ice cream toppings — they taste incredible frozen too!
Final Thoughts
Ragtag Candies are proof that sometimes the most delicious treats are the easiest to make. With their perfect mix of textures and flavors — soft, crunchy, creamy, salty, and sweet — they never fail to impress.
They’re the kind of candy that disappears from the tray before you even realize it. One bite leads to another… and another!
So next time you need a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert, skip the complicated baking — and make a batch of these no-bake chocolate clusters. You’ll fall in love at first crunch.