PEANUTTY PIE CRUST CLUSTERS

via Cooking Contest Central

March 8th is National Peanut Cluster Day so I'm featuring Beth Royals' Peanutty Pie Crust Clusters recipe, $1,000,000 winner of the 2014 47th Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. 

Peanutty Pie Crust Clusters

1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box

1 bag (12 oz) white vanilla baking chips (2 cups)

1 Tbsp Crisco Baking Sticks Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening

1 Tbsp Jif Creamy Peanut Butter

1 cup salted cocktail peanuts

2/3 cup toffee bits

1. Heat oven to 450°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with Reynolds Cut-Rite Wax Paper.
2.  Unroll pie crust on work surface. With pizza cutter or knife, cut into 16 rows by 16 rows to make small squares. Arrange squares in single layer on large non-greased cookie sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove squares from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 5 minutes.
3. In large microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips, shortening and peanut butter uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring once, until chips can be stirred smooth. Add pie crust squares, peanuts and toffee bits; stir gently until evenly coated. Immediately drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lined cookie sheets. (If mixture gets too thick, microwave on High 15 seconds; stir.) Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until set. Store covered.