White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe

Introduction

These easy white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters are the perfect festive treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful combination of sweet white chocolate, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. They are incredibly quick to make and perfect for holiday gifting or a sweet snack. For more seasonal baking ideas, try these Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe or the popular Grinch Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients

These White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters combine the sweet creaminess of white chocolate with tart cranberries and rich, buttery pecans for a perfect bite of texture and flavor.

• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	5 minutes
Total Time	20 minutes

Context: This 20-minute total time makes these White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters about 25% faster than similar no-bake confection recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Tools

Measure out your white chocolate, dried cranberries, and pecan halves. You’ll also need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, a heatproof bowl, and a saucepan for a double boiler.

Step 2 — Toast the Pecans

Spread the pecans in a single layer on a dry baking sheet. Toast them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, just until fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning, as toasted nuts can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Let the pecans cool completely before chopping. This step is crucial for maximizing their flavor and ensuring a satisfying crunch in your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters.

Step 3 — Chop and Combine the Mix-Ins

Roughly chop the cooled, toasted pecans into smaller pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans and dried cranberries. This ensures they will be evenly distributed throughout the chocolate.

Step 4 — Melt the White Chocolate

Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with an inch of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the white chocolate to the bowl and stir frequently until completely smooth and melted.

For best results, chop bar chocolate finely rather than using chips, as it melts more evenly. Remove the bowl from the heat as soon as the chocolate is smooth to avoid overheating.

Step 5 — Fold in the Cranberries and Pecans

Pour the melted white chocolate over the bowl of cranberries and pecans. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated in chocolate.

Step 6 — Form the Clusters

Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each cluster. You can gently shape them with your fingers if needed.

Step 7 — Set and Harden

Allow the White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters to set at room temperature until firm, which can take 1–2 hours. For faster setting, you can place the tray in the refrigerator for about 20–30 minutes.

The clusters are ready when the chocolate is completely solid and no longer tacky to the touch.

Step 8 — Store or Serve

Once set, gently peel the clusters from the parchment paper. Store them in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks for the best texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~180 kcal
Protein	~2 g
Carbohydrates	~18 g
Fat	~12 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~15 mg

Note: These values are estimates for one White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Cluster and can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are already a simple treat, but you can easily adjust them to fit different dietary needs or health goals. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to try.

• Protein-Packed Chocolate — Swap the regular white chocolate chips for a sugar-free or protein-enriched white chocolate alternative. This adds a satisfying protein boost while keeping the creamy texture.
• Lower-Carb Sweetness — Use sugar-free dried cranberries or chop fresh cranberries lightly sweetened with a monk fruit blend. This significantly reduces the net carbs per cluster.
• Dairy-Free Delight — Choose a high-quality dairy-free white chocolate made from cocoa butter. This simple swap makes the clusters completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
• Nut-Free Option — Replace the pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a similar crunch. Always check chocolate labels to ensure the recipe stays nut-free.
• Gluten-Free Assurance — While the base recipe is naturally gluten-free, always double-check that your dried cranberries and chocolate are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
• Lower-Sodium Version — Opt for unsalted pecans and ensure your dried cranberries are no-sugar-added or unsweetened varieties, which often contain less sodium.
• Antioxidant Boost — Mix in a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with the pecans. You won’t taste them, but they add fiber and nutrients.
• Dark Chocolate Twist — Use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor with less sugar and more antioxidants.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these sweet and nutty clusters with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling for a sophisticated treat.
• Offer them alongside a holiday cheese board; the tangy cranberries and creamy white chocolate complement aged cheddar and creamy brie beautifully.
• Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
• Serve them as a delightful after-dinner mint alternative at a dinner party, placing a few on a small decorative plate at each setting.
• Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for an easy, elegant dessert with fantastic texture contrast.
• Create a stunning dessert display by arranging the White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters on a tiered stand alongside other cookies and candies.
• For a simple yet beautiful plating tip, scatter a few extra dried cranberries and pecan halves around the clusters on a white or slate-colored platter.

These versatile clusters are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or simply as a special snack with your afternoon tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overheated white chocolate, which causes it to seize into a grainy, clumpy mess. Fix: Melt chocolate gently in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring frequently until just smooth.
• Mistake: Adding wet or frozen cranberries to the chocolate, introducing moisture that ruins the temper. Fix: Ensure all dried cranberries and toasted pecans are completely cool and dry before mixing.
• Mistake: Skipping the toasting step for pecans, resulting in a bland, raw nut flavor. Fix: Toast pecans in a dry skillet or oven until fragrant to deepen their flavor and crunch.
• Mistake: Making clusters that are too large or thick, so they don’t set properly and fall apart. Fix: Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to create modest, tablespoon-sized clusters for perfect structure.
• Mistake: Rushing the setting process at room temperature, leading to sticky, soft clusters. Fix: Chill the baking sheet of clusters in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to ensure a firm, clean set.
• Mistake: Storing finished clusters at room temperature or in a warm kitchen, causing them to soften and lose shape. Fix: Keep White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator.
• Mistake: Using low-quality white chocolate chips with stabilizers that don’t melt smoothly. Fix: Opt for a baking bar or couverture chocolate, which contains more cocoa butter for a superior melt and snap.
• Mistake: Stirring the mix-ins too vigorously, which breaks the delicate pecans and makes the clusters messy. Fix: Fold the cranberries and pecans gently into the melted chocolate just until coated.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the clusters in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain best quality for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat: If the clusters have softened or bloomed, you can briefly re-melt them. Place on a parchment-lined tray and warm in an oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) for just 2-3 minutes, until the white chocolate re-sets. This is below the temperature danger zone for food safety.

Always ensure your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are completely cooled and set before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are the perfect sweet and salty treat for holiday gifting or snacking. We hope you love this simple recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment or rating. For more festive desserts, check out our Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe or Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate for these clusters?

Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate, but it will change the flavor profile. White chocolate provides a sweet, creamy base that perfectly balances the tart cranberries and toasted pecans. For the classic taste, we recommend sticking with good quality white chocolate for these White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters.

How should I store these candy clusters to keep them fresh?

Store your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. They will keep well for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for a firmer texture.

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Absolutely. Almonds or walnuts make excellent substitutes if you have an allergy or preference. Toast any nuts you use to enhance their flavor before mixing them into the clusters. This ensures your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters have the best possible taste and crunch.