White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters – A Sweet, Festive, No-Bake Holiday Treat
Some recipes feel like pure holiday magic, and White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are one of those treats that instantly spark joy. They’re dazzling to look at—those ruby-red cranberries, the warm golden pecan pieces, all coated in creamy white chocolate—and even more delightful to eat. Best of all, they require zero baking, minimal ingredients, and only a few minutes of hands-on time. They’re the kind of treat that becomes a yearly tradition, showing up at cookie exchanges, holiday dessert boards, Christmas Eve platters, or simply as a sweet little snack tucked into festive tins for gifting.
These clusters are wonderfully simple but also undeniably elegant. The sweet white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries, while the toasted pecans bring depth, crunch, and natural warmth to every bite. And because they set up quickly, you can whip up a big batch in no time. Whether you’re preparing last-minute treats or planning ahead for the holiday season, this is one of those dependable, fuss-free recipes you’ll reach for again and again.
One of the great joys of this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste, swap nuts, add spices, or even drizzle on extra chocolate to dress them up. They’re also perfect for kids to help with, since all the mixing happens in a single bowl, and the clusters are simply scooped onto parchment paper and left to set. No special equipment, no tricky tempering—just melt, fold, scoop, and enjoy.
Below, you’ll find a cozy, detailed article exploring everything that makes these clusters irresistible, plus tips, variations, serving ideas, storage instructions, a FAQ, and a full recipe card. Let’s dive into the world of holiday sweetness, where effortless meets delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
- Additional cranberries or pecan pieces for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set aside.
- Melt white chocolate. Add white chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each, until completely smooth.
- Stir in flavoring. Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Mix in cranberries and pecans. Fold dried cranberries and chopped pecans into the melted chocolate until evenly coated.
- Scoop clusters. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small portions onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Add garnish. Top each cluster with a few extra cranberries or pecan pieces if desired. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
- Let set. Allow clusters to cool at room temperature until firm, or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to speed up the process.
- Serve or store. Once set, enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt white chocolate in microwave in 20–30 second intervals until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Fold in dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls onto parchment to form clusters.
- Add additional cranberries or pecans on top and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Let clusters set at room temperature or chill for 10–15 minutes.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Toast the pecans. A quick toast intensifies their natural butteriness.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate. White chocolate scorches easily; microwave in short bursts.
- Candy coating hack: If white chocolate chips are too thick after melting, stir in 1 teaspoon coconut oil.
- Want bigger clusters? Use a large cookie scoop for bakery-style candy bites.
Variations
- White Chocolate Cranberry Almond Clusters: Swap pecans for sliced or slivered almonds.
- Holiday Spiced Clusters: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Drizzled Chocolate Version: Drizzle with dark chocolate for a stunning color contrast.
- Add orange zest: Bright citrus flavor pairs incredibly well with white chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
- Add them to a festive dessert board with cookies and chocolates.
- Wrap in cellophane bags or tins for edible holiday gifts.
- Serve alongside a cup of hot cocoa for the perfect cozy treat.
- Offer them at Christmas parties as a bite-size sweet.
Storage Information
- Room Temperature: Store up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge to prevent condensation.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries?
No—fresh cranberries release moisture and will cause the chocolate to seize. Always use dried.
Can I temper the white chocolate?
Yes, but for this recipe it’s unnecessary. The clusters set beautifully without tempering.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free white baking chips and ensure cranberries and add-ins are dairy-free.
History / Fun Facts
White chocolate clusters have been a holiday staple since the mid-20th century, when home cooks began favoring quick-and-easy candy recipes that didn’t require stovetop thermometers. As dried cranberries became more popular in the 1990s, they started replacing raisins in many classic candy recipes—leading to the rise of cranberry-nut clusters. Today, these confections remain a cherished no-bake treat found everywhere from holiday cookie boxes to gourmet candy shops.
