White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe

Introduction

These White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are a simple and delicious treat perfect for holiday gifting or snacking. With just a few ingredients, you can create elegant, sweet-and-salty clusters that everyone will love. If you enjoy easy chocolate desserts, you might also like this Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake Recipe or the classic Hershey Chocolate Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

These delightful clusters combine creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and buttery pecans for a perfect sweet and salty treat.

• 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate chips
• 1 cup (120 g) dried cranberries
• 1 cup (100 g) pecans, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Timing

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

Context: These White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are about 20% faster to make than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Measure out 1 cup of white chocolate chips, ½ cup of dried cranberries, and ½ cup of chopped pecans. Having everything ready before you begin ensures a smooth process when making your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters.

For best results, use high-quality white chocolate that contains cocoa butter for superior melting and flavor.

Step 2 — Toast the Pecans

Spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden.

Watch closely to prevent burning, as toasted nuts can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Let them cool completely before using.

Step 3 — Melt the White Chocolate

Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals on medium power, stirring thoroughly between each interval.

Stop heating when most chips are melted but a few lumps remain—the residual heat will melt them as you stir. This prevents the chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy.

Step 4 — Combine Ingredients

Add the cooled toasted pecans and dried cranberries to the melted white chocolate. Gently fold everything together until the nuts and fruit are evenly coated.

Work quickly but carefully to keep the chocolate fluid while ensuring full coverage.

Step 5 — Form the Clusters

Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to create uniform White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters.

Leave about an inch between clusters so they don’t touch as they set.

Step 6 — Set and Harden

Allow the clusters to set at room temperature until firm, which typically takes 1–2 hours. For faster setting, you can place the tray in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.

The clusters are ready when the white chocolate is completely firm to the touch and no longer glossy or tacky.

Step 7 — Store Properly

Once fully set, transfer your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters to an airtight container. Store at cool room temperature for up to two weeks.

For longer storage, keep them refrigerated, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	12g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	25mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Dark chocolate — Lower sugar option with rich, intense flavor that complements cranberries.
• Almonds or walnuts — Alternative nuts with similar crunch and heart-healthy fats.
• Dried cherries or blueberries — Lower-sugar fruit alternatives with tart sweetness.
• Pumpkin seeds — Protein-packed, nut-free option with savory crunch.
• Coconut oil-based chocolate — Dairy-free alternative that sets firmly with tropical notes.
• Stevia-sweetened chocolate — Zero-carb option for sugar-free dietary needs.
• Roasted chickpeas — Unexpected protein boost with crispy texture.
• Unsweetened coconut flakes — Low-carb addition providing texture and natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Serve as an elegant dessert alongside a cheese board featuring brie, sharp cheddar, and assorted crackers.
• Package them in decorative boxes or bags for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
• Offer them at brunch alongside scones, muffins, and fresh fruit for a sweet addition.
• Create a festive dessert platter by arranging them with other holiday cookies and candies.
• Use them as a topping for ice cream sundaes or yogurt parfaits for added crunch and sweetness.

For a beautiful presentation, arrange your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters on a tiered stand or a decorative platter lined with parchment paper. This makes them perfect for parties and special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using low-quality white chocolate that seizes or burns easily. Fix: Opt for high-quality chocolate with real cocoa butter for smooth melting and a stable temper.
• Mistake: Adding wet or frozen cranberries, which introduce moisture. Fix: Thoroughly pat dry fresh cranberries or use dried cranberries to prevent a sticky, separated chocolate.
• Mistake: Chopping pecans too finely, losing their signature crunch. Fix: Use a rough chop to maintain satisfying texture and visual appeal in every cluster.
• Mistake: Overheating the chocolate in the microwave, causing scorching. Fix: Melt in short 15-20 second bursts, stirring frequently for gentle, even heat.
• Mistake: Skipping the parchment paper, leading to clusters that stick. Fix: Always line your baking sheet to ensure your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters release perfectly.
• Mistake: Mixing all ingredients while the chocolate is too hot, melting the cranberries. Fix: Let the chocolate cool slightly so it’s warm, not hot, before folding in the add-ins.
• Mistake: Rushing the setting process at room temperature, resulting in soft clusters. Fix: Speed up setting by placing the tray in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for a firm finish.
• Mistake: Creating overly large clusters that are difficult to eat and set unevenly. Fix: Use a tablespoon to portion uniform clusters for consistent size and easy serving.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This prevents the white chocolate from softening or blooming.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: If you prefer your clusters slightly warm, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-7 minutes, just until the chocolate is glossy. Do not overheat.

Always ensure your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are cooled completely before storing to maintain texture and prevent condensation. For food safety, avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods, especially in warm environments.

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are the perfect sweet and crunchy treat for any occasion. We hope you love making them as much as we do! Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls Recipe and Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Bites Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tasty recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for these clusters?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate, but it will change the flavor profile. The White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are designed for a sweet and creamy taste, which white chocolate provides.

How should I store White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters to keep them fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I add other nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?

Absolutely. Feel free to customize your White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters with additions like almonds or dried cherries. Just keep the total volume of mix-ins similar to maintain the proper cluster consistency.