The first time I made white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters, it was a last-minute idea for a get-together.
I had limited time and a craving for something sweet, but still a bit “fancy.” To my surprise, these little bites disappeared within minutes—everyone asked for the recipe!
There’s something magical about the combo: creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a whisper of sea salt.
Each cluster delivers the perfect bite—balanced, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver when I need a quick treat with big impact.
It’s no-bake, mess-free, and takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Plus, they look like you bought them from a gourmet shop, but they’re secretly simple.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
White chocolate chips – Choose a good-quality brand for smooth melting and rich flavor (I like Ghirardelli or Guittard).
Dried cranberries – Sweet and tart, they cut through the richness and add chewy texture.
Pecans – Roughly chopped for a nutty crunch. Walnuts or almonds are good swaps too.
Vanilla extract – Just a splash elevates the chocolate flavor.
Sea salt – Optional, but the salty contrast really enhances each bite.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t overheat the white chocolate.
Microwave in 30-second intervals and stir in between to avoid burning.
Pre-chop cranberries if they’re too large. Smaller pieces mix and set better.
Work quickly once the mix is combined—white chocolate hardens fast!
How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Set aside—you’ll want it ready before the chocolate sets.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second bursts.
Stir between intervals until fully melted and silky smooth.
Step 3: Mix in the Goodies
Stir in vanilla extract, then add cranberries and pecans.
Mix until every bit is coated with white chocolate.
Step 4: Form the Clusters
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 5: Sprinkle Salt (Optional)
Add a light pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cluster for that sweet-salty magic.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Place the tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until the clusters are firm and set.
What to Serve It With
These clusters go perfectly with a hot mug of coffee, afternoon tea, or even tucked into a holiday cookie tray.
I love adding them to dessert boards or wrapping them up as edible gifts—they always impress.
Variations / Substitutions
Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of white for a richer flavor.
Swap cranberries for dried cherries, blueberries, or even raisins.
Replace pecans with almonds, cashews, or walnuts—whatever you have on hand!
Storage & Leftovers
Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature (if cool) or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Avoid humid environments, which can affect the chocolate texture.
For longer shelf life, keep them chilled.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes! Dark chocolate brings a deeper, less sweet flavor and pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
It’s optional. Toasted pecans give a richer, nuttier flavor but raw ones work just fine too.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make them up to 3 days in advance and store them in the fridge until serving.
Will other dried fruits work?
Definitely—try chopped dried apricots, cherries, or blueberries for variety.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Only if your kitchen is warm. Otherwise, a cool, dry spot is fine.
Can I freeze these clusters?
Yes! Freeze in layers with parchment between and thaw in the fridge before serving.
How many clusters does this recipe make?
You’ll get about 16–20 clusters depending on the size of your spoonfuls.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re whipping up a sweet snack for yourself or making treats to share, these White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters never disappoint.
They’re fast, festive, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
You’ll love how effortless they are—and your guests will never guess how little time they took!
White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups white chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cranberries chopped slightly if large
- ½ cup pecans roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals.
- Stirring thoroughly between each, until completely smooth and melted.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans, mixing gently to coat everything evenly with the white chocolate.
- Use a spoon to drop small clusters of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/easy-white-chocolate-cranberry-pecan-clusters/
Notes
- You can swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios.
- For a festive touch, add a few red or green sprinkles before chilling.
