White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters – The Easiest No-Bake Holiday Candy

If you want a dessert that delivers maximum holiday flavor with minimum effort, these White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are the treat you’ve been searching for. Sweet, creamy white chocolate meets chewy dried cranberries and buttery toasted pecans to create a candy that feels luxurious, festive, and joyfully easy. With only a handful of ingredients and no baking required, this recipe is ideal for busy families, last-minute party treats, teacher gifts, cookie boxes, or when you just want something delicious without turning on the oven.

These clusters have become a holiday classic because they deliver that perfect seasonal balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy. The cranberries brighten the sweetness of the white chocolate, while the pecans add buttery warmth and satisfying texture. Each bite offers everything you want in a holiday confection — richness, chewiness, and crunch.

Even better, they come together in minutes. Melt, mix, drop, and let them set. That’s it.

Below, you’ll find ingredients, instructions, variations, tips, storage guidance, and everything you need to make the best version of this beloved no-bake candy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz high-quality white chocolate (chips or chopped bars)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: ½ tsp orange zest, extra melted white chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate
   Melt chocolate in 20–30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each until smooth.
3. Stir in flavorings
   Add vanilla and a pinch of sea salt, stirring until combined.
4. Add cranberries and pecans
   Fold in dried cranberries and pecans until evenly coated.
5. Form the clusters
   Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop clusters onto the parchment. They can be rustic or neatly shaped depending on your preference.
6. Let them set
   Allow clusters to set at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate 10–15 minutes for faster firming.
7. Serve or store
   Once fully set, enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.

White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters

An easy no-bake holiday candy made with creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 18 clusters

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 135

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

No-Bake Clusters

• 12 oz white chocolate chips or chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• sea salt pinch

Equipment

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt white chocolate in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla and sea salt.
4. Fold in cranberries and pecans until evenly coated.
5. Scoop spoonfuls onto the parchment to form clusters.
6. Let set at room temperature or chill for 10–15 minutes.

Notes

Toast pecans for added flavor. Add orange zest or a drizzle of white chocolate for decoration.

Tips for Perfect Candy Every Time

• Use good white chocolate: Real cocoa butter melts smoother and sets beautifully.
• Toast the pecans: Just 5 minutes adds deep flavor and crunch.
• Don’t overheat chocolate: White chocolate burns easily — gentle heat is key.
• Add holiday flair: A drizzle of melted white chocolate or crushed candy cane looks stunning.
• Make ahead friendly: These candies stay fresh for over a week.

Flavor Variations

• White Chocolate Cranberry Almond Clusters – substitute almonds.
• Orange Cranberry Version – add zest for a citrus burst.
• Salty-Sweet – sprinkle sea salt flakes on top.
• Festive Mix-In – add mini marshmallows or pretzel pieces.

Storage Suggestions

• Room Temp: Up to 7 days.
• Fridge: Up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months (separate layers with parchment).