White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters: The Easiest No-Bake Holiday Treat Everyone Loves

When the holiday season arrives, there’s something magical about filling the kitchen with sweet treats that are both delicious and effortless. Among the sea of cookies, bars, and confections, White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters stand out as a festive, no-bake classic that delivers indulgence without the fuss. Made with creamy white chocolate, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, these bite-sized clusters offer the perfect balance of texture and flavor — sweet, tangy, buttery, and beautifully rich.

Whether you’re building treat boxes, prepping for a Christmas party, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. With only a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, these clusters show how gourmet a simple homemade treat can taste.

Let’s dive into everything that makes these clusters irresistible: texture, flavor, versatility, and the ease of making them ahead during the busiest time of the year.

Why White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Are So Popular

1. A Perfect Sweet-Tart-Crunchy Combo

White chocolate is naturally sweet and creamy, creating a smooth backdrop for tart cranberries and toasted pecans. Together, the combination feels luxurious, festive, and sophisticated.

2. No Baking Required

During the holiday rush, oven space is always limited. These clusters require only melting chocolate and stirring ingredients together — nothing more.

3. Ready in Minutes

With just 10 minutes of hands-on work and a short chill time, you can make a full batch quickly.

4. Great for Gifting

These clusters pack beautifully into cookie tins, gift bags, jars, and holiday boxes. They stay fresh, hold their shape, and look stunning.

5. Versatile and Adaptable

Swap nuts, vary the chocolate, add spices, or mix in crispy elements. This recipe adapts to many flavors and dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate bars)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch flaky sea salt (optional for topping)
• Optional add-ins: orange zest, mini marshmallows, almonds, macadamia nuts, crushed pretzels

Instructions

1. Prep baking sheet:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
2. Toast the pecans (optional but recommended):
   Heat pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
3. Melt the white chocolate:
   Microwave white chocolate in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler.
4. Mix in ingredients:
   Stir cranberries, pecans, and vanilla into the melted white chocolate until fully coated.
5. Form clusters:
   Drop spoonfuls of mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Top with sea salt (optional):
   Add a pinch of flaky salt to each cluster for contrast.
7. Chill:
   Refrigerate 10–12 minutes or until firm.
8. Store:
   Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters

A quick and festive no-bake holiday candy made with creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 20 clusters

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 160

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Candy Base

• 2 cups white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans chopped, toasted optional
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• flaky sea salt optional for topping

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Microwave or double boiler
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Gently toast pecans in a skillet for 3–4 minutes for extra flavor.
3. Melt white chocolate in microwave-safe bowl using 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each.
4. Stir in cranberries, pecans, and vanilla until fully coated.
5. Spoon clusters onto the baking sheet.
6. Top with flaky sea salt if desired.
7. Refrigerate 10–12 minutes until firm.

Notes

Store in airtight container up to one week; refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.

Tips for Perfect Candy Clusters

Use Quality White Chocolate

The flavor drastically improves when using high-quality white chocolate containing cocoa butter.

Toast the Pecans

Toasting releases natural oils and enhances flavor.

Avoid Overheating

White chocolate burns easily — heat slowly and stir often.

Customize the Texture

Add pretzels for crunch, marshmallows for softness, or swap nuts as desired.

Chill Quickly

Refrigeration helps set the clusters cleanly without melting or spreading.

Delicious Variations

Orange Cranberry Clusters

Add 1 teaspoon orange zest for a bright citrus note.

White Chocolate Almond Crunch

Replace pecans with sliced almonds and add crushed graham crackers.

Salted Macadamia Cranberry Clusters

Use macadamias for a Hawaiian-inspired holiday treat.

Holiday Sprinkle Clusters

Add red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.

Serving Ideas

• Add to holiday dessert platters
• Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled wine
• Package into gift bags for teachers, neighbors, and friends
• Use as stocking stuffers
• Add to frozen dessert boards
• Pair with popcorn for a sweet-salty movie snack

Fun Facts

• White chocolate technically isn’t “chocolate” — it contains cocoa butter but no cocoa solids.
• Cranberries historically symbolize good fortune during winter celebrations.
• Pecans are North America’s only native tree nut, making this a uniquely American holiday treat