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White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters


White chocolate clusters with dried cranberries and pecans

These festive snowy bites make a delightful treat for the holiday season or any special occasion! Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the white chocolate chips in a dry microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short 15–20-second bursts at reduced power, stirring thoroughly between bursts, just until smooth. Avoid overheating or introducing water, which can cause the chocolate to seize.
  2. Stir in the cranberries, chopped pecans, and optional salt. Avoid ordinary liquid vanilla extract, which can cause melted chocolate to seize.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop clusters of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them out to allow for spreading.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the clusters are set and firm.
  5. Once set, remove the clusters from the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, or refrigerate if the room is warm. Allow chilled clusters to come toward room temperature before serving to reduce condensation.

Recipe information

  • Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes (estimate)
  • Cook time: Approximately 2–4 minutes total microwave heating, depending on microwave and batch size
  • Total time: Approximately 45–50 minutes, including setting
  • Servings: Varies with cluster size
  • Difficulty: Beginner — ●○○○○
  • Cost: Moderate — $$$
  • Region/Ethnic origin: American-style confection

Cook’s notes

White chocolate is sensitive to overheating and moisture. Keep the white chocolate and utensils dry, melt gently, and avoid overheating. Store the finished clusters airtight and away from heat.

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7 responses to “White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters”

  1. jo-Anne Belanger Avatar
    jo-Anne Belanger

    can you freeze these?

    Reply
    1. Steve W Carter Avatar
      Steve W Carter

      Yes, absolutely! These freeze very well. Once the clusters are completely set, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container with parchment or wax paper between the layers. They should keep well for about 2 to 3 months.

      When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator while still covered, then bring them to room temperature before serving. Keeping them covered while they thaw helps prevent condensation from forming on the white chocolate.

      Thank you for asking, Jo-Anne! I’m also going to add freezing instructions to the recipe so this is clearer for everyone. 

      Reply
  2. Phyllis Burnham Avatar
    Phyllis Burnham

    Although these were tasty the recipe seems to be way off. I had to add another cup of chips to even get them to stick together.. They were nothing but crumbles to start. Guess you could cut down on the cranberries and pecans if you’d rather

    Reply
    1. Steve W Carter Avatar
      Steve W Carter

      Hi Phyllis! Thank you for reporting that the mixture crumbled and that you needed another cup of white chocolate chips. We’ve now adjusted the recipe from 12 to 16 ounces of white chocolate for the 2 cups of cranberries and pecans, using your experience to address the coating ratio. We also removed ordinary liquid vanilla extract because moisture can cause melted chocolate to seize. The revised proportions are an editorial adjustment, not a guarantee of identical results with every brand of chips. We appreciate your help!

      Reply
  3. Camie Roper Avatar
    Camie Roper

    Yes, they can be frozen, but double-wrap to preserve the flavor.

    Reply
    1. Steve W Carter Avatar
      Steve W Carter

      Thanks for sharing that tip, Camie! Wrapping the clusters well before freezing is a great way to help protect their flavor and texture. We appreciate you helping other readers!

      Reply
  4. Regroupements de Noël au chocolat blanc, canneberges et pacanes – 00recipes

    […] délicieuses versions plus gourmandes comme la recette White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters (White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters – Carter Family Recipes) et une autre variante en fudge (White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Fudge – House of Nash Eats). […]

    Reply

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