Welcome to the Season of Sweetness and Joy
Let’s be honest—what’s Christmas without something sweet, creamy, crunchy, and totally addictive? Whether you’re a last-minute baker or someone who’s always looking for festive treats to share, this Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy will tick all your holiday boxes. Imagine smooth, velvety white chocolate hugging tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans in bite-sized clusters of joy. Sound good? It tastes even better.
This is the kind of treat that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket next to a crackling fireplace. It’s cozy, it’s festive, and it only takes about 15 minutes to whip up. Even better? No baking required. All you need is a microwave, a bowl, a spoon, and a little holiday spirit. 🎅
What is White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy?
In the simplest terms, this is a no-bake holiday candy made with melted white chocolate, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. But what it really is? A burst of Christmas magic in every bite.
This treat brings together:
- The sweetness and creaminess of white chocolate,
- The tart chewiness of dried cranberries,
- And the nutty crunch of roasted pecans.
They’re dropped into clusters on parchment paper and left to set, forming little nuggets of festive bliss. The red from the cranberries and the golden-white chocolate make them picture-perfect for a Christmas platter or treat bag. They’re as gorgeous as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Candy
Let’s count the ways, shall we?
- Minimal Ingredients – You only need three main ingredients. Three!
- No Fancy Equipment – Microwave and a spoon. That’s it.
- Fast AF (Festive and Fast) – You’re done in 15 minutes.
- Perfect for Parties or Gifting – Pop these in a holiday tin and you’ve got an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Holiday Flavors – That cranberry-white chocolate combo screams Christmas.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can make them days in advance and store them easily.
Basically, this is the candy recipe for real people living real (busy) holiday lives.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make these sweet bites:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips – Go for high-quality chips. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
- 1.5 cups dried cranberries – Tart and chewy, they balance the sweetness.
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans – Adds a buttery, nutty crunch.
- Parchment paper – For easy candy removal and setting.
That’s it. Simple, right? But don’t underestimate the magic that happens when these three ingredients come together.
Let’s Talk White Chocolate
White chocolate isn’t technically chocolate (there’s no cocoa solids), but it IS dreamy when used right. The trick is to use a quality brand. Cheap white chocolate can get waxy or grainy, and that’s not the vibe we’re going for.
Here are a few tips:
- Look for white chocolate chips that list cocoa butter in the ingredients.
- Brands like Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Lindt tend to melt smoother.
- Avoid almond bark or candy coating if you want that real-deal creamy melt.
White chocolate is rich, buttery, and when melted right, it wraps around your pecans and cranberries like a warm holiday hug.
The Star Add-Ins: Cranberries and Pecans
This is where the magic happens.
Dried cranberries bring a tangy burst of flavor that cuts through the sweetness. Plus, their ruby red color? Totally festive. You can chop them smaller if you like your candy with a more uniform texture, or leave them whole for a juicier bite.
Chopped pecans are the unsung hero here. Toast them for extra flavor (5 minutes in a dry skillet does the trick). They add the perfect crunch to balance the softness of the chocolate and the chew of the cranberries.
Together, they create that sweet-tart-crunchy-creamy combo that keeps you reaching for “just one more.”
How to Make Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy
This recipe is stupidly easy, but in the best way. You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this. If you can stir, you can make this candy. Seriously.
Here’s the basic idea:
- Melt the white chocolate chips.
- Stir in cranberries and pecans.
- Scoop and drop onto parchment.
- Let them set.
- Enjoy or gift!
Yup, that’s it. But let’s go through it step-by-step, shall we?
Detailed Recipe Instructions
Ingredients:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1.5 cups dried cranberries
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Melt the Chocolate:
Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one. It usually takes about 1.5 to 2 minutes total. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Mix in the Good Stuff:
Once melted, fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Mix gently but thoroughly to coat everything in that glorious chocolate. - Drop the Candy:
Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop small mounds of the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Try to get a bit of everything in each bite.
- Let Them Set:
Let the candies cool at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry (or just impatient—no judgment), pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. - Serve or Store:
Once set, peel them off the paper and place them in a festive dish—or straight into your mouth.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 24 clusters
Calories per candy: ~180 kcal
Recipe Card: Quick View
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| White chocolate chips | 12 oz |
| Dried cranberries | 1.5 cups |
| Chopped pecans | 1.5 cups |
| Parchment paper | For lining surface |
Instructions Summary:
- Melt chocolate in microwave.
- Stir in cranberries and pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls on parchment.
- Let set. Done!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use quality chocolate. Cheap chocolate won’t melt well.
- Toast your pecans. It brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Refrigerate to speed things up. But let them return to room temp before serving for best texture.
- Scoop evenly. Use a cookie scoop for uniform candy.
- Store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for 5-7 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the chocolate. It can seize and become gritty.
- Adding wet ingredients. Water is white chocolate’s enemy—it’ll make it clump.
- Not stirring enough. Make sure every bite gets enough cranberry and pecan action.
- Using low-quality chocolate chips. The end result will taste like it.
🎄 Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
Description
🎅 A delightful blend of creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans — these festive candies are the easiest way to sweeten your holiday season! Perfect for gifting or serving at Christmas parties. ❄️💝
Ingredients
12 oz white chocolate chips
1½ cups dried cranberries
1½ cups chopped pecans
Parchment paper
Instructions
Melt the Chocolate (⏱ 5 minutes)
🍫 Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
🔥 Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.Mix the Goodness (⏱ 3 minutes)
🥄 Stir in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans until evenly coated in the creamy chocolate.Shape the Candies (⏱ 5 minutes)
🍪 Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray.
🎨 Space them apart to allow perfect shapes as they set.Set and Serve (⏱ 2 minutes active, 20 minutes passive)
❄️ Let candies set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
🍬 Once set, peel off the parchment and serve — sweet, crunchy perfection!
Notes
Use premium white chocolate chips for a creamier, melt-in-your-mouth texture. 🍫
Toast the pecans lightly before mixing for a richer, nutty flavor. 🌰
For a festive twist, drizzle with dark chocolate or sprinkle crushed peppermint on top. ❤️💚
These candies make perfect homemade holiday gifts — wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon for a beautiful touch! 🎁✨
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 candies
- Calories: 180 kcal
Make It Your Own: Fun Variations
Want to jazz it up? Here are some fun twists:
- Add crushed peppermint for a minty vibe.
- Swap pecans for almonds or pistachios.
- Use dried cherries instead of cranberries.
- Add a drizzle of dark chocolate on top for contrast.
- Sprinkle with sea salt before they set—thank me later.
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Once you’ve made a batch of this irresistible Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy, you’ll want to keep it fresh—assuming it lasts longer than a day (good luck with that!). Here’s how to store it right:
Storing Your Candy
- Room Temperature: If your house isn’t too warm, you can keep the candy in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerator: Want a firmer bite or longer shelf life? Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to place wax paper or parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
- Freezer Friendly: Yup, you can freeze them! Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 2 months. Just let them come to room temperature before serving so the texture softens.
Perfect for Gifting
This candy was practically made for holiday gifting. Think about it—bright red cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and rustic chopped nuts, all nestled in festive wrappings? It screams “I thought of you this holiday season!”
Here are some easy, cute gifting ideas:
- Holiday tins from the dollar store lined with parchment.
- Clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons.
- Mini mason jars with custom labels or tags.
- Christmas-themed treat boxes for a more polished look.
Want to make it extra special? Include a handwritten recipe card with a sweet note. This small touch turns a simple treat into a thoughtful gift.
These make great gifts for:
- Teachers 🎓
- Neighbors 🏡
- Coworkers 👔
- Party hosts 🎉
- Stocking stuffers 🎄
Why This Candy Screams ‘Christmas’
This isn’t just any sweet snack—this candy brings Christmas to life. Here’s why:
- The colors – Bright red cranberries, white chocolate, and golden pecans = pure holiday vibes.
- The flavors – Creamy, tart, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet.
- The simplicity – You can make it even if you’re juggling 10 things in the kitchen.
- The versatility – Great for dessert trays, cookie exchanges, and edible gifts.
- The nostalgia – One bite takes you back to holiday kitchens and warm memories.
You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to pull off something beautiful and delicious this holiday season. This recipe proves that the best Christmas traditions are often the easiest—and tastiest—ones.
Conclusion
So, here’s the deal: If you’re looking for the perfect festive candy that checks all the boxes—easy, quick, beautiful, and totally addictive—Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy is it.
This isn’t just another holiday recipe; it’s a treat that feels like Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re making them to share with loved ones, gift to your child’s teacher, or just snack on while watching Hallmark movies in your pajamas, these little clusters bring warmth, sweetness, and joy to the season.
No oven. No stress. Just chocolatey, nutty, fruity perfection. 🎁
So go on—grab your bowl, melt that chocolate, and get festive! ❄️
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FAQs
1. Can I use white chocolate bars instead of chips?
Yes! Just chop the bars into small chunks so they melt evenly. Make sure it’s good quality for the best flavor.
2. Are there any nut-free options?
Absolutely. You can swap the pecans for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin, or just add more cranberries or mini pretzels for crunch.
3. How do I keep the chocolate from seizing when melting?
Avoid any water or steam touching the chocolate. Use a dry bowl and stir gently. Microwave in short bursts and don’t overheat.
4. Can I use other dried fruits?
Totally. Dried cherries, blueberries, or even chopped apricots are great alternatives or additions.
5. How far in advance can I make these candies?
You can make them up to a week in advance if stored in an airtight container. Freeze them if you want to prep even earlier.
