When the holiday season rolls around and kitchens fill with the warm scent of cinnamon, citrus, and freshly baked cookies, there’s always room for one more irresistible sweet treat. But sometimes, especially during the busiest time of the year, the very last thing you want to do is crank up the oven, pull out a dozen baking sheets, and spend hours cleaning up. That’s exactly where White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters come in — the perfect sweet bite that looks festive, tastes luxurious, and requires absolutely no baking at all.

This simple 5-ingredient candy-style recipe blends the rich creaminess of melted white chocolate with chewy, jewel-toned dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans. Whether you’re looking for a quick holiday dessert, an edible gift for friends, or something to add variety to your Christmas cookie tray, these clusters are easy, elegant, and incredibly delicious. And the best part? They come together in under 15 minutes.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters, from ingredients and techniques to variations, storage tips, and creative serving ideas. Let’s dive into a dessert that is as beautiful as it is simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These candy clusters offer the perfect combination of flavor and texture:

Buttery toasted pecans bring warm nuttiness.
White chocolate adds smooth, sweet creaminess.
Dried cranberries provide chewiness and tart contrast.
No baking required makes them stress-free.
Just a handful of ingredients keeps things simple.
Perfectly giftable and great for holiday dessert boxes.
Fast — ready in minutes with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re a novice cook or a practiced baker, these clusters deliver gourmet results with almost no effort.

Ingredients You Need

This recipe uses basics that are easy to find and even easier to work with. Here’s a deeper look at why each ingredient matters:

White Chocolate Chips
These melt smoothly and set firmly, making them perfect for candy clusters. If you prefer a richer flavor, high-quality couverture white chocolate works beautifully too.
Dried Cranberries
Their tart sweetness cuts through the richness of the chocolate and provides a beautiful ruby color.
Pecans (toasted and chopped)
Toasting enhances flavor and adds the crunch these clusters need.
Coconut Oil or Shortening
Just a teaspoon helps stabilize the melted chocolate, keeping the clusters shiny instead of chalky.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances flavor and adds subtle warmth.

That’s it. No baking powder, no flour, no chilling for hours — just melt, mix, scoop, and enjoy.

Ingredient List (Formatted for Recipe Section)

2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Prepare a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Toast the Pecans
Add pecans to a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly before using.
Melt the White Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Mix Everything Together
Stir in vanilla extract, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Form the Clusters
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Let Them Set
Allow clusters to set at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 10 minutes until firm.
Serve or Store
Enjoy immediately or transfer to an airtight container.