If you’re searching for a festive treat that combines creamy sweetness with a delightful crunch and a pop of tartness, look no further than the Easiest and Most Loved Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy Recipe. This charming candy perfectly balances luscious white chocolate with tangy dried cranberries and buttery pecans, making it an irresistible holiday favorite. Whether you’re gifting it, sharing at parties, or just indulging yourself, this recipe is wonderfully simple and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These few, straightforward ingredients come together in harmony to create a candy that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role: the white chocolate melts into a silky base, the dried cranberries add a bright and chewy surprise, and the pecans lend a toasty, crunchy finish.
- 12 oz white chocolate chips: Choose good-quality chips for smooth melting and a rich, creamy flavor that forms the candy’s base.
- 1.5 cups dried cranberries: These bring tartness and chewiness that cut through the sweet white chocolate perfectly.
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans: Roasted or raw, pecans add the essential nutty crunch that gives this candy its festive texture.
How to Make Easiest and Most Loved Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate
Start by gently melting 12 ounces of white chocolate chips. You can do this either in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often to prevent burning, or by placing a heatproof bowl over simmering water (a double boiler). Melting it slowly ensures that your chocolate stays silky smooth and glossy for the perfect candy base.
Step 2: Stir in the Cranberries and Pecans
Once the chocolate is melted, fold in 1.5 cups each of dried cranberries and chopped pecans. The timing here is key—adding them while the chocolate is still warm allows every bit to get coated beautifully, ensuring every bite bursts with balanced flavor and delightful texture.
Step 3: Spoon Onto Parchment Paper
Using a teaspoon, drop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper laid out on a baking sheet. This step is fun because you can decide the size and shape of your candies—bite-sized morsels work perfectly for holiday gatherings.
Step 4: Let the Candy Set
Allow the chocolate drops to firm up at room temperature, or pop them into the fridge for quicker setting. This hardening step transforms your mix into glossy, firm candies that are just waiting to be savored.
How to Serve Easiest and Most Loved Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the candies before they set—this contrast enhances the white chocolate’s sweetness and makes the flavors sing. Alternatively, if you love a little sparkle, a light dusting of edible glitter or finely chopped pistachios can add festive flair.
Side Dishes
This candy pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like mulled wine, spiced cider, or a cup of rich hot cocoa. Offering a platter of assorted nuts, dried fruits, and fresh citrus slices alongside your candy creates a beautiful, inviting spread that guests will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap these candies in colorful cellophane tied with ribbons for charming stocking stuffers or party favors. You can also arrange them artfully on holiday platters or in decorative tins to impress friends and family. Their cheerful look and delightful taste make them a welcome addition to any holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra candy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct heat and sunlight. Proper storage will keep the candies fresh and maintain their perfect texture for up to two weeks.
Freezing
Want to keep your homemade candy around longer? These candies freeze beautifully. Just layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them for about 30 minutes at room temperature—they’ll be just as delicious as when freshly made.
Reheating
If your candies soften or clump together, avoid overheating. Instead, warm them gently by placing them in a shaded spot or using very brief bursts in the microwave with pauses to check texture. This will help restore their perfect firmness without melting them too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes and bring their own unique crunch and flavor to the candy. Just chop them to a similar size for even mixing.
Is it possible to make this candy without dried cranberries?
Yes, you can swap dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots for a different fruity twist. Each will bring a slightly different sweetness and texture, but the candy will still be delicious.
Can I use white chocolate bars instead of chips?
You can, just chop the bars into small pieces for even melting. Keep an eye on the chocolate while melting as bars might melt at a slightly different rate compared to chips.
How long does it take for the candy to set properly?
At room temperature, it usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the climate. In the fridge, they firm up in about 15 to 20 minutes, making it a great option when you’re short on time.
Is this recipe kid-friendly to involve in the kitchen?
Definitely! Kids love mixing the ingredients and dropping spoonfuls onto the parchment. Just supervise the melting step, and you’ve got a fun, festive activity perfect for holiday bonding.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about sharing homemade treats, and this Easiest and Most Loved Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy Recipe embodies that spirit perfectly. It’s easy enough for even the busiest holiday calendars, yet yields stunning results that everyone will rave about. Whip up a batch, spread the joy, and watch this recipe become a treasured tradition in your festive celebrations.
Print
Easiest and Most Loved Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas candy recipe combines creamy white chocolate with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pecans for a festive and easy-to-make treat. Perfect for holiday gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack, these no-bake candy clusters come together quickly and require minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1.5 cups dried cranberries
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips gently either in the microwave using short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning, or over a double boiler until completely smooth.
- Mix in ingredients: Stir the dried cranberries and chopped pecans thoroughly into the melted white chocolate until all the pieces are evenly coated.
- Form candy clusters: Using a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper, spacing them out to allow for easy cooling.
- Cool and harden: Let the candy drops cool and harden either at room temperature or place the tray in the refrigerator for faster setting. Once firm, they are ready to serve or package as gifts.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- For a variation, substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- These candy clusters do not require baking, making them a quick and easy holiday treat.
