The Easiest and Most Loved Christmas Candy Recipe

Introduction

Every Christmas, my family looks forward to the holiday treats that I make. While I enjoy baking cookies and pies, there is one candy that stands out above the rest. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires just a few ingredients, and is always the first thing to disappear at family gatherings. I’m talking about my homemade white chocolate cranberry pecan drops. These simple but delicious treats are made with just three main ingredients: white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. I was introduced to this recipe years ago, and it has quickly become a Christmas tradition in our home. Every time I make them, my family can’t wait to dig in, and I’m always asked for the recipe. If you’re looking for a quick and delightful holiday treat, look no further!

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Ingredients

To make this festive candy, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients, all of which are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 oz white chocolate chips (or white chocolate bars, chopped)
• 1.5 cups dried cranberries
• 1.5 cups chopped pecans (you can substitute with walnuts if preferred)

These three ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of creamy sweetness from the white chocolate, tartness from the dried cranberries, and a lovely crunch from the pecans.

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Instructions

Making these white chocolate cranberry pecan drops is incredibly simple. Here’s how to do it:

1. Melt the White Chocolate: Start by melting the 12 oz of white chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, heating in 20-30 second intervals and stirring in between until the chocolate is completely melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler on the stovetop.
2. Mix in Cranberries and Pecans: Once the white chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Make sure both are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture.
3. Shape and Cool: Using a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. You can make them as small or as large as you prefer. Once they’re all dropped, let them cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or you can place them in the fridge for faster setting.
4. Serve and Enjoy: After they have set, your white chocolate cranberry pecan drops are ready to serve!

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Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories Per Serving)

Each serving of this delightful treat contains:

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 pieces, depending on the size of the drops.
• Calories per Serving: 120-150 calories per serving (1 piece), depending on the size of the drops.

Note: The calorie count can vary depending on the brand of chocolate chips, cranberries, and pecans you use.

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Preparation Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Total Time: 40 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes

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How to Serve

These white chocolate cranberry pecan drops are the perfect holiday treat for any occasion. Here are a few ways you can serve them:

• At a Christmas Party: Place them on a festive serving tray and watch your guests enjoy these sweet bites.
• As Stocking Stuffers: These candies are a great addition to stockings, and they make for a delightful edible gift.
• Gift Giving: Package these candy drops in a cute box or bag tied with a ribbon and give them to friends and family as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Holiday Dessert Table: These drops pair well with other holiday treats, adding a splash of color and sweetness to any dessert spread.
• With Hot Cocoa: Serve them alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate for a cozy and indulgent treat.

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Additional Tips

1. Use Good Quality Chocolate: Since the white chocolate is the star of the recipe, using high-quality chocolate will make a big difference in the taste and texture of the drops.
2. Toast the Pecans: For an added depth of flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a skillet before adding them to the chocolate mixture. This enhances their natural flavor and adds a bit of crunch.
3. Try Other Nuts: If you don’t like pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds are excellent substitutes. These will give a different but still delicious texture to the candy.
4. Add a Dash of Vanilla: A teaspoon of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor of the white chocolate, making it even more decadent.
5. Use Wax Paper for Easy Removal: If you don’t have parchment paper, wax paper will work just fine for preventing the candy from sticking.

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Recipe Variations

• Dried Fruit Mix: For a fun twist, try mixing in other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cherries along with the cranberries.
• White Chocolate and Pretzel: Add crushed pretzels to the mixture for a salty-sweet combination that adds an extra crunch to the candy.
• Dark Chocolate Option: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, try using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Coconut Lovers: Stir in some shredded coconut along with the cranberries and pecans to create a tropical variation of this treat.
• Spiced Drops: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the chocolate mixture for a spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a Cheese Platter: Pair these sweet treats with a savory cheese platter for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• As a Sweet Topping: Crumble some of these candy drops on top of a bowl of vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a festive dessert topping.
• On Holiday Cookies: Place a few of these candy drops on top of sugar cookies or gingerbread for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

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Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These candies freeze well, so if you make a batch ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you live in a warm climate, it’s best to store them in the fridge to keep them from melting.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

• Yes! Milk chocolate or even dark chocolate can be used as a substitute for white chocolate.

1. Can I use roasted pecans?

• Yes, roasted pecans will work great and may add extra flavor.

1. Do I need to chop the pecans?

• It’s best to chop the pecans into smaller pieces so they mix well with the chocolate.

1. Can I use fresh cranberries?

• Dried cranberries are best for this recipe, as they provide the perfect chewy texture. Fresh cranberries would not have the same effect.

1. How long do these last?

• These candy drops last for about 2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container.

1. Can I make these without nuts?

• Yes, you can skip the pecans or substitute them with another ingredient like granola or crispy rice cereal.

1. Can I add other fruits?

• Yes, dried fruits like raisins or apricots are a great addition.

1. Can I use a double boiler to melt the chocolate?

• Yes, a double boiler is a great way to melt the chocolate gently without overheating it.

1. Can I use a different type of nut?

• Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios can all work in this recipe.

1. Do I need to refrigerate these?

• If it’s warm in your home, refrigerating the candies will keep them from melting.

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Conclusion

These white chocolate cranberry pecan drops are the ultimate Christmas candy – quick, easy, and delicious. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, as a gift, or simply to enjoy with family, they are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of sweet white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans is irresistible, and the best part is how simple they are to make. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a treat that will be a holiday favorite for years to come. Happy holidays and happy candy-making!

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