White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters

Introduction

White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are a perfect treat to bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. These delightful clusters combine the smooth, rich flavor of white chocolate with the tartness of dried cranberries and the crunch of pecans, making them an irresistible snack. I decided to give this recipe a try for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. Everyone loved the contrast between the creamy chocolate, the chewy cranberries, and the crunchy pecans. They were easy to make, and the entire batch was gone in no time. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive results, perfect for sharing with friends and family or keeping all to yourself!

Ingredients

• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the clusters from sticking.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.
3. Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt to enhance the flavor.
4. Add the dried cranberries and chopped pecans to the melted white chocolate, mixing until everything is well coated.
5. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop clusters of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Refrigerate the clusters for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set completely.
7. Once the chocolate has set, remove the clusters from the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12 clusters
• Calories per Serving: 180-200 calories (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including refrigeration)

How to Serve

• As a Snack: These clusters make for a sweet treat any time of the day.
• Holiday Gift: Package the clusters in a gift box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Party Treat: Place on a festive tray for parties, gatherings, or potlucks.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these clusters with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack.

Additional Tips

1. Melting White Chocolate: Be careful when melting the white chocolate to avoid burning it. Stir every 30 seconds until smooth.
2. Chopping Pecans: If you prefer larger chunks of pecans, chop them coarsely for extra crunch in each bite.
3. Use Quality White Chocolate: High-quality white chocolate will melt better and taste richer.
4. Keep Clusters Even: Use a cookie scoop for more uniform clusters that are easier to store and serve.
5. Add More Flavors: Feel free to experiment with additional flavorings, like a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest, to give the clusters a unique twist.

Recipe Variations

• Milk or Dark Chocolate Version: If you prefer milk or dark chocolate over white chocolate, simply substitute the white chocolate chips with your choice.
• Add Other Nuts: Swap out pecans for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
• Coconut Addition: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
• Make Them Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and make sure to select a non-dairy vanilla extract to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Add a Crunchy Twist: For an extra crunch, mix in some crispy rice cereal or cornflakes.

Serving Suggestions

• On a Dessert Table: These clusters can be part of a dessert spread for a holiday meal or a special occasion.
• As a Snack: Place in small bowls around the house for easy access to a quick, satisfying snack.
• With Fruit: Serve the clusters with fresh fruit like strawberries, apples, or pears to balance the sweetness.
• In Gift Jars: Layer the clusters in mason jars to give as a homemade gift, especially around the holidays.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer them to stay fresh longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: These clusters freeze well. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate? Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor.

2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones? Dried cranberries work best in this recipe, as fresh cranberries are too tart and have a high moisture content.

3. How do I prevent the clusters from sticking to the parchment paper? Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper ensures that the clusters won’t stick. If they do, try chilling the clusters longer.

4. Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans? Yes, walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts can all be great substitutes for pecans.

5. How long will these clusters stay fresh? When stored in an airtight container, they can stay fresh for about a week at room temperature and up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

6. Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips or caramel? Yes, you can mix in other ingredients like mini chocolate chips, caramel bits, or even toffee for extra flavor.

7. How do I make the clusters more crunchy? For a crunchier texture, you can add a handful of crispy rice cereal or cornflakes to the mixture.

8. Can I make these clusters ahead of time? Yes, these clusters are great for making ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container and refrigerate.

9. Can I drizzle extra chocolate over the top? Yes, you can drizzle some extra melted chocolate over the top of the clusters for added flavor and decoration.

10. Are these clusters gluten-free? Yes, these clusters are naturally gluten-free as long as the chocolate chips and other ingredients used are gluten-free certified.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are an easy and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their combination of creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, these clusters provide a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a sweet snack, or as a homemade gift, these clusters will surely impress anyone who tastes them. With a few simple ingredients and just a little time, you can create a treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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