Easy and Loved Christmas Candy Recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry-Pecan Drops

This irresistible holiday treat combines the creamy richness of white chocolate with the tartness of dried cranberries and the crunch of pecans. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, or even for packaging up as homemade gifts, these bite-sized candies are a delicious and simple way to spread holiday cheer.

Ingredients:

12 oz (1 cup) white chocolate chips
Use high-quality white chocolate chips or white chocolate bars that you break into pieces for a smoother melt.
1.5 cups dried cranberries
Choose sweetened dried cranberries for the best contrast with the white chocolate’s sweetness. You can also use unsweetened for a more tart flavor, depending on your preference.

1.5 cups chopped pecans
Toast the pecans for a few minutes in a dry pan before chopping for extra flavor. You can also substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts, but pecans add a unique buttery taste that works well with white chocolate.
Parchment paper
To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, use parchment paper or wax paper to line your work surface.

Instructions:

Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate
Start by melting the white chocolate chips.

Using the Microwave: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat, as white chocolate can burn easily.
Using a Double Boiler: Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate on the stove by setting up a double boiler. Fill a pot with about 1-2 inches of water, then place a heatproof bowl on top without touching the water. Heat the water to a simmer, and stir the chocolate in the bowl occasionally until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Add-ins
While the white chocolate is melting, prep your dried cranberries and chopped pecans.

Chop the Pecans: If your pecans are whole, chop them into smaller pieces so they’ll mix well into the chocolate. If you prefer larger chunks, you can leave them slightly coarser.
Measure the Cranberries: Measure out 1.5 cups of dried cranberries and set them aside. If they are too clumped together, give them a quick rough chop or separate them with your fingers.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the chocolate is smooth and melted, stir in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the melted chocolate so each bite has a good balance of cranberries, pecans, and chocolate.

Step 4: Drop the Candy onto Parchment Paper
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the white chocolate mixture onto a lined baking sheet or piece of parchment paper. Try to space them a little bit apart, but they don’t need to be perfect — they will harden into beautiful, irregular drops. If you like a uniform size, a cookie scoop works well for consistent portions.

Optional Step: For a decorative touch, sprinkle a little extra chopped pecans or dried cranberries on top of each drop before the chocolate sets.

Step 5: Let the Drops Harden
Allow the chocolate drops to cool and harden at room temperature. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

To Speed Up the Process: If you’re in a rush, you can place the baking sheet with the drops in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This will harden the chocolate quickly without affecting the flavor.

Step 6: Serve or Store
Once your white chocolate cranberry-pecan drops are fully set, they are ready to be enjoyed!

For Gifting: These drops make a perfect holiday gift. You can package them in decorative tins or small clear bags tied with ribbons.

For Storage: Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 2-3 weeks. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Success:

Tempering White Chocolate: If you’re looking for a professional finish and a firmer chocolate texture, you can temper the white chocolate before melting it. This involves carefully melting, cooling, and reheating the chocolate to specific temperatures. However, this step is optional and can be skipped for this recipe since the candy will still turn out delicious without it.
Nuts and Dried Fruit Variety: While pecans and cranberries are the star ingredients, feel free to experiment! Try substituting the cranberries with dried cherries or apricots, or use almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts instead of pecans for different flavors.

Add Flavor Extracts: For a festive twist, add a teaspoon of vanilla, almond, or orange extract to the melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
Dipping Instead of Dropping: For a more polished look, you can dip whole pecans or cranberries into the melted white chocolate and set them on parchment paper. This creates a more uniform and elegant candy that’s perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Melted Chocolate Consistency: If your white chocolate is too thick to mix easily with the cranberries and pecans, add a tablespoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil to the melted chocolate. This helps make it more fluid and easier to work with.

Why This Recipe Works:

This candy recipe is loved for several reasons:

Simplicity: It’s quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes of active preparation time, and the ingredients are simple to find.
Versatility: You can customize it with different fruits, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor contrast.

Perfect Holiday Gift: These candy drops make a lovely homemade gift that’s both beautiful and delicious, ideal for Christmas stockings, dessert tables, or as party favors.
Great for All Ages: Both kids and adults will enjoy the sweet, creamy texture of the white chocolate combined with the chewy cranberries and crunchy pecans.

Conclusion:

This White Chocolate Cranberry-Pecan Drop candy is one of the easiest and most loved Christmas treats you can make. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a festive, delicious, and visually appealing candy perfect for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re making it for your family or gifting it to others, these delightful bites are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

FAQs:

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes! You can substitute milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the sweetness will change with the type of chocolate used.

2. How can I make the candy less sweet?
If you find white chocolate too sweet, you can use a combination of dark chocolate and white chocolate or reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by using unsweetened dried cranberries.

3. Can I make this candy ahead of time?
Absolutely! These candy drops store well in an airtight container, so you can make them up to a week ahead of time. Just be sure to keep them in a cool place or refrigerate if you’re making them several days in advance.

4. What can I use instead of pecans?
You can substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or even cashews. Roasting them lightly beforehand enhances their flavor.

5. Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries will not work as well in this recipe since they’re too tart and watery. Stick to dried cranberries for the best texture and sweetness balance.

6. How do I store these candies?
Store these candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer storage. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.