This is one of those recipes that’s crazy easy but tastes like it came from a fancy candy shop.
Crockpot White Chocolate Cranberry Candy is sweet, creamy, and just a little bit tart — and the slow cooker does most of the work.
You dump, stir, melt, and scoop.
That’s it. No fuss, no oven, and barely any cleanup.
It’s perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or just because you want something sweet.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve been making this crockpot candy every December since I discovered how foolproof it is. The first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how rich and creamy it turned out — with just a few ingredients and no baking. It’s now a holiday must-have in my house.
- No baking needed — your slow cooker does all the work
- Super creamy and sweet with a tart cranberry punch
- Keeps well for days — perfect for gift boxes or parties
- Easy to double or halve the batch depending on how many you’re feeding
- Totally stress-free holiday treat
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs white chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ tsp sea salt
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the smoothest texture.
- Let the chocolate melt slowly in the crockpot — don’t rush it or it can seize up.
- Stir occasionally to make sure everything melts evenly.
- Add the cranberries after the chocolate is fully melted so they don’t get soggy.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to make scooping and cleanup easy.
Tools You’ll Need
- 3–4 quart slow cooker
- Mixing spoon or silicone spatula
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Medium bowl for dried cranberries
Substitutions and Variations
- Coconut oil → use vegetable shortening or unsalted butter
- Dried cranberries → try dried cherries or chopped dried apricots
- Add chopped pecans or almonds for crunch
- Top with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint or sea salt flakes for extra flavor
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make the candy up to 1 week in advance.
- Store it in an airtight container at room temp or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm.
- It also freezes well — just layer with wax paper in a freezer-safe container.
Makes about 30–35 candy clusters
Total Cook Time: 1 hour in slow cooker + 15 minutes to scoop and set
Full Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Add white chocolate and coconut oil to crockpot
Add 2 lbs white chocolate chips and 1 tbsp coconut oil to the crockpot. Don’t stir yet — just let it sit and start to melt.
Step 2: Slow cook and stir occasionally
Set the slow cooker on LOW and let the chocolate melt for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes to help it melt evenly and stay smooth.
Step 3: Stir in dried cranberries and sea salt
Once fully melted and smooth, stir in 1 cup dried cranberries and ½ tsp sea salt. Mix until evenly combined.
Step 4: Scoop onto parchment and cool
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop clusters onto parchment paper or a silicone mat. Let them cool at room temp until set (about 30–40 minutes).
Step 5: Serve in a pretty bowl
Once set, transfer the candy clusters to a serving bowl or gift box.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store candy in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week
- For longer storage, keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temp
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
White chocolate melts best low and slow because it doesn’t contain cocoa solids like dark chocolate. Coconut oil helps it melt smoother by reducing the melting point slightly. Adding dried cranberries at the end keeps them chewy and full of flavor without making the chocolate seize up from moisture.
Common Mistakes
- Using high heat — White chocolate burns easily, so always use LOW
- Skipping the oil — You need that fat to help the chocolate melt evenly
- Overstirring — Stir just enough to combine; too much can cool it down too fast
- Adding cranberries too early — This can make them shrivel or release moisture
What to Serve With
- Holiday cookie platters
- A mug of hot cocoa or coffee
- As part of a dessert charcuterie board
- Alongside spiced nuts and peppermint bark
FAQ
Can I use white chocolate bars instead of chips?
Yes! Just chop them up so they melt evenly.
Can I microwave this instead of using a crockpot?
You can, but heat in short bursts and stir a lot to avoid burning.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and coconut oil — it works great.
How do I keep the candy from sticking?
Use parchment paper or silicone mats — they pop right off.
I hope you try this simple but totally addictive Crockpot White Chocolate Cranberry Candy. It’s one of those treats that feels fancy but is secretly so easy. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and let me know if you made any fun twists.
