Description
A holiday favorite with deep Southern roots, these Christmas New Orleans Pecan Clusters feature toasted pecans enveloped in rich chocolate, creamy condensed milk, and warm holiday spices—perfect for gifting or festive snacking.
Ingredients
- Pecan Halves: 2 cups (toasted) – The rich, nutty foundation of every bite.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 ½ cups – Provides a luscious, melty base.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: ½ cup – Adds depth and balances sweetness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: ½ cup – Gives the clusters a creamy, fudge-like texture.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons – Adds silkiness and richness to the chocolate.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons – Introduces that warm caramel note.
- Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon – A hint of holiday spice.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Sea Salt (optional): For topping – Elevates flavor with a savory edge.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Lightly toast pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips, butter, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Remove saucepan from heat and fold in toasted pecans until well-coated.
- Assemble the Dish: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Cook to Perfection: Let the clusters sit at room temperature or refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until firm.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle each cluster with a pinch of sea salt before they set, if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish or tin, and enjoy the sweet southern magic of every bite.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for smooth melting and rich flavor.
- Toast pecans beforehand to intensify nuttiness.
- Store in tins for gifting or freeze for long-term storage.
- Sprinkle sea salt or crushed candy cane for holiday flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pecan clusters, Christmas candy, no bake chocolate treats, Southern desserts, holiday gifts