There’s something magical about White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles—that perfect mix of creamy sweetness, tart pops of cranberry, and buttery pistachios wrapped into one irresistibly festive bite. These truffles are one of my favorite little holiday treasures at Recipes Charming because they feel luxurious and homemade at the same time. And of course, they’re wonderfully easy to make, even on a busy December afternoon.
Whether you’re gifting them, serving them after dinner, or just sneaking a few from the fridge (I always do!), White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles bring warmth, color, and joy to every celebration.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- 🌟 No-bake and beginner-friendly — truly foolproof.
- 💚 Gorgeous colors from the cranberries and pistachios, perfect for Christmas.
- 😋 Creamy, sweet, tart, crunchy — the dream texture combination.
- 🎁 Amazing for gifting in little holiday boxes or bags.
- ⏱️ Quick to prepare, only needs chilling time.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate, finely chopped
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: extra melted white chocolate or crushed pistachios for coating
How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles
- Melt the white chocolate.
Use the microwave in 20–30 second intervals or melt in a double boiler until smooth and glossy. - Beat the cream cheese.
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy with no lumps. - Combine chocolate + cream cheese.
Pour the warm chocolate into the cream cheese and mix until fully blended. - Add cranberries and pistachios.
Fold in the chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, vanilla, and salt. - Chill the mixture.
Refrigerate 1–2 hours until firm enough to scoop. - Shape the truffles.
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray. - Coat (optional but delicious).
Dip in melted white chocolate or roll in crushed pistachios for extra crunch. - Chill again.
Refrigerate 20–30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles
- Arrange on a festive dessert board.
- Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, espresso, or tea.
- Add to Christmas gift boxes or cookie trays.
- Keep a chilled batch ready for last-minute guests!
How to Store White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Room temperature: Safe for 2–3 hours when serving.
Tips to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles
- Use good-quality white chocolate — it makes a big difference.
- If the mixture is too soft, chill longer or add 1–2 tbsp crushed cookies.
- Chop cranberries and pistachios finely for smooth rolling.
- Want sweeter truffles? Add 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar.
- Add a splash of orange zest for a citrus twist.
Helpful Notes for This Recipe
- Almonds or pecans can replace pistachios.
- Use dried cherries instead of cranberries for a different flavor.
- Gluten-free as written (double-check chocolate brand).
- If the truffles crack while rolling, warm your hands slightly and try again.
Variations
- Orange Cranberry White Chocolate Truffles: Add zest of 1 orange.
- Matcha Pistachio Truffles: Add 1 tsp matcha powder to the white chocolate.
- Holiday Sprinkle Truffles: Roll in red and green sprinkles for kids.
- Dark Chocolate Coated: Dip in dark chocolate for a richer contrast.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries?
It’s best not to use fresh cranberries in this recipe. Fresh cranberries contain a lot of natural moisture, and when they’re mixed into the truffle base, they tend to leak juice, soften the texture, and prevent the mixture from setting properly. This can make your truffles sticky, mushy, or difficult to roll. Dried cranberries work beautifully because they add bright flavor, a chewy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness without watering down the mixture. For the best results — and the prettiest truffles — stick to dried cranberries.
My mixture is too sticky—what should I do?
If your truffle mixture feels too sticky to roll, don’t worry — it just needs a bit more firmness. Pop the bowl back into the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes so the chocolate can set. If it’s still soft afterward, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of crushed biscuits or cookie crumbs to give it more structure without changing the flavor too much.
Can I make these truffles ahead for Christmas?
Absolutely — these truffles are perfect for making ahead! They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, which makes them a fantastic stress-free holiday treat. Simply store them in an airtight container, thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to serve, and they’ll taste just as creamy and delicious as the day you made them.
Conclusion
These dreamy, festive White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles are the kind of treat that make the holidays feel extra special without any extra stress. They’re elegant, easy, and full of flavor—and I can’t wait for you to share them with the people you love. Make a batch, enjoy a bite, and let your kitchen smell like pure holiday joy.
Give them a try and tell me how they turned out—I love hearing from you!