Name: Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 13 ounces Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese (or herbed cream cheese or herbed goat cheese); ⅓ cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped; ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped; Rosemary sprigs for garnish

The burst of tart cranberries paired with crunchy pistachios and creamy cheese is like holiday magic in every bite. This Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe is a festive, no-fuss treat you can whip up in under 30 minutes that always impresses guests and delights family alike.

The image shows a white plate with a rough, light beige rim filled with small round balls. There are two types of balls: some are covered with chopped bright green pistachio nuts, and others are coated with deep red dried cranberry pieces mixed with some white cream showing through. The balls are placed in a scattered pattern on the plate, with fresh green rosemary sprigs arranged in small bunches between them. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't tell you how many times I’ve reached for this recipe during the busy holiday season—it’s simple, elegant, and so versatile. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a last-minute gift, these cheese truffles hit all the right notes.

Minimal Ingredients: You only need three main ingredients, making it incredibly straightforward without sacrificing flavor.
Quick to Prepare: From mixing to chilling, you’re done in under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Festive Flavors and Textures: The tart cranberries balance the rich cheese, while the pistachios add a satisfying crunch.
Easy to Customize: You can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.

The image shows an oval white plate with a textured rim holding small round balls arranged in a Christmas tree shape on a white marbled surface. The balls are in two colors: bright red and pale yellow-green, each covered with small pieces of nuts or dried fruit giving a rough texture. Fresh green rosemary sprigs decorate and fill spaces between the balls, also shaped to resemble the branches of the tree. The plate sits on a green cloth with some extra rosemary sprigs scattered around and two glasses with dark green rims nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role that complements the others, creating a balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. Let me walk you through why I love using these in the Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh herbed cream cheese with visible garlic and herbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely chopped roasted pistachios, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely chopped vibrant red dried cranberries, and a few fresh green rosemary sprigs artfully arranged beside them, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Soft Spreadable Cheese: I recommend a herbed cheese like Alouette Garlic & Herbs for that perfect blend of creaminess and subtle flavor; herbed cream cheese or goat cheese works too—just avoid overly soft types that won’t firm up well.
Roasted Pistachios: The natural buttery flavor and crunchy texture of roasted pistachios add the perfect contrast to the smooth cheese, and chopping them finely helps the cheese balls coat evenly.
Dried Cranberries: Tart, chewy, and slightly sweet, these bring a festive pop of color and flavor that pairs beautifully with the herbs in the cheese.
Rosemary Sprigs (Optional): A fragrant garnish that adds an extra touch of holiday charm and pairs wonderfully with the garlic and herbs in the cheese.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak the coatings or add a bit of spice to keep things interesting. You should definitely play with flavors that speak to you!

Nut-Free Variation: If you’re avoiding nuts, roll all the truffles in chopped dried cranberries or even finely chopped roasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. I’ve had great success with this for my nut-allergic friends.
Dairy-Free Version: Choose a firm-ish vegan cream cheese or spreadable dairy-free cheese. You might need a bit longer chilling time to get the right firmness, but it’s delicious!
Extra Flavor Infusion: Try mixing in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or a pinch of smoked paprika into the cheese for a little twist — it keeps things fresh and exciting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe

Step 1: Chill the Cheese for Easy Scooping

Start by scooping the cheese into roughly 2-tablespoon balls using a cookie scoop or two spoons, then place them on a parchment-lined plate. Pop the plate into the freezer for about 20 minutes. Trust me, this chilling step makes rolling the truffles so much easier, especially with soft cheeses.

Step 2: Prep the Coatings

While the cheese chills, finely chop the roasted pistachios and dried cranberries. I use two shallow dishes—one for each coating—so the rolling process is smooth and mess-free.

Step 3: Roll and Coat Your Truffles

Once your cheese balls are firm, roll them gently in your hands to smooth out any cracks. Then, roll half in the chopped pistachios and the other half in cranberries, pressing lightly to ensure they stick well. You’re aiming for a nice, even coating that gives texture and flavor with every bite.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Place the finished truffles on a pretty serving platter. I love surrounding mine with fresh rosemary sprigs to amp up the festive vibe and aroma. You can serve these immediately or refrigerate them until party time.

Top Tip

After making these truffles several times during holiday parties, I realized a few small things can make a big difference. Here are my go-to tips to help you nail this recipe every time and avoid common pitfalls.

Firm Up the Cheese First: Freezing the cheese balls for 20 minutes before rolling is key—it prevents the cheese from sticking to your fingers and keeps the truffles uniform.
Chop Ingredients Finely: I learned that finely chopping pistachios and cranberries is easier to coat and makes each bite balanced, rather than having big chunks fall off.
Use Parchment Paper: Always line your plate with parchment to keep the truffles from sticking during freezing and storage—it saves so much cleanup time.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: A few rosemary sprigs don’t just look pretty—they also add a fresh aroma that elevates the whole presentation, especially when guests arrive.

How to Serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe

holiday cheese truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for fresh rosemary sprigs when serving these truffles because they add that gorgeous forest green color and a piney scent that screams holiday spirit. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a little extra chopped pistachio on the platter for texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These truffles are wonderful paired with crusty artisan bread, crisp crackers, or a bed of fresh greens like arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette. For a full spread, I like serving alongside prosciutto, olives, and a bright fruit chutney to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentation ideas is to arrange the truffles in mini cupcake liners or on a festive tiered tray. For a party, you can also thread a few onto colorful cocktail picks combining a truffle, a cranberry, and a small cube of manchego for delicious bite-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover truffles in an airtight container lined with parchment paper in the fridge, which keeps them fresh for up to three days. They tend to firm back up nicely after chilling, so they’re perfect for prepping a day ahead.

Freezing

If you're making a big batch, freezing works well. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. When thawed in the fridge, they maintain their texture well—just give them a few minutes at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

These truffles are best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want softer cheese after chilling, just let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving, and they’ll be perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work really well too. Just be sure to toast and chop them finely for the best texture and flavor.

How far in advance can I make these truffles?

You can make them up to three days ahead. Keep them refrigerated and covered well so they don’t absorb other fridge odors. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.

Can I make these truffles vegan?

Yes! Use a firm or semi-firm vegan cream cheese or spreadable cheese. Just be cautious with softer vegan cheeses, as you want them to hold their shape when chilled and rolled.

What’s the best way to serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe at a party?

Arrange them on a pretty platter with some fresh herbs for color, like rosemary or thyme. You can also serve with crackers, sliced baguette, and some fresh fruit or jam on the side for a wonderful cheese board experience.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe brings a little extra joy to your holiday gatherings like it has to mine. It's one of those simple recipes that never fails to feel special, and I love sharing it because it’s easy and so versatile. Give it a try—you might find these little bites becoming your new holiday tradition!