Decadent Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Festive Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Decadent white chocolate truffles dance with vibrant cranberry and pistachio white chocolate in this luxurious sweet treat.

Each bite promises a symphony of rich, creamy textures and delightful flavors.

The combination of tart cranberries and nutty pistachios creates an irresistible contrast against smooth white chocolate.

These elegant truffles look impressive but come together with surprising ease.

They sparkle like jewels, perfect for holiday gatherings or a special indulgent moment.

The delicate balance of sweet and tangy makes these truffles an unforgettable dessert experience.

Dive into this recipe and surprise everyone with your confectionery skills.

Making Cranberry Pistachio Truffles Step-by-Step

Creamy Cranberry Pistachio Delights

  • Smooth Cream Cheese Base

Grab your mixing bowl and whip the cream cheese until it’s silky and luxurious, creating a dreamy foundation for your truffle adventure.

  • Sweet Flavor Fusion

Blend in powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla and almond extracts, stirring until the mixture becomes a harmonious symphony of flavors.

  • Nutty Fruit Surprise

Gently fold in vibrant cranberry bits and crunchy pistachio pieces, ensuring each morsel will be a delightful texture explosion.

  • Truffle Shaping

Using a small scoop, craft bite-sized balls of the creamy mixture and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Chilling Transformation

Let the truffles rest in the refrigerator for an hour, allowing them to firm up and develop their perfect shape.

  • Chocolate Coating Magic

Melt white chocolate using a double boiler, then carefully dip each truffle, ensuring a smooth, luxurious chocolate embrace.

  • Final Garnish

Sprinkle additional chopped pistachios and cranberries on top, adding a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.

  • Setting Perfection

Return the truffles to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes, letting the chocolate set into a glossy, irresistible shell.

Flavor Tips for Sweet and Crunchy Truffles

  • Flavor Boost: Enhance the truffles' taste by toasting pistachios lightly before chopping, which will bring out their rich, nutty flavor and add depth to the overall recipe.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These truffles can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Texture Twist: Experiment with different nut combinations like almonds or pecans if pistachios aren't your favorite, keeping the same delightful crunch and flavor profile.
  • Holiday Dress-Up: For festive occasions, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the white chocolate coating or add edible glitter for a sparkling presentation that will wow your guests.
  • Storage Secret: Keep truffles refrigerated and bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to ensure the best texture and most vibrant flavors that melt beautifully on your tongue.

Serving Suggestions for Holiday Truffles

  • Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange the truffles on a elegant white ceramic plate, creating a stunning display with sprigs of fresh mint and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a winter wonderland feel.
  • Dessert Cocktail Pairing: Serve alongside a creamy white chocolate martini or a crisp champagne to elevate the tasting experience and complement the truffles' delicate flavors.
  • Gifting Delight: Package the truffles in clear gift boxes tied with festive ribbons, perfect for holiday hostess gifts or special occasion treats that showcase your homemade culinary skills.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Add these truffles to a dessert charcuterie board with other sweet bites, creating a beautiful and delicious centerpiece that will impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your gathering.

Storage Tips to Keep Truffles Fresh

  • Chilling Champions: Store truffles in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
  • Freezer Friendly: Carefully wrap individual truffles in plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. These treats can be frozen for 2-3 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Temperature Tactics: Keep truffles chilled until serving to prevent softening. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before enjoying to let them slightly soften for the best creamy texture.
  • Smart Serving Strategy: Arrange truffles on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper when entertaining. Bring out small batches to keep them cool and prevent melting during gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 21

Ingredients in Cranberry Pistachio Truffles

For Base and Binding:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy foundation that helps hold the truffle mixture together, select full-fat variety for richest texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the truffle mixture, ensuring smooth consistency and perfect sweetness level.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth that enhances overall taste profile.
  • Almond Extract: Introduces subtle nutty undertone that complements other ingredients beautifully.
For Texture and Crunch:
  • Dried Cranberries, Pistachios: Deliver delightful textural contrast with bursts of tartness and nutty crunch, choose plump cranberries and fresh, vibrant green pistachios for maximum flavor.
For Coating and Finishing:
  • White Chocolate: Creates luxurious outer shell that enrobes truffles, melts smoothly for elegant coating, select high-quality chocolate for best results.
  • Optional Garnish Pistachios, Cranberries: Provide beautiful visual appeal and extra flavor intensity, sprinkle generously for professional-looking presentation.

Tools for White Chocolate Truffle Prep

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese, sugar, and mix-ins smoothly.
  • Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Perfect for creating uniform truffle sizes with minimal mess.
  • Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet: Provides a clean surface for chilling and setting truffles.
  • Fork or Dipping Tool: Helps coat truffles evenly in melted white chocolate.
  • Heatproof Bowl: Ideal for gentle chocolate melting using the double boiler method.
  • Small Saucepan: Used for creating simmering water for the double boiler technique.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Decadent Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Decadent Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 21 1x

Description

Luxurious cranberry pistachio white chocolate truffles blend sweet and tangy flavors in a delightful confection. Holiday gatherings become memorable when you share these elegant, handcrafted treats with loved ones.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (454 g) white chocolate, melted
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (150 g) dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 cup (125 g) shelled pistachios, chopped
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • chopped pistachios (garnish)
  • chopped cranberries (garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cream Preparation: Whip cream cheese until velvety and smooth, creating a uniform base for the truffles.
  2. Flavor Infusion: Blend powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extracts into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a harmonious and well-integrated flavor profile.
  3. Textural Enhancement: Gently fold chopped cranberries and pistachios throughout the cream cheese mixture, distributing the nutty and fruity elements evenly.
  4. Truffle Formation: Using a small cookie scoop, portion and roll the cream cheese mixture into delicate, consistent spheres. Arrange on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for one hour to firm up and stabilize.
  5. Chocolate Coating: Create a double boiler to melt white chocolate smoothly. Carefully dip each chilled truffle, ensuring complete and elegant coverage using a fork or specialized dipping tool.
  6. Final Embellishment: Immediately sprinkle freshly dipped truffles with additional finely chopped pistachios and cranberries for visual and textural appeal. Return to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the chocolate coating completely.
  7. Serving: Present the truffles directly from the refrigerator to maintain optimal texture and flavor integrity.

Notes

  • Chill Before Coating: Refrigerate cream cheese mixture for at least one hour to ensure firm, easy-to-handle truffles that maintain shape during chocolate dipping.
  • Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use double boiler method to prevent chocolate from burning, stirring constantly for smooth, glossy coating without seizing.
  • Enhance Texture Contrast: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and cranberries immediately after dipping for added crunch and visual interest.
  • Storage Tip: Keep truffles refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain optimal flavor and consistency.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 21
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star