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; Optional: Rosemary sprigs for garnish

There’s something so festive about little bites bursting with flavor and color—and that’s exactly what the Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe delivers. These creamy, crunchy, and tart truffles are a holiday party classic that’s easy to whip up yet impress everyone at the table.

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’ve made these Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe countless times, especially during the busy season when you want something elegant but fuss-free. What makes it special is how it perfectly balances creamy, crunchy, and tart in every bite—plus, they look so pretty on a festive platter!

Simple Ingredients: Just three main ingredients that come together to create something decadent without spending hours in the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these in under 30 minutes, even a day ahead, so you’re not stressed on party day.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green pistachios and crimson cranberries make these truffles an instant showstopper on any holiday cheese board.
Customizable: Easily adjust to your taste or dietary needs without losing the wow factor.

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

The magic of this Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe lies in combining creamy cheese with crunchy nuts and sweet-tart dried cranberries. Each ingredient brings a unique texture and flavor that blends beautifully, and buying good-quality cheese makes all the difference.

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

Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese: I love this brand for its creamy texture and authentic herb flavor, but you can use any herbed cream cheese or goat cheese—just make sure it’s spreadable, not crumbly.
Roasted Pistachios: Roasting brings out a deeper flavor and a lovely crunch; finely chopping them ensures they stick well to the cheese balls.
Dried Cranberries: Choose ones that are plump and not overly sweet to add a juicy, tangy contrast.
Rosemary Sprigs (Optional): They add a fresh piney aroma and look so festive when arranged around the platter.

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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

While I love the classic combo of pistachios and cranberries, I’ve had so much fun experimenting with different coatings. This recipe invites personalization—it’s your truffle, after all!

Variation: Sometimes I swap out dried cranberries for chopped dried cherries to get a deeper tartness that pairs beautifully with the garlic-herbs cheese.
Nut-Free: Roll all your truffles in just dried cranberries or chopped toasted coconut flakes if nuts aren’t your thing—I scored big compliments from nut-sensitive guests this way.
Dairy-Free: A good-quality spreadable vegan cheese works well here, just be cautious of softness so they hold their shape when rolled.
Herb Experimentation: Feel free to mix in fresh chopped herbs like tarragon or chives in the cheese before rolling for a fresh twist.

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

Step 1: Scoop and Freeze for Easy Rolling

I start by lining a large plate with parchment paper, which really helps to prevent sticking while the cheese balls chill. Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop (or about 2 tablespoons), I scoop out the cheese into neat little mounds. Pop that plate in the freezer for about 20 minutes; this step is key! It firms up the cheese so you can roll them without them falling apart or sticking to your hands.

Step 2: Prep Your Toppings

While the cheese is chilling, I chop the roasted pistachios and dried cranberries finely and set each on separate small plates—this makes rolling the truffles a quick assembly line. Finely chopping the toppings ensures they adhere well and give each bite the perfect texture.

Step 3: Roll and Coat

Once the cheese is firm, I take a ball between my hands and gently roll it to smooth out any cracks. Then, I press half into the chopped pistachios, turning to coat them evenly, and the other half into the cranberries. This contrast in coating not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning when arranged together.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

I place the truffles on a serving platter and love to tuck in some fresh rosemary sprigs around the edges for that extra holiday touch. They’re ready to enjoy immediately or can be refrigerated until party time, which makes hosting a breeze!

Top Tip

From making this Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe again and again, here are some nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up to make your life easier and your truffles flawless.

Freeze Before Rolling: Don’t skip that 20-minute freeze — it solidifies the cheese just enough to shape perfect balls that don’t crumble or stick.
Evenly Chop Toppings: Finely chop the pistachios and cranberries so they stick well and every bite has a consistent texture.
Use a Cookie Scoop: Measuring uniform portions with a cookie scoop saves time and makes for beautifully sized truffles.
Room Temperature Cheese: Let the cheese warm to room temp before scooping for easier handling and smoother shapes.

How to Serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe

Holiday Cheese Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary around the platter—it adds a festive pine scent and pairs wonderfully with the garlic herbs in the cheese. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of some truffles for a fancy touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as part of a holiday cheese board alongside crisp crackers, spiced nuts, and slices of cured meats. If you want a veggie balance, roasted Brussels sprouts or a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complement the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these truffles in a circular wreath shape on a wooden board and used red and green edible flowers for a pop of color. Wrapping some individually in festive wax paper makes for charming grab-and-go favors too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover truffles tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and flavorful up to 3 days—though honestly, they rarely last that long around my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these truffles before by placing them on a tray first, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best texture. Freezing works well if you want to prep way ahead.

Reheating

Since these are best served cold, I don’t recommend reheating. Instead, let frozen or refrigerated truffles come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enjoy their creamy texture at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these truffles ahead of time?

Absolutely! The truffles can be prepared and rolled a day or even two before your event. Just store them covered in the fridge to keep them fresh.

What can I use instead of pistachios if I have a nut allergy?

If you need a nut-free option, roll all your cheese balls in dried cranberries or try chopped toasted coconut flakes for a different but delicious crunch.

Can I use different types of cheese for these truffles?

Yes! The original recipe calls for a garlic and herb spreadable cheese, but you can use herbed cream cheese, goat cheese, or even a dairy-free spreadable cheese as long as it’s firm enough to shape into balls.

How long do these cheese truffles keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, these truffles stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For best flavor and texture, enjoy them within that time frame.

Final Thoughts

These Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe have become one of my go-to festive treats because they combine elegance and ease in such a satisfying way. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or colleagues, these truffles deliver a gourmet feel with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to make and enjoy them as much as I do—cheers to stress-free, delicious holiday entertaining!