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

There’s something absolutely magical about these little bites—rich, creamy cheese paired with crunchy pistachios and sweet-tart cranberries. This Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe is my go-to festive treat that’s surprisingly easy but feels so special. Trust me, they’ll be the star of your holiday table.

The image shows a white plate with a light brown textured rim holding small cheese balls covered in two different coatings. The cheese balls are arranged in three rows, with the first and third rows featuring cream cheese balls coated in red dried cranberries, which look chunky and shiny, and the second row featuring cheese balls coated in crushed green pistachios with a rough texture and bits of nuts visible. Fresh green sprigs of rosemary lie across the plate, adding contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a green cloth partially visible at the bottom left corner. 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 adore these truffles because they deliver a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity in just a few easy steps. Plus, they’re an effortless way to impress guests without hours in the kitchen.

Minimal Ingredients: Just three simple ingredients make this recipe quick and fuss-free.
Festive Flavors: The pistachios add a satisfying crunch while cranberries bring a pop of holiday cheer.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep these truffles and chill them ahead of time, saving you moments on the day itself.
Customizable: Whether you want nut-free, vegan, or different flavor twists, it’s easy to adapt this recipe for your needs.

On a large white ceramic plate with textured edges, there are 24 cheese balls arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, with three layers. The bottom layer has 9 balls, the middle layer has 8 balls, and the top layer has 7 balls. The cheese balls come in two colors and textures: bright red ones coated with finely chopped dried cranberries, and pale green ones covered in chopped pistachios. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are placed between the cheese balls, acting as tree branches. The plate is placed on a green cloth, with more rosemary sprigs scattered around and three green glasses partially visible. The whole setup sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a vital role in producing those melt-in-your-mouth textures and vibrant flavors you want around the holidays. I always recommend picking high-quality spreads and fresh nuts for the best results.

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic ramekin filled with a smooth, soft herbed cream cheese, a small white bowl with finely chopped roasted pistachios showing vibrant green and golden hues, a small white bowl holding finely chopped deep red dried cranberries, and a few fresh green rosemary sprigs arranged neatly 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 use Alouette Garlic & Herbs for its creamy texture and hint of savory herbs, but you can swap in herbed cream cheese or goat cheese for a different tang.
Roasted Pistachios: Finely chopped to provide the perfect crunch without overpowering the delicate cheese.
Dried Cranberries: Chopped small for bursts of natural sweetness and a festive red color.
Rosemary Sprigs (Optional): I love how fresh rosemary adds a lovely aroma and elegant garnish to the serving platter.

📝

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 thing I love about the Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Making it your own only makes the experience more fun and delicious.

Nut-Free: If you need to avoid nuts, simply roll all the cheese balls in dried cranberries or swap pistachios for toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
Dairy-Free/Vegan: I’ve experimented using firm vegan cream cheese alternatives (look for ones that aren’t too soft), and the truffles turn out creamy and just as festive.
Extra Flavor Boost: Sometimes I stir in a pinch of finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an herbal twist that complements the savory notes.

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

Step 1: Chill to Firm Up the Cheese

Start by scooping the cheese out with a small cookie scoop or spoon onto a parchment-lined plate. Pop this in the freezer for about 20 minutes—it helps the cheese firm up so rolling doesn’t turn into a sticky mess. You’ll be grateful for this little trick!

Step 2: Prepare Your Coatings

While the cheese chills, chop your pistachios and dried cranberries finely. I like placing each on separate shallow plates so you can roll the cheese balls evenly and create two vibrant varieties of truffles.

Step 3: Roll and Coat the Truffles

Once the cheese balls are firm, remove them and gently roll each between your palms to smooth them out a bit. Then roll half in the pistachios and the other half in cranberries, making sure they’re fully coated. This part is fun—you can really watch the colors and textures come alive.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Arrange your truffles on a platter, and if you want to get fancy, tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the edges for a real festive vibe. These can be served right away or chilled until party time.

Top Tip

From my experience making these truffles for holiday gatherings, I’ve learned some handy tricks to make the process smoother and the results more impressive.

Use a Cookie Scoop: This helps keep the truffles uniform in size, so they look great on your platter and everyone gets the perfect portion.
Freeze Before Rolling: Don’t skip chilling the cheese balls, or rolling the coating will be frustrating and messy.
Chop Ingredients Finely: Finely chopped pistachios and cranberries stick better and give a consistent texture.
Keep Hands Cool: If the cheese softens too much while rolling, pop the truffles back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up before continuing.

How to Serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe

Holiday Cheese Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always garnish my serving platter with fresh rosemary sprigs—not only does it add a lovely piney aroma, but it also makes your cheese truffles pop with color and feel like a true holiday centerpiece. Sometimes I even sprinkle a few extra chopped pistachios around the plate for texture.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with a variety of crackers (I love a crispy water cracker or a nutty multigrain), a fresh fruit platter, or even alongside cured meats for a sophisticated charcuterie board. They’re perfect for nibbling while chatting during the holidays.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged them inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a seasonal spin, and the guests loved the rustic look. You could also serve them in mini cupcake liners or stack them on a tiered cake stand to add height and festive flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover truffles tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to three days. I find it best to avoid storing them near strongly scented foods to keep their delicate flavors intact.

Freezing

Freezing is an option if you need to prep way ahead—just lay the coated truffles on parchment in a single layer, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they usually hold their shape and flavor surprisingly well.

Reheating

Since these truffles are best served chilled, I don’t recommend reheating. To enjoy leftovers, just take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving so the cheese softens a bit and the flavors shine through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love using Alouette Garlic & Herbs or herbed cream cheese, you can also try herbed goat cheese or a firm vegan cheese spread to create your own twist. Just make sure it’s spreadable but firm enough to roll.

How long ahead can I prepare these cheese truffles?

You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge covered tightly. Freezing also works if you plan even further ahead; just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

What can I substitute for pistachios if I have a nut allergy?

Great question! You can roll the cheese balls entirely in chopped dried cranberries for a nut-free option, or try toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep a crunchy texture without nuts.

Can I add other flavors to these truffles?

Definitely! Adding fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley to the cheese mixture creates new flavor profiles. A touch of lemon zest or finely minced garlic can also add an exciting zing. Experiment to find your favorite!

Final Thoughts

These Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe hold a special place in my heart because they combine simplicity with elegance. Every holiday I make them, friends and family always ask for the recipe because they’re so easy, festive, and just downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to try them out and make some joyful memories of your own in the kitchen!