There’s something so festive and delightful about these little bites of creamy goodness. The Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe brings a perfect balance of savory and sweet that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, these truffles are going to be your new holiday favorite.

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’ve made these cheese truffles every holiday season for years now, and they never fail to impress guests. They’re easy but elegant, and the way the pistachios and cranberries add texture and flavor is just unbeatable. Plus, you don’t need a million ingredients or a ton of time – perfect for last-minute party prep.

Simple Ingredients: Only three main ingredients, which means less fuss and more fun in the kitchen.
Flavor Packed: The combo of herbed cheese, crunchy pistachios, and tart cranberries hits all the right notes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these truffles in advance, making your holiday hosting smoother.
Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak for dietary needs or to suit your tastes without losing any charm.

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

Choosing the right ingredients here is key because each one really shines. I find that the soft spreadable cheese with herbs provides a flavorful and smooth base, perfectly contrasted by the pistachios’ crunch and the cranberries’ sweet-tart punch. If you shop with a little care, this recipe comes together effortlessly.

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 prefer a herbed variety because it adds dimension without needing more spices. Cream cheese or goat cheese with herbs work beautifully too.
Roasted Pistachios: Roasting brings out a deeper nuttiness, and the texture makes the truffles extra satisfying.
Dried Cranberries: Their natural tartness brightens up each bite and avoids the cheese feeling too rich.
Optional Rosemary Sprigs: Fresh rosemary not only garnishes the platter beautifully but adds a festive, piney aroma that’s just perfect for the holidays.

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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

I love how simple this recipe is, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. Play around with different nuts or dried fruits, or even herbs. I’ve found some fun twists by adding a dash of orange zest or swapping cranberries for chopped dried cherries.

Nut-Free Option: Roll all the truffles in dried cranberries only if you’re serving someone with a nut allergy — it’s just as beautiful and just as tasty.
Dairy-Free/Vegan Variation: Use a firm dairy-free herbed cheese. I’ve had great luck with almond or cashew-based options that hold up well when chilled.
Herb Variations: Swap the garlic & herbs cheese for one with thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic profile, especially if you’re pairing these with a meat charcuterie board.

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

Step 1: Scoop and Chill the Cheese

Start by lining a plate with parchment paper to keep everything clean. Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop or a small spoon to portion out the cheese into balls. I find this size perfect — not too big, not too small, just the right bite. Stick the plate in the freezer for about 20 minutes to give the cheese a chance to firm up. This really helps when rolling the balls next.

Step 2: Prep Your Coatings

While the cheese chills, chop your roasted pistachios and dried cranberries finely and spread them out on separate shallow bowls or plates. Having them prepared ahead means you can roll the cheese balls quickly without the truffles sticking to your hands.

Step 3: Roll and Coat the Truffles

Once the cheese is firm but still pliable, remove from the freezer. Roll each scooped cheese ball gently between your palms to create smooth rounds. Then roll half in finely chopped pistachios—make sure they’re completely coated for that delicious crunch—and the other half in chopped cranberries for a burst of fruity zest.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Arrange the truffles on a serving platter, and if you like, tuck in sprigs of fresh rosemary around the edges to make the presentation festive and fragrant. They’re ready to eat immediately or can be refrigerated until your guests arrive.

Top Tip

Making these Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe for the first time, I learned that chilling the cheese before rolling is a game-changer. It prevents the cheese from melting into your hands and makes rolling the truffles much easier.

Chill the Cheese in Advance: Don’t skip freezing the cheese balls before shaping; it saves a lot of hassle.
Finely Chop Coatings: Smaller pieces stick better to the cheese and create an even coating.
Use a Cookie Scoop: It makes portioning consistent, so your truffles look uniform and professional.
Store Properly: Keep them covered tightly in the fridge to avoid drying out or picking up other flavors.

How to Serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe

Holiday Cheese Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs because they look festive and boost the aroma beautifully. Sometimes, I toss little extra pistachios and cranberries around the platter edges for a pop of color and to invite guests in.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair wonderfully with crusty artisan breads, a selection of cured meats like prosciutto or salami, and a crisp winter salad — think arugula with a balsamic vinaigrette. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite holiday wine or bubbly to round out the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite tricks is serving these truffles in mini cupcake liners or on festive spoons for individual bites at a cocktail party. Another charming idea is arranging them in a decorative bowl filled with pinecones or faux snow, which adds seasonal flair and makes your spread instantly more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover truffles covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, which is perfect if you make extras ahead or have some season-long snacking.

Freezing

Freezing works okay, but the texture of the cheese changes a bit on thawing. I usually freeze truffles individually on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag to avoid sticking. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

These truffles are best served chilled, so I don’t recommend reheating. If you want them a bit softer, take them out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring out the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! You can use chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Just roast them lightly to bring out their flavor and chop finely for the best coating on the truffles.

How far ahead can I make these cheese truffles?

You can make the truffles up to 2 days in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just wait to roll them in the nuts and cranberries until right before serving if you want the coating to stay crisp.

Can I use fresh herbs inside the cheese mixture?

If your cheese is very soft, mixing in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a lovely aroma. Just be careful not to make the mixture too wet, or the balls won't hold their shape as well.

What should I serve these cheese truffles with?

They pair wonderfully with crackers, crusty bread, charcuterie meats, and a crisp salad. You’ll find they’re a crowd-pleaser alongside red or white wine during holiday gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe is one that I always come back to for my holiday parties. It’s easy, it looks gorgeous on the table, and it’s a perfect bite of festive flavor that guests truly appreciate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these truffles as much as I do — they’re a little holiday magic wrapped up in a delicious package.