Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are the perfect festive no-bake dessert! These delightful treats resemble little snowballs, making them a stunning addition to any holiday table. Not only do they taste incredible, but they also make for fantastic gifts and party favors. Youβll love how easy they are to prepare, and their unique combination of flavors is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is no-bake, so you can whip it up in no time without the need for an oven.
- Festive Presentation: The truffles look stunning and can be arranged beautifully for any holiday gathering.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of tart cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and creamy white chocolate creates a delicious treat.
- Versatile Treats: Perfect for Christmas parties, as gifts, or even enjoyed as a sweet indulgence at home!
- Easy Storage: These truffles can be stored in the fridge or freezer, making them great for meal prep or last-minute desserts.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles, youβll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the process and ensure your truffles come out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan
- Melon baller or small spoon
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Double boiler: This ensures gentle melting of the white chocolate without burning it.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for mixing ingredients smoothly without damaging delicate textures.
- Small saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and cream together with ease.
Ingredients
Hereβs what you need to make these delicious Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles:
For the Truffles
- 11 oz. white chocolate β chopped into small pieces
- 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
- pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon orange or vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pistachio
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
How to Make Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles
Step 1: Melt Butter and Cream
In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the heavy cream, stirring just to combine.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Stir in a pinch of salt, along with the optional orange or vanilla extract, then set aside.
Step 3: Melt White Chocolate
Over a double boiler, melt the finely chopped white chocolate, stirring gently until smooth. Avoid overheating; it should not exceed 105Β°F.
Step 4: Mix Chocolate with Cream Mixture
Remove from heat. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir the lukewarm butter and cream mixture into the melted chocolate. Ensure both mixtures are similar in temperature before combining.
Step 5: Add Cranberries and Pistachios
Fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries and toasted pistachios. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for an hour, covered with plastic wrap to prevent a film from forming. Then refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm.
Step 6: Shape Truffles
Once firm, use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll them into one-inch ballsβclean your hands with a paper towel if they stick.
Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Roll each truffle into powdered sugar, ensuring an even coating.
Step 8: Store Your Truffles
Keep your truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
Enjoy your delightful Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles! They truly are a festive treat that everyone will love!
How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles
Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are delightful treats that can add a festive touch to any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Create a beautiful dessert platter with an assortment of treats. Include fruits, cookies, and candies alongside your truffles for a colorful display.
Wrapped as Gifts
- Package individual truffles in decorative boxes or bags. They make lovely homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
With Hot Beverages
- Serve truffles alongside hot chocolate or coffee. The rich flavors complement the warmth of these beverages perfectly.
At Holiday Parties
- Place truffles on a decorative plate at holiday gatherings. Theyβre bite-sized and easy to share, making them perfect for mingling guests.
As an Elegant Table Centerpiece
- Arrange truffles in a glass jar or tiered stand as a centerpiece on your dining table. This adds charm and invites guests to indulge.
How to Perfect Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles
Making the perfect Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Here are ways to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Use quality chocolate β High-quality white chocolate melts smoothly and enhances the overall flavor of your truffles.
- Chill properly β Allowing the mixture to chill adequately makes rolling easier and ensures they hold their shape.
- Balance flavors β Adjust sweetness by using less powdered sugar or adding more cranberries for a tart contrast.
- Experiment with coatings β Instead of powdered sugar, try rolling in crushed nuts or coconut for different textures.
- Store correctly β Keep truffles in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles
Pairing side dishes with your truffles can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fruit Salad β A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits provides a light counterbalance to the richness of the truffles.
- Cheese Platter β Include soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone that complement sweet flavors, offering variety in texture.
- Cookies β Serve classic cookies like sugar or ginger snap cookies alongside for added crunch and flavor diversity.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels β The salty-sweet combination pairs beautifully with the creamy truffles, adding a fun twist.
- Mini Cupcakes β Offer small cupcakes with complementary flavors like vanilla or chocolate that enhance the dessert table.
- Coffee Cake β A slice of moist coffee cake provides an excellent balance between sweet desserts and savory elements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Itβs tempting to skip chilling the mixture, but this helps it firm up properly. Always allow it to rest before rolling into balls.
- Overheating the Chocolate: High heat can ruin your chocolate. Use a double boiler and keep the temperature below 105Β°F for the best results.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using stale nuts or dried fruit can affect flavor. Always ensure your ingredients are fresh for optimal taste.
- Skipping the Powdered Sugar Coating: This not only adds sweetness but also prevents sticking. Donβt skip this step for a perfect finish.
- Ignoring Cleanup Between Rolling: The mixture can stick to your hands. Clean them with a paper towel after each ball to maintain shape and prevent mess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store truffles in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles
- Place truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for longer storage (up to 3 months).
Reheating Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles
- Oven: Preheat to 300Β°F and warm truffles for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat truffles on low power in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until slightly softened.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat just until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles.
Can I use different nuts in my Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles?
Yes! You can substitute pistachios with almonds, walnuts, or any nut of your choice for a different flavor profile.
How long do Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles last?
When stored properly in the fridge, they can last up to one week. In the freezer, they can last up to three months.
Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! These truffles can be made days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until youβre ready to serve them.
What other flavors can I add to my truffles?
You can experiment with flavors like peppermint extract or almond extract, depending on your preference!
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are not only delightful but also versatile! They make perfect homemade gifts or festive treats for gatherings. Feel free to customize them by adding different nuts or flavors that you love. Try this easy recipe today and impress your friends and family!

Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 8 minute
- Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles, the perfect no-bake dessert for any holiday celebration. These charming little treats resemble snowballs, making them an eye-catching addition to your dessert table. With a unique blend of tart dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and creamy white chocolate, these truffles are not only delicious but also make thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Effortless to prepare and easy to store, they are a wonderful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 11 oz. white chocolate, chopped
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon orange or vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pistachios
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and heavy cream together.
- Stir in a pinch of salt and optional extract; set aside.
- Melt white chocolate over a double boiler until smooth.
- Combine the melted chocolate with the butter and cream mixture.
- Gently fold in dried cranberries and toasted pistachios. Let cool at room temperature for an hour before refrigerating for 2-3 hours until firm.
- Once firm, scoop into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and texture. Experiment with different nuts or coatings such as crushed almonds or coconut for variety.








