Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles – Elegant, creamy bite-size treats bursting with festive flavor

Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles – Elegant, creamy bite-size treats bursting with festive flavor

Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are luxurious little treats that blend creamy white chocolate, tangy dried cranberries, and crunchy pistachios into soft, melt-in-your-mouth confections. Each truffle is sweet, bright, lightly nutty, and beautifully festive — perfect for gifting, holiday dessert tables, or enjoying with a warm drink. These no-bake truffles come together quickly with simple ingredients but taste like something from an upscale chocolatier. The blend of textures and flavors — silky white chocolate, chewy cranberries, and crisp pistachios — makes these truffles irresistible and unforgettable.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1 30

Servings: 20 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Truffle Base

2 cups white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
⅓ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup dried cranberries finely chopped
½ cup pistachios finely chopped
Pinch of salt

For Rolling or Coating

Finely chopped pistachios
Finely chopped cranberries
White chocolate drizzle optional
Powdered sugar optional

Equipment

Microwave-safe bowl (or double boiler)
Silicone spatula
Cutting board & knife
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small cookie scoop or teaspoon
Refrigerator space

Method

Step 1: Warm the cream

In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate

Place white chocolate in a heat-safe bowl.
Pour warm cream over the chocolate and let sit 2 minutes.
Stir until smooth and glossy.
(If needed, microwave in 10-second bursts to fully melt.)

Step 3: Flavor & fold

Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Fold in chopped dried cranberries and pistachios until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Chill the mixture

Cover the bowl and refrigerate 1–1½ hours, or until firm enough to scoop.

Step 5: Scoop & shape

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the chilled truffle mixture.
Roll gently between your palms to form smooth balls.
Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Decorate

Choose your finish:
Roll truffles in chopped pistachios
Roll in chopped cranberries
Roll lightly in powdered sugar
Drizzle with melted white chocolate
Mix and match for a festive assortment!

Step 7: Chill to set

Refrigerate truffles for 15–20 minutes to firm up before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw in fridge before serving).

Keep chilled for the firmest, creamiest texture.

🥄 Variations

Cranberry Orange Truffles
Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the mixture.

Almond Cranberry Truffles
Swap pistachios for toasted slivered almonds.

Matcha Pistachio Version
Add 1 teaspoon matcha powder to the melted chocolate.

White Chocolate Coconut Coating
Roll truffles in shredded coconut for a snowy look.

Dark Chocolate Contrast
Dip the truffle bottoms in melted dark chocolate.

❓ 10 FAQs

Why is my mixture too soft to roll?
Chill longer — white chocolate softens easily.

Can I use white chocolate baking bars instead of chips?
Yes — bars melt more smoothly.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free white chocolate + coconut cream.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
No — they add too much moisture; dried works best.

How do I prevent sticky hands when rolling?
Slightly chill your hands or lightly coat with powdered sugar.

Can I make these ahead?
Yes — they keep beautifully for days.

Can I add liqueur flavoring?
Avoid alcohol — but you can add alcohol-free extracts like rum or almond.

Why did my chocolate seize?
Overheating or water contact — melt gently and stir patiently.

Can I use salted pistachios?
Yes — just reduce added salt.

How do I make them look more professional?
Use a drizzle of chocolate, fine chopping, and consistent ball size.

🏁 Conclusion

Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are elegant, festive, and incredibly delicious — the perfect blend of creamy sweetness, vibrant cranberries, and crunchy pistachios. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a holiday party, or enjoying them yourself, these truffles bring charm and sophistication to any occasion. Easy, eye-catching, and irresistibly smooth, they’re destined to become a seasonal favorite.