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 undeniably festive about these creamy, tangy bites bursting with texture — the perfect nibble to brighten your gathering. This Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe combines simple ingredients into something truly special and surprisingly elegant.

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’m all about snacks that feel luxe but are insanely easy to pull off, and these cheese truffles fit the bill. They’re festive, flavorful, and come together in just minutes—so you can spend more time chatting with guests and less time stuck in the kitchen.

Simple Ingredients: Only three main ingredients that create a deliciously balanced bite.
Elegant Presentation: Rolled in pistachios and cranberries, they look fancy enough for any holiday spread.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them hours or even a day ahead.
Customizable: Easy to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruit.

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 shines on its own but also comes together to create a perfect winter flavor harmony. Here’s why I picked them and what to look for when shopping.

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 love using herbed cream or goat cheese because the garlic & herbs add instant savory depth—Alouette's Garlic & Herbs is my go-to.
Roasted Pistachios: They add a wonderful crunch and a subtle buttery flavor. Just make sure they're roasted, not salted, to keep the balance right.
Dried Cranberries: Their tart sweetness cuts through the richness of the cheese, making every bite vibrant.
Rosemary Sprigs (optional): For that festive look and a fresh herbal aroma on your 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

I like to play around with textures here. Sometimes I swap pistachios for chopped pecans or almonds just to give guests a slightly different crunch. Feel free to toss in a pinch of cayenne if you want an unexpected little kick—it surprises people every time!

Nut-Free Variation: Rolling all the truffles in dried cranberries is a great way to keep them allergy-friendly but still visually stunning.
Dairy-Free Option: Try a firmer vegan cheese spread. I found some herbed cashew-based spreads work really well—they firm up better than the softer kinds.

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

Step 1: Chill Your Cheese Balls

Start by scooping your herbed cheese into small balls—about 2 tablespoons each works perfectly. I use a cookie scoop to keep them all the same size, which helps them look polished and makes rolling easier later. Pop them in the freezer for around 20 minutes. This chilling step is key; it firms them up so you don’t squish them while rolling.

Step 2: Prep Your Coatings

While your cheese balls chill, chop the pistachios and dried cranberries finely, placing each on separate plates or shallow bowls. Finely chopped bits stick better and create a prettier crust. Don’t skip the chopping—even big chunks can fall off and make a mess.

Step 3: Roll and Coat

Take the cheese balls out of the freezer and gently roll them between your palms to smooth out any cracks. Then press them into the pistachios or cranberries, turning to coat evenly. This part feels a little like crafting—take your time to get that gorgeous, even coating.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Arrange your beautiful truffles on a platter. I love tucking in fresh rosemary sprigs around the edges for that piney, winter vibe. Serve immediately or store covered in the fridge until guests arrive.

Top Tip

I learned early on that chilling the cheese balls before rolling is the secret sauce to success. It makes the whole process smoother and results in perfectly shaped truffles every time.

Use Uniform Scoops: A cookie scoop means consistent sizing and results in a polished look.
Chill Before Rolling: This prevents the cheese from becoming too soft and messy in your hands.
Press Gently but Firmly: Make sure the coating sticks without squishing the truffle out of shape.
Roast Your Nuts (if using raw): Warm, roasted nuts always add a more complex flavor than raw ones.

How to Serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe

Holiday Cheese Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always place a few fresh rosemary sprigs around the platter. Not only do they look festive, but their aromatic scent adds another sensory layer to the experience. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on the pistachio truffles just before serving for a fancy touch.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with crusty bread or an assortment of crackers. For a larger spread, I serve them alongside olives, cured meats, and fig jam to complement the sweet-and-savory flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to arrange the truffles on a wooden board nestled between candied nuts, fresh grapes, and mini ornaments for a festive vibe. You could also serve each truffle in a mini cupcake liner to keep things neat and make individual portions easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover truffles keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze these because I love their fresh texture, you can freeze cheese balls before rolling. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and coating.

Reheating

These are best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm them slightly, let them sit out for 15 minutes—heat beyond that risks melting your perfect truffle shape.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for the Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe?

Absolutely! While herbed cream cheese or goat cheese adds the perfect balance of flavor and softness, you can use any spreadable cheese you love. Just make sure it’s firm enough to shape after chilling.

How long can I store these cheese truffles before serving?

Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bringing them to room temperature before serving enhances flavor and texture.

Are there any nut-free alternatives for the coating?

Yes! Simply roll all your cheese truffles in finely chopped dried cranberries or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

Definitely! Use a firmer dairy-free cheese spread with herbs to mimic the texture and flavor. Be sure it’s not too soft or it won’t hold the shape as well.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe is genuinely one of my favorite go-to festive snacks. It’s quick, impressive, and just the right mix of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy. Once you try them, I bet you’ll find yourself making these year after year—and secretly savoring a few all by yourself while the party’s on.