There's something utterly charming about these little bites—creamy, nutty, and a touch tart all at once. This Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe is a festive treat that’s surprisingly simple, yet feels so fancy. Trust me when I say, they disappear fast at any gathering!

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

This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to holiday snacks because it’s so effortless to make yet looks impressive. Plus, the flavor combo of pistachios and cranberries mixed with creamy cheese is a real crowd-pleaser.

Ridiculously simple: Only three main ingredients that you can whip together in under 10 minutes.
Perfectly festive flavors: Roasted pistachios and dried cranberries give it a holiday vibe without being over the top.
Great make-ahead option: You can prep these in advance and chill until it’s party time, which saves stress.
Customizable and adaptable: Easily switch up the coatings or cheese to fit your tastes or dietary 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

The ingredients here come together beautifully because the cheese’s creamy tang balances the nutty crunch of pistachios and the sweet-tart zing of cranberries. I always look for high-quality spreadable cheeses—herb-infused options really add depth.

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 (Garlic & Herbs or similar): Provides the creamy base and subtle savory notes that blend perfectly with the toppings.
Roasted Pistachios, finely chopped: Adds a lovely crunch and slightly sweet, buttery flavor that’s seasonal and festive.
Dried Cranberries, finely chopped: Brings a vibrant pop of color and tartness that brightens each bite.
Optional Rosemary Sprigs: For garnish, these add a fresh aroma and a touch of elegance on your serving platter.

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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 to experiment with different cheese bases or coatings based on season and mood. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own — it really rewards a little creativity!

Variation: I once swapped out pistachios for crushed candied pecans and rolled some truffles in orange zest mixed with finely chopped toasted walnuts for a zesty twist. It was a hit!
Nut-Free Option: Simply skip the pistachios and roll all the truffles in dried cranberries or try shredded toasted coconut.
Dairy-Free Version: Pick a firm, spreadable vegan cheese that isn’t too soft—you want it to hold its shape well for rolling.

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

Step 1: Prep and chill the cheese balls

Start by lining a large plate with parchment paper—that's your clean, non-stick surface. Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop or two tablespoons, scoop out dollops of the cheese. Place them neatly on the plate and pop it in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This chilling step is key; it firms up the cheese so rolling them later won’t turn into a sticky mess. I learned this the hard way the first time I tried to roll soft cheese straight away—it was a gooey disaster!

Step 2: Prepare your coatings

While the cheese chills, finely chop your roasted pistachios and dried cranberries and spread each on separate small plates or shallow bowls. This makes it super easy to roll and coat your truffles evenly once they're ready.

Step 3: Roll and coat the truffles

Take the cheese balls out of the freezer and quickly roll each into smooth, round truffles with your hands. Then roll half in pistachios and half in cranberries, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well. If you find the cheese starting to soften in your hands, briefly return them to the fridge for a few minutes—it really helps keep things tidy.

Step 4: Arrange and serve

Place your coated truffles on a pretty serving platter. If you have fresh rosemary lying around, tuck a few sprigs around the edges for that extra festive flair and aroma. These babies are best enjoyed chilled but come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to get that perfect creamy texture.

Top Tip

Over the years, rolling these cheese truffles has become one of my favorite quick holiday rituals. Here’s what I’ve learned to keep them perfectly shaped and delicious:

Chill First: Always freeze the scooped cheese balls before rolling to prevent melting and mess.
Light Touch: Use gentle pressure when rolling in coatings so the cheese doesn’t squish out.
Sharp Nuts: Finely chop nuts and cranberries so they cling better and provide a nice texture balance.
Serve at Room Temp: Let them sit out briefly before serving so the cheese is soft but still holds shape.

How to Serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe

Holiday Cheese Balls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with fresh rosemary sprigs—they add that piney holiday scent and a pop of green. Sometimes a few whole pistachios or extra dried cranberries sprinkled around the platter add a rustic, inviting look.

Side Dishes

These truffles make a lovely starter alongside crisp apple slices, crunchy crackers, or a colorful charcuterie board. I often pair them with a glass of dry white wine or a festive sparkling cocktail for a truly celebratory vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served holiday cheese truffles nestled in a bed of pomegranate seeds or ruby red cranberries in a pretty glass bowl. Another fun idea is placing each truffle in a mini cupcake liner for easy individual servings at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover truffles covered tightly in the fridge, ideally in an airtight container layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep beautifully for up to three days, still tasting fresh and creamy.

Freezing

Freezing works if you want to prepare way ahead. Just freeze the uncoated cheese balls on a lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready, thaw in the fridge and roll in coatings just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t really necessary since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temp. But if the cheese feels too firm from the fridge, just let the truffles sit out on the counter for about 10 minutes before serving—that softens them perfectly without any loss of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute with any soft, spreadable cheese like herbed cream cheese, goat cheese, or even a dairy-free alternative as long as it’s firm enough to roll into balls.

How far ahead can I make these cheese truffles?

You can make the cheese balls and roll them in coatings up to 3 days ahead. Store them chilled in an airtight container and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

What are some good alternatives for pistachios if I have allergies?

If you need to avoid nuts, try coating the cheese balls entirely in dried cranberries, or use seeds like toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.

Can I freeze these cheese truffles?

Yes! Freeze the uncoated cheese balls first on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Thaw in the fridge when ready, then roll in coatings and serve.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios and Cranberries Recipe has a special place on my holiday table because it combines festive flavors with effortless prep. They’re the perfect party bite to impress without the fuss, and I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds too. So grab some spreadable cheese, nuts, and dried fruit — then enjoy sharing these little gems with your friends and family.