Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Let me introduce you to your next favorite homemade treat: Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles! These cheerful, sweet little bites are brimming with creamy white chocolate, tart pops of cranberry, and crunchy pistachio—each mouthful feels like a tiny celebration. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and no need to turn on the oven, these truffles are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat. Whether you’re prepping a platter for the holidays or surprising a friend just because, this recipe is guaranteed to leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients blend together to make these vibrant Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles. Each one plays a special role in creating the irresistible flavors, textures, and festive appearance you’ll love sharing—and eating!
- White chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate (12 oz): Use good-quality white chocolate for a smooth, creamy base that truly lets the other flavors shine.
- Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Adds luxurious richness and the right texture for easy rolling.
- Dried cranberries, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Lend a delightful tartness and gorgeous flecks of color in every bite.
- Shelled pistachios, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Bring nutty crunch and a pop of green for irresistible color and flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a hint of cozy warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and brighten every flavor note.
- Extra chopped cranberries and pistachios (for coating, optional): Make your finished truffles look extra festive and add a lovely finishing crunch.
How to Make Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate and Cream
Start by grabbing a heatproof mixing bowl and combining the white chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) with the heavy cream. Microwave this in 20-second bursts, stirring well each time, until the chocolate is completely melted and silky-smooth. This gentle approach keeps the chocolate from scorching and ensures your truffle base turns out perfectly creamy every time.
Step 2: Stir in Flavorful Mix-Ins
Now the fun starts! Add your finely chopped cranberries, pistachios, vanilla extract, and that all-important pinch of salt. Give everything a thorough stir, folding until you see bits of ruby and emerald throughout. This is what makes Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles so vibrant and delicious—each ingredient brings its own unique flair.
Step 3: Chill for Easy Scooping
Cover your bowl of truffle mixture and pop it into the fridge for 2 to 3 hours. This chilling step is crucial—it firms up the mixture so you can easily scoop and shape each truffle. If you’re a planner, you can even chill it overnight and finish up the next day.
Step 4: Shape the Truffles
Once your mixture is nice and firm, use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion it out into 1-inch balls. Roll them quickly between your hands to smooth the surface—don’t stress about perfection, each one is meant to be a little unique!
Step 5: Coat for Extra Crunch and Color
For those signature festive looks and a touch of crunch, roll each truffle in extra chopped cranberries and pistachios (if you like). Place your finished truffles on a parchment-lined tray. This extra step gives your Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles major holiday appeal.
Step 6: Final Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 more minutes so they set up beautifully. Serve them chilled straight from the fridge, or let them sit briefly at room temperature for a softer bite—they’re delightful either way!
How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles

Garnishes
Give your Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles that bakery-style charm by finishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of melted white chocolate. If you’ve got orange zest on hand, sprinkle a bit on top for a citrusy hint and a splash of color.
Side Dishes
When sharing these truffles at a party or gathering, set them alongside fresh fruit, like clementine wedges or kiwi slices, for a pretty and refreshing contrast. They also pair beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee or herbal tea, making snack time something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring out your inner artist! Nestle individual truffles in mini paper cups or decorative tins, arrange on a tiered serving stand, or pack a handful in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful, homemade gifts. These little gems truly shine on an elegant dessert tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles hold up wonderfully in the fridge. Just keep them in an airtight container with a layer of wax paper between layers so they don’t stick. They’ll last up to a week—if you can resist them that long!
Freezing
These truffles are surprisingly freezer-friendly. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight for a treat that tastes freshly made.
Reheating
No real reheating needed! Bring your Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving for the best creamy texture. Their flavors really shine when they lose a bit of their chill, so let them rest at room temp briefly if you’d like.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Absolutely! While pistachios provide that signature look and buttery crunch, you can swap in pecans, walnuts, or even almonds if that’s what you have on hand—or prefer flavor-wise.
Can I double the Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles recipe?
Yes! This recipe easily scales up to make double or even triple batches. Just be sure to chill the mixture thoroughly, as larger amounts may need a bit more time to firm up before rolling.
What if I don’t have a microwave?
No problem at all! You can melt the white chocolate and cream together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. Stir constantly and remove from the heat as soon as smooth.
How do I make them dairy free?
Try swapping in your favorite dairy-free white chocolate and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The result will be just as creamy and wholly delicious.
Can I add extra flavors?
Definitely! A touch of orange zest, a splash of almond extract, or even a pinch of cardamom brings a fun new twist to these classic Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles. Play around and make them your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a no-fuss, totally impressive dessert, give Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles a try. You’ll love how easy they are to make—and how quickly they disappear from the platter! Go ahead, treat yourself to a batch and share the joy.
Print
Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios with these Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year!
Ingredients
White Chocolate Truffles:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Extra chopped cranberries and pistachios (for coating, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Truffle Mixture: In a heatproof bowl, combine white chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave in intervals, stirring until smooth. Add cranberries, pistachios, vanilla, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until firm.
- Shape the Truffles: Scoop mixture into balls, roll, and coat with additional cranberries and pistachios. Chill to set.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Store in the fridge.
Notes
- Enhance with a hint of orange zest for extra flavor.
- For a different finish, dip truffles in melted white chocolate after shaping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg