Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles

Craving a festive, indulgent treat that combines sweet and savory flavors? These Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are the perfect bite-sized dessert, bursting with the rich flavors of white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios!

Imagine creamy white chocolate truffles with a chewy cranberry center and a hint of crunch from the pistachios. Each truffle is coated in white chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of pistachios, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

These truffles are the ultimate holiday treat or a luxurious gift. They’re sweet, savory, and irresistibly rich, perfect for any occasion when you want to add a little something special to the dessert table!

Ready to create these festive truffles? Let’s whip up some Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles and enjoy a sweet, indulgent treat today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Holiday Treat: They make gorgeous gifts or a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
• No Baking Required: Just melt, mix, chill, and roll—great for beginners or little helpers in the kitchen.
• Balanced Flavors: Sweet white chocolate, buttery base, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pistachios? It just works.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes

Servings: Makes about 18–22 truffles depending on size.

Difficulty: Very easy. No candy thermometer or tricky steps.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Heatproof mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan (for double boiling or direct heating)
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for chopping cranberries and pistachios)
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Baking sheet or tray
• Parchment paper
• Sifter or small fine-mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)

Ingredients for Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these festive bites to life (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• White Chocolate: Go for high-quality bars (not chips) for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and body to the truffle center.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the filling smooth and creamy.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Orange or Vanilla Extract (Optional): Adds warm depth. Choose one, or skip it.
• Dried Cranberries: Finely chopped for a tart, chewy contrast.
• Toasted Pistachios: Finely chopped. Add nuttiness and crunch.
• Powdered Sugar: For rolling the truffles and adding a soft finish.

Variations for Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles

• Use Almonds or Walnuts: Swap pistachios for other toasted nuts if preferred.
• Try Dried Cherries: Use dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a different tart flavor.
• Add Citrus Zest: Grate in a bit of orange or lemon zest for a fresh, bright finish.
• Dip in Chocolate: Chill the truffles, then dip them in melted dark chocolate for a richer shell.
• Coat with Coconut: Roll in fine shredded coconut instead of powdered sugar for a tropical touch.

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the White Chocolate

Place chopped white chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl.
Set it over a pot of simmering water (double boiler style) or microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between each.
Melt until smooth and fully combined.

2. Add Cream and Flavor

Once melted, stir in heavy cream, salt, and orange or vanilla extract if using.
Mix until glossy and well-blended.

3. Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios

Remove the bowl from heat. Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
Then fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries and pistachios.
Stir gently to distribute evenly.

4. Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
The mixture should be firm enough to scoop and roll but not rock hard.

Serving and Decoration

5. Scoop and Roll

Line a tray with parchment paper.
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the truffle mixture into small mounds.
Roll each mound into a smooth ball using your hands (slightly damp hands help if it sticks).

6. Coat with Powdered Sugar

Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl or use a fine mesh strainer.
Roll each truffle in the sugar until coated, or dust lightly on top for a more delicate finish.
Return coated truffles to the tray.

7. Chill Again (Optional)

For firmer texture, chill rolled truffles again for 15–30 minutes before serving.
They’ll hold shape better and keep longer.

How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles

• Gift-Worthy: Package in mini cupcake liners and place in a gift box or holiday tin.
• Party Platter: Arrange on a dessert tray with cookies, fudge, or bark.
• Sweet Treat: Serve with afternoon tea, coffee, or as a bite-sized dessert after dinner.
• Kids’ Favorite: They’re soft, bite-sized, and perfect for little hands too.

Storing Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed bag. Keeps well for up to 2 months.
• Serving Tip: Let frozen truffles sit at room temp for 10 minutes before eating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use high-quality white chocolate that melts smoothly and doesn’t seize.
• Chop mix-ins very finely so the truffles hold together better.
• Don’t skip the chilling—this helps firm up the mix for rolling.
• Keep powdered sugar fresh by sifting before use for a smoother coating.
• Double the batch if gifting—these disappear fast.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount (Per Truffle)
Calories	110
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	11g
Sugar	9g
Protein	1g
Fiber	0.5g
Sodium	10mg

Note: Values are approximate and depend on exact ingredient brands and portion size.

Cranberry Pistachio Truffles FAQs

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of bars?
You can, but bars melt more smoothly. Chips sometimes contain stabilizers.

Do I need to toast the pistachios?
Toasting deepens the flavor, but it’s optional.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
No, dried cranberries are best for texture and shelf stability.

Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?
Yes, or try cocoa powder, coconut, or crushed nuts as an alternative.

Conclusion

I’ve made these cranberry pistachio truffles for years—especially around the holidays. They’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bites with a chewy crunch in every bit. No oven, no stress, and they look (and taste) like they came from a fancy shop.