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White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles Recipe

If you’re hunting for a festive treat that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious, this White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles Recipe is a total game-changer. I absolutely love how the creamy white chocolate blends with the tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios—plus the coconut on the outside adds the perfect finishing touch. Trust me, once you try these truffles, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat for holiday parties or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You only need six pantry staples, yet the flavor is anything but simple.
  • No Fancy Equipment: You don’t need a candy thermometer or special mold—just a bowl and your hands.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: Tart cranberries, rich white chocolate, and crunchy pistachios make every bite exciting.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these hours ahead, so they’re great for busy days or last-minute guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When you start with good-quality white chocolate, the rest of the ingredients just build on that creamy base beautifully. I always like to use chopped dried cranberries that aren’t too chewy, and pistachios that have been lightly toasted for maximum flavor.

Flat lay of a small pile of chopped white chocolate pieces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thickened cream, a tiny white bowl holding glossy vanilla bean paste, a small white bowl containing chopped dried cranberries, a small white bowl with chopped pistachios, and a shallow white ceramic dish with fine desiccated coconut arranged neatly beside them, all ingredients fresh and natural, 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 - White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles, holiday chocolates, festive truffles, easy homemade truffles, holiday treat ideas
  • White chocolate: Use a good-quality bar or chips for creaminess and smooth melting.
  • Thickened cream: Provides richness and the right texture; heavy cream is a good substitute if needed.
  • Vanilla bean paste: Totally optional but adds a lovely depth—don’t skip if you have it.
  • Dried cranberries: Chop them finely so they distribute evenly and every bite gets a pop of tartness.
  • Pistachios: Chop roughly and lightly toast them to enhance flavor and crunch.
  • Desiccated coconut: For rolling—adds texture and makes these truffles look pretty too!
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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.

Variations

I love switching things up depending on the occasion—these truffles are super forgiving, so feel free to get creative with mix-ins or coatings to make them truly your own.

  • Swap Nuts: Sometimes I use chopped almonds or hazelnuts instead of pistachios for a different crunch and flavor.
  • Different Dried Fruit: I’ve tried dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries, and the results are just as tasty.
  • Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the melted chocolate mixture gives a nice warm twist.
  • Coating Ideas: Instead of coconut, rolling the truffles in cocoa powder or finely crushed freeze-dried raspberries changes the look and taste.

How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Cream

Start by placing your chopped white chocolate and thickened cream into a heatproof bowl. Set that over a pot of simmering water—just make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water or the chocolate might seize. Stir gently but continuously with a metal spoon until it’s silky smooth and fully melted. I found that patience here really pays off because overheated chocolate can spoil the texture. If you’re using vanilla bean paste, stir that in now to infuse the whole mixture with that lovely fragrant note. Then, let it cool slightly before moving on.

Step 2: Mix in the Cranberries and Pistachios, Then Chill

Once the chocolate mixture has cooled a bit but is still pourable, fold in the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios. Mix everything evenly so you get those bursts of tart and crunch in each bite. Then pop the bowl into the fridge for about 3 hours. Stir it every 30 minutes or so to help the truffle mixture chill uniformly and break up any lumps—the texture should become firm enough to roll, but still a little sticky.

Step 3: Roll and Coat in Coconut

When the mixture is chilled and firm, scoop out level tablespoons and roll them into smooth balls with your hands. This part can get a bit sticky, so if your hands are warm, wet them slightly before rolling to keep the mixture from clinging too much. Then roll each truffle in desiccated coconut for that snowy, festive look and a lovely texture contrast. Arrange the finished truffles in a single layer inside an airtight container, and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

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Pro Tips for Making White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles Recipe

  • Even Melting: Use a gentle double boiler setup to prevent overheating and graininess in your chocolate.
  • Chilling Patience: Give the mixture enough time to firm up in the fridge—this makes rolling so much smoother.
  • Hand Prep: Keep your hands cool or wet lightly with water to avoid the mixture sticking when rolling.
  • Storage Tip: Store truffles in a single layer with parchment paper between if stacking to keep them from sticking together.

How to Serve White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles Recipe

White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually stick with the desiccated coconut for rolling because it adds a lovely texture and looks festive with that snowy effect. But sometimes I sprinkle some extra chopped pistachios or even a tiny dash of edible gold dust on top for special occasions. It’s those little touches that get guests asking, “How did you make these?!”

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. For holiday gatherings, I often set them out alongside a cheese board with mild cheeses and fresh fruit, giving your guests a sweet and savory option.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served these truffles in mini decorative cupcake liners arranged on a festive platter sprinkled with edible rose petals—it was a total hit at my Christmas party. You can also stack them in a clear jar tied with ribbon for a lovely homemade gift that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and perfectly creamy for up to a week—though honestly, they never last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to make them ahead for a big event, freezing works like a charm. Pop the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to a month, and thaw gently in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Because these are delicate no-bake truffles, I don’t recommend direct reheating. Instead, just bring them to room temperature by letting them sit out for about 15 minutes—this softens them perfectly without losing texture or causing melting.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular cream instead of thickened cream for these truffles?

    Thickened cream (or heavy cream) is ideal because of its higher fat content, which helps the truffles set properly and makes the texture smooth and creamy. Using lighter cream might result in a mixture that’s too soft and won’t firm up as nicely.

  2. What’s the best way to chop the cranberries and pistachios?

    For even distribution, chop the dried cranberries into small pieces—about ¼ inch or smaller works well. The pistachios can be chopped a bit more coarsely to retain some crunch and texture contrast in each bite.

  3. Can I make these truffles vegan?

    Yes! Swap the white chocolate for a vegan white chocolate alternative and use full-fat coconut cream instead of thickened cream. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious and festive.

  4. How long do these truffles last?

    Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they will stay fresh for up to one week. If frozen, they can last for about one month.

  5. Can I roll these truffles in something other than coconut?

    Absolutely! You can try cocoa powder, finely crushed freeze-dried raspberries, powdered sugar, or even chopped nuts for a different appearance and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles Recipe quickly became my go-to when I want something that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. I love how versatile it is—you can dress it up for parties or just enjoy a few as a quiet treat at home. If you’re looking to impress your friends or treat yourself to something decadent without the fuss of baking, I wholeheartedly recommend giving these truffles a try. You’ll be amazed at how little effort it takes to create such a stunning little bite of joy!

Print
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White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Truffles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 18 truffles
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Australian

Description

Delightfully creamy and festive White Christmas truffles made from melted white chocolate and cream, combined with dried cranberries and pistachios, then coated in desiccated coconut. These no-bake truffles are perfect for holiday celebrations or as a sweet treat anytime.


Ingredients

Truffle Mixture

  • 180g white chocolate, chopped
  • 80ml (1/3 cup) thickened cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (optional)
  • 40g (1/4 cup) dried cranberries, chopped
  • 40g (1/4 cup) pistachios, chopped

Coating

  • 35g (1/3 cup) desiccated coconut


Instructions

  1. Melt chocolate and cream: Place the white chocolate and thickened cream in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Stir gently with a metal spoon until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth. If desired, stir in the vanilla bean paste for enhanced flavor. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Add cranberries and pistachios: Fold the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios into the cooled chocolate mixture. Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator and chill for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. This will allow the mixture to firm up enough to roll into balls, though it will remain a bit sticky.
  3. Form and coat truffles: Place the desiccated coconut in a shallow dish. Using level tablespoons, scoop portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into balls using your hands. Then roll each ball in the coconut to fully coat. Arrange the finished truffles in a single layer inside an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the bowl used for melting chocolate doesn’t touch the simmering water to avoid overheating and seizing of chocolate.
  • Use good quality white chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
  • For a firmer truffle, chill the mixture longer before rolling.
  • Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within one week for freshness.
  • You can experiment with other dried fruits or nuts for coating or mix-ins.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 truffle
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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