These Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are a delightful combination of creamy, sweet white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios, making them the ideal treat for the holiday season. Whether you’re making them for yourself or gifting them to loved ones, these truffles are guaranteed to add a festive touch to your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making each bite an indulgent experience. The combination of rich white chocolate, tangy cranberries, and savory pistachios creates a flavor profile that is both festive and irresistible. They’re incredibly easy to make, with just a few ingredients, and can be stored ahead of time, making them a great option for holiday parties or last-minute gifts. Plus, the touch of powdered sugar gives them a beautiful, snowy finish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for rolling)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Make the Truffle Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. -
Add Cranberries and Pistachios:
Gently fold in half of the chopped cranberries and half of the chopped pistachios into the melted chocolate mixture. -
Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop. -
Form the Truffles:
Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. -
Roll and Garnish:
Combine the remaining chopped cranberries and pistachios in a shallow dish. Roll each truffle in the mixture to coat. For an optional festive touch, roll the truffles in powdered sugar as well. -
Serve or Store:
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They are best enjoyed slightly chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 truffles
- Calories: 90 kcal per truffle
Storage/Reheating
These truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred. If you need to store them for longer, you can also freeze them for up to a month. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor.
2. Can I use roasted pistachios?
Yes, you can use roasted pistachios for an added depth of flavor. Just be sure they are unsalted.
3. Do I need to chop the cranberries and pistachios finely?
Chopping the cranberries and pistachios finely helps the truffles maintain a smooth texture and ensures every bite has an even balance of flavor.
4. Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Yes, these truffles can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a great option for holiday prepping.
5. How do I know when the truffle mixture is chilled enough to scoop?
The truffle mixture will be firm enough to scoop when it holds its shape without melting or sticking to your hands.
6. Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?
Yes, the powdered sugar is optional. It adds a nice touch of sweetness and a snow-like appearance, but the truffles are delicious without it.
7. How can I make these truffles vegan?
To make these truffles vegan, use dairy-free white chocolate and heavy cream alternatives such as coconut cream.
8. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Dried cranberries work best in this recipe, as fresh cranberries have too much moisture and would affect the truffle consistency.
9. How should I serve these truffles?
These truffles are perfect for holiday parties, as gifts, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends. They are best served slightly chilled.
10. Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Yes, you can substitute other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Conclusion
Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are an easy and elegant holiday treat that will impress everyone who tries them. With their combination of rich white chocolate, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pistachios, these truffles are perfect for gifting or enjoying as part of your festive celebrations. The best part is that they’re simple to make, so you can create a batch quickly and easily, ensuring that everyone gets a taste of this delicious indulgence.
Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 truffles
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are a perfect holiday treat, combining creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios. This easy-to-make recipe results in indulgent, festive truffles, ideal for gifting or enjoying at your next holiday celebration. Make them ahead of time and store them for a convenient, sweet treat!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Make the Truffle Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Cranberries and Pistachios: Gently fold in half of the chopped cranberries and pistachios into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop.
- Form the Truffles: Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Roll and Garnish: Combine the remaining chopped cranberries and pistachios in a shallow dish. Roll each truffle in the mixture to coat. For an optional festive touch, roll the truffles in powdered sugar as well.
- Serve or Store: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They are best enjoyed slightly chilled.
Notes
- These truffles can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- For a different flavor, you can substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate or use roasted pistachios.
- Vegan variations are possible with dairy-free white chocolate and coconut cream.
- Optional powdered sugar adds a festive touch, but is not necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
