Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe

If you’re looking for a truly delightful treat that combines elegance, flavor, and a little bit of festive flair, then the Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe is exactly what you need. These truffles are a luscious blend of creamy white chocolate enhanced with bursts of tangy dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted pistachios. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and nutty notes wrapped in a delicate powdered sugar coating, making them irresistible whether you’re gifting, sharing at a party, or indulging at home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a small but powerful lineup of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building the smooth texture of the truffles to adding pops of flavor and color that will captivate your senses.

• White chocolate (11 oz., chopped): The creamy, sweet base that melts into silky perfection.
• Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons): Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel without overpowering the chocolate.
• Heavy cream (3 tablespoons): Blends with butter to create the ideal luscious texture for the truffle filling.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Orange or vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a fragrant warmth if you want a subtle aromatic lift.
• Dried cranberries (1/3 cup, finely chopped): Brings a delightful tang and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate.
• Toasted pistachios (1/3 cup, finely chopped): Offers a satisfying crunch and a lovely green hue for visual appeal.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Coats the truffles with a sweet, delicate dusting to finish.

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Create the Creamy Butter and Cream Mixture

Start by gently melting the butter in a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Once melted, stir in the heavy cream, blending just enough to combine the two. This mixture is the foundation for the truffle’s creamy texture, so be sure to heat gently to preserve its richness.

Step 2: Season Your Mixture

Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and your optional orange or vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic note. Set this aside while you move on to the chocolate—it will help marry all flavors beautifully later on.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate Perfectly

Using a double boiler is the best way to gently melt the chopped white chocolate. Stir casually and carefully until smooth, making sure not to overheat—keep it below 105°F to avoid any separation or graininess. The texture here is critical for the luscious finish of your truffles.

Step 4: Combine Butter-Cream Mixture with Melted Chocolate

Remove the chocolate from heat and gently fold in the lukewarm butter and cream blend using a rubber spatula. They should be roughly the same temperature to help the mixture come together smoothly and avoid any grain or break in texture.

Step 5: Add Cranberries and Pistachios, Chill

Stir in the finely chopped dried cranberries and toasted pistachios for bursts of flavor and crunch. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour. Then transfer to the fridge and chill for 2-3 hours until firm enough to shape.

Step 6: Shape the Truffles

Once firm, scoop out portions of the mixture with a small spoon or melon baller. Roll into inch-sized balls using your hands. It’s normal for the mixture to stick a bit—just wipe your hands clean with a paper towel after each ball to keep things neat.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated. This sweet dusting not only looks beautiful but adds an extra touch of sweetness and texture.

Step 8: Storage

Store your delightful creations in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze to enjoy later. Details on storing are covered below!

How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, sprinkle a few crushed pistachios or mini dried cranberries on top of the powdered sugar coating. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a little edible gold dust can also elevate these treats for festive occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these truffles with a cup of rich coffee, spiced chai, or a glass of sparkling wine to complement their sweetness and texture. They also make a charming finish to a cheese platter, especially alongside mild cheeses and fresh fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your truffles in mini paper cups or on a decorative tray lined with parchment paper. For holiday gifting, wrap them in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon. You could also skewer them on decorative toothpicks for a fun, bite-sized party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture. They stay perfectly enjoyable for up to one week, making them great for prepping ahead of time.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these truffles later, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight to preserve the flavor and texture.

Reheating

Truffles are best served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as white chocolate can easily overheat and separate. Simply leave them out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

FAQs

Can I substitute the dried cranberries with fresh ones?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and contain more moisture, which could affect the texture of the truffles. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries to maintain the ideal consistency and flavor balance.

Is there a way to make these truffles vegan?

You can experiment with vegan white chocolate and non-dairy alternatives for butter and cream, such as coconut cream. Just be mindful that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the traditional recipe.

What if I don’t have a double boiler? Can I melt the chocolate another way?

If you don’t have a double boiler, use a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Alternatively, melt the chocolate carefully in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid overheating.

How do I ensure my white chocolate doesn’t seize or separate when melting?

Keep the heat low and stir gently. Avoid adding water or steam to the chocolate, and do not exceed 105°F when melting. Make sure the butter and cream mixture is warm but not hot when combining to keep the emulsion stable.

Can I add other nuts or dried fruits instead of pistachios and cranberries?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with almonds, hazelnuts, or even chopped dried apricots or cherries for a different flavor profile. Just keep the texture in mind to ensure the truffles still hold together nicely.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe are truly a celebration in every bite—rich, smooth, and wonderfully festive. Whether you’re making them for yourself, to share with friends, or as a special gift, they deliver impressive flavor with surprisingly simple steps. I promise once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for every holiday and special occasion. Get ready to fall in love with these dreamy little morsels!

Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 64 reviews

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Delightfully creamy and rich Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles featuring melted white chocolate blended with butter, heavy cream, dried cranberries, and toasted pistachios. These elegant, bite-sized treats are perfectly coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish, ideal for festive occasions or gifting.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 11 oz. white chocolate – chopped into small pieces
• 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon orange or vanilla extract (optional)

Mix-ins and Coating

• 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pistachio
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Melt Butter and Cream: In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and then add heavy cream, stirring gently to combine the two.
2. Add Flavor and Salt: Stir in a pinch of salt and orange or vanilla extract if using; set this mixture aside while you prepare the chocolate.
3. Melt White Chocolate: Using a double boiler, melt the chopped white chocolate slowly, stirring occasionally until completely smooth. Be careful not to exceed 105°F to prevent the chocolate from separating.
4. Combine Mixtures: Remove the melted chocolate from heat, then gently fold in the lukewarm butter and cream mixture using a rubber spatula, ensuring temperatures are similar to avoid seizing.
5. Add Cranberries and Pistachios: Stir in finely chopped dried cranberries and toasted pistachios. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm.
6. Form Truffles: Once firm, scoop out the mixture using a small spoon or melon baller and roll into approximately 1-inch balls. Wipe your hands with a paper towel between rolling each ball to prevent sticking.
7. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Roll each truffle ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to coat evenly.
8. Storage: Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer preservation.

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Notes

• Use a gentle heat to melt white chocolate to avoid seizing; do not exceed 105°F.
• Ensure the butter and cream mixture is close in temperature to the melted chocolate before combining to maintain smooth texture.
• Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture to prevent a dry film from forming during chilling.
• Rolling truffles can be sticky; wiping hands between rolls helps maintain neat balls.
• Optional: Add a teaspoon of orange or vanilla extract for added aromatic flavor.
• Truffles can be frozen for extended storage, making these a great make-ahead treat.