Name: Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 13 ounces Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese (or herbed cream cheese or herbed goat cheese); ⅓ cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped; ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped; Rosemary sprigs

Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe are one of those delightful, easy-to-make treats that bring so much festive joy to the table. They’re creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep them around all season long.

The image shows a white plate with a rough, light beige rim filled with small round balls. There are two types of balls: some are covered with chopped bright green pistachio nuts, and others are coated with deep red dried cranberry pieces mixed with some white cream showing through. The balls are placed in a scattered pattern on the plate, with fresh green rosemary sprigs arranged in small bunches between them. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe—how simple yet impressive they felt. They instantly became a holiday staple in my home, and I bet you’ll love how effortlessly they wow your guests.

Super simple: Only three main ingredients make this recipe quick and fuss-free.
Creamy meets crunchy: The soft cheese pairs perfectly with the crunchy pistachios and sweet cranberries.
Flexible and festive: You can customize the coatings, adapting to allergies or your flavor preferences.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or part of your holiday cheese board, these truffles fit right in.

The image shows an oval white plate with a textured rim holding small round balls arranged in a Christmas tree shape on a white marbled surface. The balls are in two colors: bright red and pale yellow-green, each covered with small pieces of nuts or dried fruit giving a rough texture. Fresh green rosemary sprigs decorate and fill spaces between the balls, also shaped to resemble the branches of the tree. The plate sits on a green cloth with some extra rosemary sprigs scattered around and two glasses with dark green rims nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

What makes this Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe shine is the harmony between the creamy, herbaceous cheese, crunchy nuts, and sweet-tart dried fruit. Here are the key ingredients that play essential roles:

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh herbed cream cheese with visible garlic and herbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely chopped roasted pistachios, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely chopped vibrant red dried cranberries, and a few fresh green rosemary sprigs artfully arranged beside them, all 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

Soft Spreadable Cheese: I love using Alouette Garlic & Herbs cheese because it’s creamy with a nice herby kick, but you can swap in herbed cream cheese or goat cheese for a similar effect.
Roasted Pistachios: These bring a delightful crunch and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that balances the cheese beautifully. Make sure they’re finely chopped for even coating.
Dried Cranberries: The dried cranberries add a pop of sweetness and a lovely color contrast, which makes these truffles look as festive as they taste.
Rosemary Sprigs (Optional): Not in the truffle itself but great for a fresh, aromatic garnish that signals holiday cheer.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch things up depending on my mood or who I’m serving. This Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe is so adaptable you can really make it your own—and I encourage you to experiment!

Variation: One holiday, I replaced the pistachios with chopped roasted almonds and tossed some fresh chopped chives into the cheese—surprisingly delicious and a bit more savory!
Nut-Free Option: If someone has a nut allergy, roll all your truffles in dried cranberries, or try finely chopped toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
Dairy-Free Version: Try a firm, spreadable vegan cheese (make sure it’s not too soft). I’ve used cashew-based cheeses with good results, but firmness is key to maintain shape.
Festive Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika into the cheese for a surprising depth that plays well with your nut and fruit coatings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe

Step 1: Chill & Scoop Your Cheese

Start by lining a large plate with parchment paper—this keeps things tidy and stops sticking. Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop (or about 2 tablespoons) to portion out the cheese into balls on your plate. Once all scooped, pop the plate in the freezer for 20 minutes. This chill time is essential to firm up the cheese so you can roll the balls easily without them falling apart.

Step 2: Prep Your Coatings

While your cheese chills, get your coatings ready. Chop the pistachios and dried cranberries finely, and spread them out separately on small plates or shallow bowls. Their fine chop helps the coating to stick evenly and provides the perfect texture contrast in every bite.

Step 3: Roll & Coat the Truffles

Remove the cheese from the freezer. Using your hands, gently roll each scooped portion into a smooth ball. Then roll half of your balls in pistachios and the other half in cranberries until they’re fully coated. Don’t be shy here—the cranberries and pistachios add that signature festive pop everyone will remember.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish

Place your finished truffles on a serving platter. Add rosemary sprigs around the rim if you’re feeling fancy—it gives a gorgeous, aromatic touch that smells amazing as guests pick up each bite. Serve these immediately, or refrigerate until it’s time to impress.

Top Tip

From making this Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe multiple times, I’ve found a few tricks that make your life easier and your truffles perfect every time. These little nuances really elevate the final result.

Firm Cheese Matters: Don’t skip the chilling step. Firm cheese holds its shape better and makes rolling so much less messy.
Double Chop Coatings: Finely chopping your nuts and cranberries ensures they stick well and create a smooth, even texture instead of big clumps.
Clean Hands Help: Wet your hands lightly with cold water before rolling the cheese balls—it prevents sticking and saves a lot of frustration.
Use Parchment, Always: The parchment-lined plate means cleanup is a breeze, and the cheeses don’t stick or flatten prematurely.

How to Serve Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe

Holiday Cheese Truffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve these truffles, I love to use fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Sometimes, I’ll add a few edible flowers or sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top to brighten the flavors. The aroma from rosemary just makes the whole spread feel more special.

Side Dishes

I usually pair these truffles with a crisp, apple and mixed greens salad or some honey-drizzled fig jam and crusty baguette slices. Together, these create a perfect holiday appetizer board that’s balanced—creamy, crunchy, sweet, and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I arrange these truffles in small decorative bowls lined with colorful napkins or nestled in a bed of pine needles for that unmistakable holiday feeling. You can even stack them pyramid-style or serve them on mini wooden boards for a rustic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and sometimes I do!), store the truffles covered tightly in the fridge. I use an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing these truffles, and it works surprisingly well. Just freeze them on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them slowly in the fridge overnight. They might lose a tiny bit of that creamy texture, but they’re still delicious.

Reheating

Because these are no-cook cheese truffles, I don’t recommend reheating. Instead, just let refrigerated or thawed truffles sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving to bring back their softness and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts besides pistachios in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap pistachios for toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best coating.

How far ahead can I make these cheese truffles?

You can make the cheese balls a day or two ahead and keep them refrigerated. Roll them in the coatings just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.

Can I prepare these truffles dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Use a firm, spreadable dairy-free or vegan cheese that isn’t too soft to ensure good results. Cashew-based cheeses are a popular choice.

What’s the best way to serve these cheese truffles?

Serve them chilled but let them sit out for about 15 minutes before eating to soften slightly. Pair them with crusty bread, fresh herbs like rosemary, and maybe some honey or fig jam on the side for a festive spread.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Cheese Truffles with Pistachios Recipe is one of those little culinary joys that’s so easy to make yet absolutely elevates your holiday gatherings. I love how it’s quick but looks and tastes thoughtful and festive. Give it a try and watch your friends and family circle right around your snack table—these truffles really spread cheer in the best way.