Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are elegant, colorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. These no-bake treats combine creamy white chocolate with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios, creating the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and texture. Their festive red and green colors make them ideal for Christmas, holidays, family gatherings, or edible gifts.

What makes these truffles even better is how easy they are: just melt, mix, chill, and coat. They require only a few basic ingredients and can be prepared in advance, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert during busy seasons. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a homemade gift, these truffles will look beautiful and taste luxurious.

Ingredients

For the Truffle Mixture

11 oz (about 312 g) white chocolate, finely chopped
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons heavy cream
A small pinch of salt
1 teaspoon orange or vanilla extract (optional)
1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pistachios

For Coating

1/2 cup powdered sugar

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Cream

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add the heavy cream and stir gently until combined.
Mix in a pinch of salt and the extract (vanilla or orange) if you’re using one.
Set the mixture aside to cool slightly — it should be warm, not hot.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

Place the finely chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double-boiler method).
Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate; white chocolate burns very easily.

Step 3: Combine the Mixtures

Remove the melted chocolate from the heat.
Slowly pour in the warm butter-cream mixture while gently stirring with a spatula.
Both mixtures should be close to the same temperature — this ensures a smooth, stable ganache without separating.

Step 4: Add Cranberries and Pistachios

Fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries and toasted pistachios.
Mix until the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the white chocolate ganache.

Step 5: Chill the Mixture

Let the mixture rest at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Cover the surface with plastic wrap touching the ganache to prevent a skin from forming.
Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or until the mixture becomes firm enough to scoop and roll.

Step 6: Form the Truffles

Using a small spoon or a melon-ball scoop, take portions of the chilled mixture.
Roll them between your palms to form smooth, round truffle balls (about 1 inch in size).
If the mixture softens too quickly, place the bowl back in the fridge for a few minutes.

Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
Roll each truffle until fully coated, giving them a beautiful snowy look.
Shake off any excess sugar.

Step 8: Store and Serve

Place the finished truffles in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles

Why You Will Love These Truffles

Festive Colors

The red cranberries and green pistachios contrast beautifully with the white chocolate — perfect for holidays.

Easy No-Bake Recipe

No oven, no complicated tools — just melt, mix, chill, and roll.

Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert

They stay fresh for days and even taste better after resting in the fridge.

Delicious Flavor Balance

Creamy white chocolate, crunch from pistachios, and a touch of tartness from cranberries.

Serving Ideas

Add them to a holiday cookie platter
Serve with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Box them as homemade holiday gifts
Decorate with extra chopped pistachios or drizzle of melted white chocolate
Use as dessert bites for parties and gatherings

Pro Tips

Toast the pistachios for deeper flavor
Chop the cranberries finely so they distribute evenly
If the mixture is too soft to roll, chill longer
If too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes
You can flavor them with orange zest, almond extract, or rose water for variations