These Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are a beautiful blend of tart cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and creamy white chocolate. Perfect for the holiday season or as a sweet treat any time of year, these truffles are simple to make and look stunning with the festive colors of red and green. They make great gifts or additions to any dessert tray!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz white chocolate for coating
- Additional dried cranberries and pistachios for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Make the truffle filling: In a heatproof bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
- Add cranberries and pistachios: Stir in the chopped cranberries, pistachios, and vanilla extract until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop.
- Form the truffles: Once the filling is firm, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out small balls of the mixture. Roll them gently between your hands to form smooth balls. Place the truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate for coating: In a separate heatproof bowl, melt the remaining white chocolate in the microwave, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
- Coat the truffles: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each truffle into the melted white chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish: While the coating is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with additional chopped dried cranberries and pistachios for a festive touch.
- Chill and serve: Place the truffles in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set the coating. Once set, serve immediately or store them in an airtight container.
Additional Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: These truffles are perfect for holiday parties, gift boxes, or as a special treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Storage: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Variations: You can try using dark or milk chocolate for the coating if you prefer a richer flavor, or experiment with different nuts and dried fruits.
FAQs About Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles:
- Can I make these truffles ahead of time? Yes! You can make the truffle filling a day in advance and keep it chilled before coating them with chocolate.
- What can I use instead of pistachios? You can substitute pistachios with any other nut, such as almonds or walnuts. Just be sure to chop them finely.
- Do I need to use white chocolate for the coating? No, you can use dark or milk chocolate if you prefer. However, the white chocolate gives a lovely contrast with the red cranberries and green pistachios.
- How do I prevent the truffles from melting while coating them? Keep the truffles chilled before coating, and work quickly to dip them in the melted chocolate. If needed, pop them back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
These Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Truffles are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their festive red and green colors, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations or any occasion where you want to impress. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!
