Holiday Goat Cheese Truffles

The first time I made these Holiday Goat Cheese Truffles, the kitchen smelled sweet and savory all at once. The creamy cheese mixed with herbs and a hint of honey felt like wrapping up comfort in every bite.

I love making them right before guests arrive because they look fancy but take almost no time. My family always sneaks one off the tray before dinner—it’s kind of a tradition now.

So if you’re looking for something easy, beautiful, and full of flavor for your holiday table, these goat cheese truffles are the perfect place to start.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Party Perfect: These bite-sized appetizers disappear fast at holiday gatherings.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and no fancy equipment needed.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these truffles up to 2 days before your event.
• Three Coating Options: Choose pecans, parsley, or cranberries to match your presentation style.
• Crowd Pleaser: The sweet and savory combination appeals to almost everyone.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes about 24 truffles, perfect for serving 8-10 people as an appetizer. Hosting a bigger crowd? Double the recipe easily.

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. If you can mix ingredients and roll balls, you can make these truffles.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small plates or shallow bowls (for coatings)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet or large plate

Ingredients for Holiday Goat Cheese Truffles

These truffles come together with simple ingredients that create big flavor. The tangy goat cheese base gets smoothed out with cream cheese, while honey and cinnamon add warmth and sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Base:

• 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Coatings:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries

Variations for Holiday Goat Cheese Truffles

• Add Citrus Zest: Mix in orange or lemon zest for bright, festive flavor.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts, pistachios, or almonds.
• Use Maple Syrup: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for deeper sweetness.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the cheese base.
• Make Them Spicy: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat.

How to Make Holiday Goat Cheese Truffles Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soften the Cheeses

Take both cheeses out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before starting. Room temperature cheese blends much easier.

2. Mix the Base

Put goat cheese and cream cheese in your mixing bowl. Beat them together until smooth and creamy. Add honey, cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything until well combined and fluffy.

3. Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This makes the mixture easier to roll into balls.

4. Prepare the Coatings

While the cheese mixture chills, set up three small plates. Put chopped pecans on one plate, chopped parsley on another, and chopped cranberries on the third.

5. Roll the Truffles

Take the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Use a small spoon to scoop out portions about 1 tablespoon in size. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls.

6. Add the Coatings

Roll each ball in your chosen coating. Press gently so the coating sticks to the cheese. You can make all three varieties or pick your favorite.

7. Chill Before Serving

Place finished truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Put them back in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps them hold their shape.

Serving and Decoration

Arrange your truffles on a pretty serving platter. Mix the three different coatings together for a colorful presentation. Place a small pick or toothpick in each truffle for easy grabbing. Serve them cold or at cool room temperature. They pair beautifully with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit like apple slices and grapes.

For extra holiday charm, garnish your platter with fresh rosemary sprigs or whole cranberries. The red and green colors make your appetizer table feel festive.

How to Serve Holiday Goat Cheese Truffles

These versatile truffles work for many occasions:

• Holiday Parties: Serve on a festive platter with other finger foods.
• Wine Night: Pair with white wine, champagne, or light red wines.
• Cheese Board Addition: Include them on your charcuterie spread.
• Gift Giving: Pack them in a pretty box as a homemade food gift.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with tea or coffee for a special treat.

Storing Holiday Goat Cheese Truffles

• Refrigerator: Store truffles in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. They stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare truffles up to 2 days before your event. Keep them chilled until serving time.
• Freezing: These truffles do not freeze well because the texture changes when thawed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Soft Cheese is Key: Make sure both cheeses are truly soft before mixing. Cold cheese creates lumps.
• Clean Hands: Wipe your hands with a damp cloth between rolling each truffle. This keeps them neat.
• Uniform Size: Try to make all truffles the same size so they look professional on the platter.
• Fresh Coatings: Chop your pecans, parsley, and cranberries finely and evenly for the best coating coverage.
• Chill Between Steps: If the cheese mixture gets too soft while working, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Holiday Goat Cheese Truffles FAQs