These Easy Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for parties, holidays, or any gathering! They feature a smooth, slightly sweet cream cheese base mixed with crunchy nuts and cinnamon, all rolled in a flavorful coating of more nuts, tart dried cranberries, and fresh chives. I absolutely love making these Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls because they are incredibly simple to assemble, look festive, and offer a fantastic combination of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy textures. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for spring entertaining!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
- Easy No-Cook Appetizer: Super simple to mix, roll, and chill – no cooking required!
- Delicious Flavor Combination: Tangy cream cheese, sweet honey/maple, tart cranberries, savory nuts, and fresh chives create a perfect balance.
- Great Texture: Creamy cheese base contrasts beautifully with the crunchy nut and chewy cranberry coating.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
- Festive Appearance: The colorful coating makes them look beautiful on an appetizer platter.
Ingredients for Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious bite-sized appetizers. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Cream Cheese Base
- Cream cheese (Dairy)
- Cinnamon (Spice)
- Honey or maple syrup (Sweetener)
- Nuts (walnut, pecan…), chopped, divided (Nuts)
Coating
- Remaining chopped nuts (walnut, pecan…) (Nuts)
- Chopped dried cranberries (Fruit)
- Minced fresh chives (Herb)
Garnish (Optional)
- Honey or Maple Syrup
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love the classic combination in these Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls, but here are some tasty variations:
- Different Cheese: Use goat cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative as the base.
- Different Nuts: Use toasted almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds (for nut-free).
- Add Savory Elements: Mix in some crumbled cooked bacon or finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cream cheese base.
- Different Dried Fruit: Use chopped dried cherries, apricots, or golden raisins instead of cranberries.
- Sweet Coating: Roll in a mixture of crushed cookies (like vanilla wafers) and nuts instead of the savory coating.
How to Make Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
Let me show you how incredibly easy it is to make these Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls:
Make the Cream Cheese Base
- In a large bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey (or maple syrup) together with an electric mixer (or vigorously by hand) until it’s light and fluffy.
- I add ½ cup of the finely chopped nuts (pecan chips work great here!) to the cream cheese mixture.
- I mix well until the nuts are evenly combined. I set this bowl aside for a moment.
Prepare the Coating
- I line a plate or a small cookie sheet with parchment paper (this is where the finished balls will go).
- On a separate shallow plate or in a wide bowl, I toss together the remaining chopped nuts, the chopped dried cranberries, and the minced fresh chives. This will be our flavorful coating.
Form and Coat the Balls
- Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon size) or two spoons, I scoop out portions of the cream cheese filling.
- I roll each scoop quickly between my palms to form a small ball.
- Then, I immediately toss and roll the cream cheese ball into the nut and cranberry mixture on the shallow plate until it’s evenly coated on all sides.
- I place the coated Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball onto the parchment-lined plate or cookie sheet.
- I continue this process until all the cheese filling has been scooped, rolled, and coated.
Chill and Serve
- I place the tray of finished cream cheese balls into the refrigerator to chill until I’m ready to serve them. Chilling helps them firm up slightly.
- Serve
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Cream Cheese Balls
Here are my secrets for making these Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls truly exceptional:
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth, lump-free base.
- Finely Chop Coating Ingredients: Chop the nuts, cranberries, and chives for the coating relatively finely so they adhere better to the cream cheese balls.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop makes forming uniform-sized balls quick and easy.
- Chill Before Rolling (If Needed): If your cream cheese mixture seems too soft to roll easily, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before scooping and rolling.
- Press Coating Gently: Gently press the coating onto the cream cheese balls as you roll them to help it stick.
How to Serve
These Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls are a fantastic appetizer served:
- With Crackers: Offer an assortment of crackers (like water crackers, wheat crackers, or pita crackers).
- With Pretzels: Mini pretzels or pretzel crisps are great dippers.
- With Fruit: Sliced apples or pears complement the flavors well.
- On a Platter: Arrange them nicely on a platter, perhaps garnished with extra fresh herbs.
- For Parties: Perfect finger food for holiday gatherings, showers, or any party.
Serve chilled or slightly cooler than room temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
These are excellent for making ahead! You can make the Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls up to 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If the coating seems like it might absorb moisture, you can also store the uncoated cream cheese balls and roll them in the coating mixture shortly before serving.
FAQs about Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
- Can I use different nuts?
- Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all work wonderfully. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor.
- Can I make one large cheese ball instead of small ones?
- Yes! Form the entire cream cheese mixture into one large ball (or log shape) and roll it in the coating mixture. Serve with small knives or spreaders.
- Can I make these savory instead of sweet?
- Definitely! Omit the honey/maple syrup and cinnamon. Add savory elements like garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, or even crumbled bacon to the cream cheese base. Roll in savory coatings like everything bagel seasoning, chopped herbs, or crushed savory crackers.
Enjoy these easy, delicious, and versatile Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls! They’re a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Print
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18–24 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls are an easy and delicious appetizer, perfect for holidays or gatherings. A creamy mixture of cream cheese, honey, and cinnamon is studded with nuts, then rolled in a festive coating of more nuts, dried cranberries, and fresh chives.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball Mixture:
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended)
- 1 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup minced fresh chives
Optional Garnish:
- Extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment), beat the softened cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey (or maple syrup) together until smooth and fluffy. Stir in 1/2 cup of the finely chopped nuts until well combined.
- Prepare Coating: Line a plate or small cookie sheet with parchment paper. On the prepared plate/sheet, toss together the remaining 1 cup of finely chopped nuts, the chopped dried cranberries, and the minced fresh chives. Spread this coating mixture out evenly.
- Form Cheese Balls: Using a cookie scoop (about 1-2 tablespoons) or a spoon, scoop out portions of the cream cheese mixture. Gently roll each portion between your hands into a ball.
- Coat Cheese Balls: Roll each cheese ball in the nut/cranberry/chive coating mixture until evenly coated on all sides. Press gently if needed to help the coating adhere.
- Chill: Place the coated cheese balls on a clean plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or longer) to allow the cheese balls to firm up slightly before serving.
- Serve
Notes
- Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans work well. Toasting the nuts lightly before chopping can enhance their flavor. Chop them finely for both the filling and the coating.
- Sweetener: Honey or pure maple syrup can be used interchangeably. Adjust the amount slightly based on your desired sweetness.
- Chives: Fresh chives add a mild oniony flavor. Fresh parsley can be substituted if preferred.
- Chilling: Chilling helps the cheese balls firm up and makes them easier to serve.
- Make-Ahead: These can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, pita chips, or apple slices.