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
Scale
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.