Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheeseballs with Pecans are a delightful treat that’s bound to win over your friends and family at any gathering. With their creamy texture, sweet and tangy flavours, and the satisfying crunch of pecans, these mini cheeseballs are a delightful addition to your snack table. Perfect for a festive get-together or simply a treat for yourself, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
What Goes into These Mini Cheeseballs
To whip up these delicious Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheeseballs with Pecans, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 g) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/4 cup (40 g) dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup (30 g) pecans, finely chopped (+ extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make These Tasty Treats
Follow these simple steps to create your Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheeseballs:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained pineapple, chopped cranberries, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each cheeseball in the finely chopped pecans until well coated.
- Place the rolled cheeseballs back in the refrigerator to chill for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Serve & Enjoy These Mini Treats
These Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheeseballs with Pecans work beautifully for any occasion. Arrange them on a colourful platter with some fresh fruit or crackers for a lovely presentation. They can also be served as a part of a cheese board or alongside your favourite dip. Pair them with a refreshing drink—perhaps a chilled fruit punch or sparkling water—to balance the sweetness.
Helpful Tricks for Mini Cheeseballs
- Chill Out: Ensure your cream cheese is softened well to mix easily, but be patient when chilling the mixture before shaping. A firm mix yields neat balls.
- Nutty Twist: If you want to try something different, consider rolling the cheeseballs in other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even a mix of seeds for a nut-free version.
- Sweetness Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your sweetness preference!
Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheeseball FAQs
Q: Can I make these cheeseballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Keep them in the refrigerator, and they’ll taste just as great the next day!
Q: How long do they last in the fridge?
A: These cheeseballs can last up to a week in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to finely chop and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.
Give these Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheeseballs with Pecans a try—your taste buds will thank you! Happy snacking!