Description
These Mini Pineapple Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls are the perfect sweet-and-savory bite for holidays, parties, or anytime you need an easy make-ahead appetizer. Creamy, tangy, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, they’re rolled in crunchy pecans for a festive, irresistible treat that disappears fast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional finely chopped pecans for rolling
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, dried cranberries, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop and roll without being too sticky.
- Place the additional finely chopped pecans in a shallow bowl or plate for rolling.
- Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out bite-sized portions of the chilled cheese mixture and roll them between your palms to form smooth mini balls.
- Roll each cheese ball in the chopped pecans until fully coated, gently pressing the nuts so they adhere well.
- Arrange the coated cheese balls on a serving platter or a parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm and chilled, then serve cold or slightly cool.
Notes
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly; pressing it gently in a fine-mesh strainer or between paper towels helps remove excess moisture.
- If the mixture is too soft to roll, chill it longer (an extra 15–20 minutes) until it firms up to a scoopable texture.
- For the best flavor and crunch, chop fresh pecans rather than using pre-chopped or stale nuts.
- You can make the mixture up to 24 hours ahead; roll in pecans shortly before serving to keep the coating crisp.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30–60 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheese ball
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: mini cheese balls, pineapple cheese ball, cranberry pecan appetizer, holiday appetizer, no-bake party snack