Description
Mini Pineapple Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls are delightful bite-sized appetizers that combine the creaminess of cheese with the sweetness of pineapple and cranberries, all rolled in crunchy pecans.
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
- Ensure that the pineapple is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
- These cheese balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling and rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg