Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining the rich flavors of bourbon-soaked pecans, sweet maraschino cherries, and creamy butter, all coated in a smooth semi-sweet chocolate shell. Perfect for festive occasions or as a special indulgence, these bite-sized confections boast a harmonious balance of nutty, boozy, and chocolaty goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus at least 1 hour soaking time
- Cook Time: 10 minutes to melt chocolate and assemble
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling and soaking times)
- Yield: 30 bourbon balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Mixing, Dipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Bourbon Mixture
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Base Mixture
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Soak Pecans: Combine the finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight so the nuts fully absorb the bourbon flavor.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix in Nuts and Cherries: Add the bourbon-soaked pecan mixture along with the finely chopped maraschino cherries to the butter and sugar blend. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place the balls on a tray, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt Chocolate: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the chocolate from burning and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Coat Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it is fully coated. Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately press a candied cherry half on top of each ball before the chocolate sets.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated bourbon balls until the chocolate is firm and set, about 30 minutes, before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, soak the pecans overnight.
- Use good quality bourbon for richer taste.
- Shortening or coconut oil helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives a shiny coating.
- Store the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Allow the balls to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball (approximately)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: cherry bourbon balls, bourbon balls, holiday dessert, no-bake dessert, chocolate covered treats, nutty desserts, bourbon recipes
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe/
