Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining the rich flavors of bourbon, sweet maraschino cherries, and buttery pecans coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for festive occasions or a sophisticated dessert bite, these truffles offer a luscious blend of textures and flavors with a charming candied cherry topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 1 hour soaking time
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for melting chocolate and assembly)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to overnight (including soaking and chilling)
- Yield: 30 bourbon balls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-bake, mixing, chilling, dipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Nut Mixture
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Ball 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 to let the flavors meld and the nuts absorb the bourbon.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a large bowl, place softened butter. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the balls.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecans and chopped maraschino cherries to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon to ensure even distribution.
- Shape Balls: Form the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Arrange 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 saucepan with a heavy bottom, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve a smooth coating.
- Coat Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, fully coating it. Place the coated balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press one candied cherry half on top of each ball immediately.
- Set and Chill: Refrigerate the coated bourbon balls until the chocolate sets completely, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, soak pecans overnight in bourbon before making the balls.
- If you prefer non-alcoholic treats, substitute bourbon with cherry juice or omit entirely.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer coating.
- Store finished bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Let the balls come to room temperature briefly before serving for full flavor release.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball (approximately 25g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: bourbon balls, cherry bourbon balls, no bake truffles, holiday dessert, chocolate coated bourbon balls
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe/
