Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining rich bourbon, sweet cherries, and smooth chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a bite-sized indulgence with a boozy twist.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 2: Place the softened butter in a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the bourbon-pecan mixture and chopped maraschino cherries to the bowl. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until evenly combined.
- Step 4: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Step 5: In a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom, melt the chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 6: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press a candied cherry half on top of each ball.
- Step 7: Refrigerate the coated balls until the chocolate is set and firm, then serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with crushed pretzels or leave them out entirely.
- Use coconut oil instead of shortening for a subtle coconut flavor in the chocolate coating.
- If you prefer a sweeter cherry taste, increase the amount of maraschino cherries slightly.
- Store the balls in mini paper cupcake liners for easy serving and a festive look.
Storage
Keep the cherry bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. They can also be served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
How much alcohol remains in the finished candy?
Since the bourbon is mixed in and the balls are refrigerated, most of the alcohol remains, giving these treats a boozy flavor. They are not suitable for children or those avoiding alcohol.
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Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling and soaking)
- Yield: 30 pieces 1x
Description
Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining finely chopped pecans soaked in bourbon, maraschino cherries, powdered sugar, and butter, all coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate and topped with a candied cherry half. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a boozy, chocolatey bite.
Ingredients
Nut and Bourbon Mixture
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Dough
- 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 pecans and bourbon in a bowl and let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the nuts to absorb the bourbon.
- Prepare Dough Base: Place softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecans and finely chopped maraschino cherries to the butter and powdered sugar mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a tray or plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so they firm up.
- Melt Chocolate: In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth melting.
- Coat Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate mixture, coating it thoroughly. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press a candied cherry half on top of each ball immediately.
- Set and Serve: Refrigerate the coated balls until the chocolate is set and firm, approximately 30 minutes. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For stronger bourbon flavor, soak pecans overnight.
- If you don’t have shortening, coconut oil works well to thin the chocolate.
- These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a festive look, you can roll the formed balls in additional powdered sugar before chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 1 hour soaking time
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (chocolate melting and coating)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry bourbon balls, no-bake dessert, bourbon pecan balls, holiday treats, chocolate coated balls
