Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining the rich flavors of bourbon, pecans, and maraschino cherries, all enveloped in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, they offer a sweet, boozy bite-sized indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 mins (plus 1 hour to overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 10 mins (melting chocolate and coating)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes to overnight
- Yield: 30 cherry bourbon balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Nut 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 the finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl. Cover and let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the nuts to absorb the bourbon flavor.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: Place the softened butter into a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecans and finely chopped maraschino cherries into the butter and powdered sugar mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly with a wooden spoon to ensure even distribution.
- Shape Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place the balls on a tray, cover 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 shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the chocolate from burning and achieve a smooth coating.
- Coat Balls: Using two forks or toothpicks, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Transfer each coated ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Immediately press a candied cherry half on top of each ball to garnish.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the pecans to soak in bourbon overnight.
- Use softened butter to make mixing easier.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with cherry juice or omit it completely.
- Ensure chocolate is melted slowly on low heat to prevent seizing.
- Store the finished balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1 week.
Keywords: cherry bourbon balls, chocolate bourbon balls, holiday treats, no bake desserts, bourbon pecan balls, cherry desserts
Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe/
