Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Delight in these festive Cherry Bourbon Balls, a perfect blend of sweet maraschino cherries, rich bourbon, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate. These bite-sized treats are excellent for holiday parties or any special occasion, combining classic flavors with a luscious chocolate coating and a charming cherry on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 1 hour soaking time
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (chocolate melting and coating)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes plus overnight soaking optional
- Yield: 30 bourbon balls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Confectionery
- Method: No-bake, Chilling, Melting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
Garnish
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Soak Pecans: Combine the finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl, cover, and allow them to soak for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to infuse the nuts with bourbon flavor.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: Place the softened butter into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecan and Cherry Mixture: Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans and finely chopped maraschino cherries using a wooden spoon until everything is evenly incorporated into the buttery sugar base.
- Shape Balls: With clean hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them on a tray or plate, 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 the shortening or coconut oil over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning and ensure a smooth, glossy chocolate coating.
- Coat the Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring complete coverage, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press one candied cherry half on top of each coated ball while the chocolate is still wet.
- Set and Chill: Refrigerate the chocolate-covered bourbon balls until the coating is fully set, approximately 30 minutes, then serve or store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, soak the pecans in bourbon overnight.
- Use shortening or coconut oil to ensure the chocolate coating stays smooth and hardens nicely.
- Store bourbon balls in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving to avoid melting fingers.
- For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with crushed pretzels or omit entirely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 15 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 recipes, holiday treats, no-bake desserts, chocolate covered snacks, nutty confections
Find it online: https://leofoster.com/cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe/
