Description
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining the rich flavors of bourbon-soaked pecans and maraschino cherries with creamy butter and powdered sugar, all enrobed in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an indulgent snack, these bite-sized confections offer a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and boozy flavors with a festive cherry on top.
Ingredients
Scale
Nut 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
Garnish
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Soak the Pecans: Combine the finely 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 and the pecans to absorb the bourbon.
- Prepare the Base Mixture: Place the 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.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecan mixture and finely chopped maraschino cherries into the butter and sugar mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a tray and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm them up.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: 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 to achieve a smooth coating.
- Coat the Bourbon Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled bourbon ball into the melted chocolate mixture to fully coat it. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place the coated ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Cherry Garnish: Immediately press a candied cherry half on top of each chocolate-coated bourbon ball for an attractive finish.
- Set the Chocolate: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated bourbon balls until the chocolate is fully set and firm, about 30 minutes. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, allow pecans to soak in bourbon overnight for deeper flavor.
- Shortening or coconut oil helps the chocolate coating to set smoothly and prevents it from hardening too brittle.
- Store bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- These treats can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for holiday parties.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during chocolate coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
