If you’re craving a festive treat that’s bursting with flavor and just a little bit boozy, you’re going to adore this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites combine the rich warmth of bourbon with the sweet pop of cherries, all wrapped up in creamy chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or just sneaking a few before anyone notices, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and seriously addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The bourbon’s warmth pairs beautifully with sweet cherries and crunchy pecans for a harmonious taste.
- No-Bake and Easy to Make: You don’t need an oven, just a little patience to let the flavors mingle, making it a great stress-free dessert.
- Impressive Presentation: Topping each ball with a candied cherry half adds a charming, festive look that’s sure to wow.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These keep beautifully in the fridge or freezer, perfect for holiday prepping or gift giving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe uses simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. The combination of pecans, bourbon, and maraschino cherries creates that nostalgic, boozy sweetness. When shopping, try to get good-quality bourbon and fresh candied cherries for the best results.
- Pecans: Finely chopped so they blend well with the batter without overpowering each bite.
- Bourbon: Choose your favorite bottle – it gives these balls their signature rich warmth.
- Maraschino Cherries: Finely chopped for juicy bursts of sweetness, balancing the bourbon’s kick.
- Butter: Softened to make mixing smooth and creamy.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweetness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For coating – the slight bitterness offsets the candy sweetness perfectly.
- Shortening or Coconut Oil: Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives it a nice shine.
- Candied Cherry Halves: These are not just for decoration – they add a classic festive touch and extra cherry flavor on top.
Variations
I love playing around with this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe to suit different occasions and tastes. Feel free to experiment and make it your own—you’ll find that little tweaks can be just as delicious!
- Non-alcoholic version: Swap out bourbon for cherry juice or a splash of vanilla extract for a kid-friendly treat that still captures that cherry vibe.
- Nut-free option: I once replaced pecans with crushed graham crackers, which gave a lovely texture while keeping it safe for nut allergies.
- Chocolate variations: Using dark chocolate or white chocolate chips can totally change up the flavor profile—I enjoy dark chocolate for a deeper taste.
- Adding spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg mixed into the batter adds warmth that reminds me of cozy winter nights.
How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Step 1: Let Pecans Soak in Bourbon
The first step is letting the finely chopped pecans soak in the bourbon. I like to mix them in a bowl and leave it covered in the fridge for at least an hour, but overnight is even better if you have the time. This soaking really softens the pecans and infuses them with that lovely bourbon flavor, which is the heart of this recipe.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat your softened butter using a handheld mixer, gradually adding in the powdered sugar as you go. This step is key because the butter and sugar form the sweet, creamy base for your balls, so take a moment to make sure it’s smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Mix in Bourbon Pecans and Cherries
Once your pecans have soaked, pour the bourbon-pecan mix and chopped maraschino cherries into the butter-sugar base. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together evenly—you want a uniform mixture that makes shaping the balls easier and tastes consistent.
Step 4: Shape and Chill
Now comes the fun part: shaping the mixture into 1-inch balls. I find it easiest to use a small cookie scoop or just wet your hands slightly so the mixture doesn’t stick. Place your balls on a tray, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling step helps the balls firm up and makes dipping in chocolate a breeze.
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate and Garnish
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with shortening or coconut oil in a heavy-bottom saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn. Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball in the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off before transferring to parchment paper. Then gently press a candied cherry half on top of each—a little flourish that always impresses and adds a nice cherry burst.
Step 6: Set and Serve
Pop your chocolate-covered balls back into the fridge for the chocolate to set, usually about 30 minutes. Once firm, they’re ready to serve or package as gifts. I always have to discreetly stash some away because my family goes crazy for these!
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
- Patience with Soaking: The longer your pecans soak in bourbon, the richer the flavor. I usually do it overnight for maximum bourbon punch.
- Soft Butter Is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted—it helps with smooth mixing without making the batter greasy.
- Keep Chocolate Smooth: Adding shortening or coconut oil to your chocolate makes it silky and easier to coat the balls evenly.
- Chill Twice: Chilling before and after coating keeps everything firm and prevents messiness when you handle them.
How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love finishing these off with a candied cherry half on top—that classic look is both beautiful and adds a bit of extra sweetness. Sometimes, I dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar for a snowy effect when serving at winter gatherings.
Side Dishes
These bourbon balls are rich and decadent, so I like to serve them alongside simple coffee or a glass of milk to balance the flavors. If you’re hosting a party, they pair wonderfully with cheese boards or spiced nuts for a delightful mix of tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I arranged mine on a festive tiered serving tray with some fresh mint sprigs for a pop of green, and it was a hit at a holiday brunch. Wrapping a few in little treat boxes tied with ribbon also makes lovely edible gifts that feel thoughtful and handmade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Bourbon Balls keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I usually place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking—it keeps them looking fresh and easy to grab for snacking.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a month or more, freezing works great. Pop them in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment layers. When you want to enjoy, just transfer to the fridge overnight to thaw gently and keep their perfect texture.
Reheating
These aren’t really meant to be heated up, but if you want the chocolate a bit softer, let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. That way you don’t risk melting the chocolate unevenly or making them too soft to handle.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of nut for this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and provide a lovely buttery flavor, you can swap them with walnuts or almonds if preferred. Just be sure to finely chop them for the best texture and flavor integration.
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How strong is the bourbon flavor in these balls?
The bourbon adds a warm, subtle kick rather than overwhelming the sweetness. So if you want a milder flavor, soak the pecans for less time or reduce the bourbon slightly. For a boozier treat, overnight soaking is your friend!
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Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes! Simply replace the bourbon with cherry juice, non-alcoholic vanilla extract, or even a touch of almond extract. They won’t have the same bourbon depth but will still taste fantastic and kid-friendly.
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Why do I add shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate?
Adding shortening or coconut oil helps melt the chocolate more smoothly and gives it a glossy finish. It also helps the chocolate harden nicely and prevents cracking when you bite into the balls.
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How long can I store the Cherry Bourbon Balls?
Stored properly in the fridge, they last up to two weeks. Frozen, they can keep their quality for one to two months. I recommend bringing them to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe has become one of my go-to holiday treats because it’s not only delicious but also simple enough for anyone to make. I remember the first time I brought them to a family gathering and everyone immediately wanted the recipe—I knew then I had to share it with you too. They’re perfect for any celebration or just a cozy night in with a cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked, just like I am!
Print
Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 Bourbon Balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and festive Cherry Bourbon Balls combining finely chopped pecans, bourbon, maraschino cherries, and rich chocolate coating. These no-bake treats are perfect for holiday parties or special occasions, offering a perfect balance of nutty, boozy, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Mix-ins
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Base
- 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
- Prepare pecan and bourbon mixture: 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 nuts to absorb the bourbon.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, place the softened butter and gradually beat in the powdered sugar using a hand-held electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecans and finely chopped maraschino cherries to the butter and powdered sugar mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the composition is even throughout.
- Shape the balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, glossy texture.
- Coat the bourbon balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is well coated. Place the coated balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish and set: Press one candied cherry half onto the top of each chocolate-coated ball. Refrigerate the finished bourbon balls until the chocolate sets completely, about 30 minutes.
Notes
- The soaking of pecans in bourbon overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during chocolate coating.
- Shortening or coconut oil helps thin the melted chocolate making it easier to coat the balls evenly.
- Store the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with cherry juice or omit it entirely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
