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
Scale
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
