Description
Delight in these classic Cherry Bourbon Balls—bite-sized treats blending the rich flavors of bourbon-soaked pecans, sweet maraschino cherries, and a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an elegant homemade gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Nut and Bourbon Mixture
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Base Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
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. Let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Base: Place the softened butter into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smoothly combined and fluffy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecan mixture and finely chopped maraschino cherries to the butter and powdered sugar mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Shape Balls: Form the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Arrange the balls on a plate or tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt 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 ensure a smooth texture.
- Coat and Garnish: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each bourbon ball into the melted chocolate mixture, coating it completely. Place the coated balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press one candied cherry half onto the top of each ball gently.
- Set and Chill: Refrigerate the coated bourbon balls until the chocolate is set, about 1 hour. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Store bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- For a different nut option, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with an equal amount of milk or almond extract.
- Ensure the chocolate is melted gently and stirred constantly to avoid seizing or burning.
- These treats can be made a few days in advance, making them ideal for holiday parties or gifting.
- Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg