Description
Delicious and festive Cherry Bourbon Balls combine finely chopped pecans, maraschino cherries, and bourbon, coated in a rich chocolate shell and topped with a candied cherry half. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special treats, these no-bake confections offer a perfect balance of nutty, boozy, and sweet flavors.
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
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 pecans to absorb the bourbon flavor.
- Mix butter and powdered sugar: Place softened butter in a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in powdered sugar until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecans and finely chopped maraschino cherries to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until evenly mixed and a dough-like consistency forms.
- Shape the balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt chocolate coating: In a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning until smooth.
- Coat and garnish: Using 2 forks or toothpicks, dip each chilled 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 on top of each ball.
- Set the coating: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated bourbon balls until the chocolate has completely set and hardened, about 30 minutes.
Notes
- For the best flavor, soak the pecans in bourbon overnight instead of just 1 hour.
- You can substitute shortening with coconut oil for a slightly lighter texture and subtle coconut flavor.
- Store the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Allow the bourbon balls to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.
- If you prefer, you can roll the balls in extra powdered sugar instead of coating them with chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
