Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining the rich flavors of pecans, bourbon, and maraschino cherries, all coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet indulgence, these bite-sized confections offer a perfect balance of nutty, boozy, and chocolaty goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus at least 1 hour soaking and chilling
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (melting chocolate and coating)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes to overnight including chilling times
- Yield: Approximately 30 cherry bourbon balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Fruit
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Base and Sweetener
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Soak Pecans in Bourbon: Combine the finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl, then let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Butter and Sugar Mixture: Place the softened butter in a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until well combined and creamy.
- Mix in Pecans and Cherries: Add the bourbon-infused pecan mixture and chopped maraschino cherries to the bowl. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until evenly incorporated into the buttery sugary base.
- Form Balls and Chill: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before coating.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening or coconut oil. Stir constantly and carefully to prevent burning and achieve a smooth coating.
- Coat Balls in Chocolate: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and press a candied cherry half on top of each one.
- Set and Serve: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated balls until the chocolate is fully set and firm. Serve chilled and enjoy these rich, flavorful treats.
Notes
- Allowing pecans to soak overnight enhances the bourbon flavor.
- Use softened butter to ensure smooth mixing with powdered sugar.
- Shortening or coconut oil helps the chocolate coating to harden glossy and prevents cracking.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with orange juice or cherry juice.
Keywords: cherry bourbon balls, bourbon candy, no-bake desserts, chocolate pecan balls, holiday treats
Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe/
