Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining finely chopped pecans soaked in bourbon with maraschino cherries, butter, and powdered sugar, all coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate and topped with candied cherry halves. Perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet, boozy indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 30 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Nut and Bourbon Mixture
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Base Mixture
- 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
- Soak Pecans: Combine pecans and bourbon in a bowl and let sit for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the nuts to absorb the bourbon flavor fully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Prepare Base Mixture: Place softened butter in a large bowl and gradually beat in powdered sugar using a hand-held electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Add Pecans and Cherries: Stir the bourbon-soaked pecans and finely chopped maraschino cherries into the butter and sugar mixture using a wooden spoon until everything is evenly combined.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Cover the balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help them firm up and make coating easier.
- Melt Chocolate: In a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil together over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Coat Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate mixture until fully coated. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish: Press a candied cherry half on top of each chocolate-coated ball to add a decorative and flavorful finishing touch.
- Set and Chill: Refrigerate the coated balls until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes, before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow pecans to soak overnight in bourbon.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with orange juice or cherry juice.
- Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate for a smooth, rich coating.
- Shortening or coconut oil helps in achieving a shiny and smoothly coated chocolate exterior.
- Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Keywords: Cherry Bourbon Balls, bourbon balls, bourbon desserts, no bake dessert, chocolate coated balls, holiday treats
Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe/
