Description
Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining the rich flavors of bourbon-soaked pecans and maraschino cherries with a sweet buttery base, all enrobed in a smooth layer of semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for festive occasions or as a luxurious homemade gift, these bite-sized confections offer a perfect balance of nutty, fruity, and boozy indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Nut Mixture
- 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
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Soak Pecans: Combine the finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for at least 1 hour or ideally overnight to allow the nuts to absorb the flavor fully.
- Prepare Base Mixture: Place the softened butter in a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Add Nut and Cherry Mixture: Stir the bourbon-soaked pecans along with the finely chopped maraschino cherries into the butter and sugar mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix until evenly combined.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. 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 heavy-bottom saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the chocolate from burning and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Coat Bourbon Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate mixture, coating it entirely. Then place each coated ball on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate and Set: Press a candied cherry half on top of each chocolate-coated ball. Refrigerate the tray until the chocolate coating is completely set and firm.
Notes
- For best flavor, soak pecans in bourbon overnight.
- Use fresh pecans for a crunchier texture.
- Substitute shortening with coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor.
- Store bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Room temperature before serving improves flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
