Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or as an indulgent homemade gift. This simple recipe combines classic flavors for a truly satisfying sweet.
Key Ingredients for Cherry Bourbon Balls
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (about 36 wafers)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted very dry
- Additional confectioners’ sugar for rolling
How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls
Whip up a batch of these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Cherry Bourbon Balls in under 30 minutes! Their rich, fudgy texture and boozy cherry kick make them a standout dessert. This no-bake wonder requires no special equipment, making it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, finely chopped pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and confectioners’ sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and free of any lumps. This forms the flavorful foundation of your Cherry Bourbon Balls.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the bourbon, light corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir these wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Begin by stirring with a spoon and then switch to your hands as the mixture thickens. You want to incorporate everything until it forms a cohesive, somewhat sticky dough-like consistency.
Incorporate the Cherries: Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Remember to pat your drained cherries very dry; excess moisture can affect the texture and stability of your bourbon balls.
Shape the Balls: Place a generous amount of additional confectioners’ sugar onto a clean plate or shallow bowl. Scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Coat the Balls: Roll each formed ball in the additional confectioners’ sugar until it is completely coated. Press gently to ensure the sugar adheres well. Place the coated balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into mini muffin liners.
Chill to Set: Once all the bourbon balls are shaped and coated, place the baking sheet or tray in the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for at least 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch. This chilling step helps them set and makes them easier to handle and serve.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Bourbon Balls
You’ll fall head over heels for these Cherry Bourbon Balls, a truly irresistible no-bake confection that boasts a rich, fudgy texture with delightful pops of sweet cherry and a subtle, warming bourbon kick. Unlike elaborate cakes or time-consuming pastries, these bourbon balls offer a sophisticated flavor profile with remarkable ease of preparation, making them perfect for gifting or spicing up any dessert table. The combination of crushed vanilla wafers, cocoa, and that signature cherry-bourbon blend creates a flavor experience that’s both nostalgic and excitingly grown-up.
Forget expensive store-bought chocolates; making these Cherry Bourbon Balls at home is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly rewarding. The cost savings are significant, allowing you to create a generous batch for a fraction of the price you’d pay in a specialty shop. Plus, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients and the amount of bourbon used, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor. They are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platters or a wonderful DIY edible gift that’s sure to be appreciated. So, don’t hesitate, grab your ingredients and whip up a batch of these delightful treats – you’ll be glad you did!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Cherry Bourbon Balls delicious and ready to enjoy.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Cherry Bourbon Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They tend to firm up nicely in the fridge, making their texture even more satisfying.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Cherry Bourbon Balls. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- Thawing/Serving: To serve frozen bourbon balls, simply transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw for a few hours. They can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or allowed to come to slightly more room temperature, depending on your preference. There’s no reheating required for these no-bake delights!
Final Thoughts
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are a wonderfully simple yet impressively delicious treat, perfect for any occasion. Give them a try to experience their delightful blend of flavors and textures – your taste buds will thank you!
Cherry Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, finely chopped pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and confectioners’ sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and free of any lumps. This forms the flavorful foundation of your Cherry Bourbon Balls.1 cup crushed vanilla wafers, 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- Pour in the bourbon, light corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir these wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Begin by stirring with a spoon and then switch to your hands as the mixture thickens. You want to incorporate everything until it forms a cohesive, somewhat sticky dough-like consistency.1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tablespoons light corn syrup, 1 tablespoon butter, melted, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Remember to pat your drained cherries very dry; excess moisture can affect the texture and stability of your bourbon balls.1/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- Place a generous amount of additional confectioners’ sugar onto a clean plate or shallow bowl. Scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.Additional N/A confectioners’ sugar
- Roll each formed ball in the additional confectioners’ sugar until it is completely coated. Press gently to ensure the sugar adheres well. Place the coated balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into mini muffin liners.Additional N/A confectioners’ sugar
- Once all the bourbon balls are shaped and coated, place the baking sheet or tray in the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for at least 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch. This chilling step helps them set and makes them easier to handle and serve.