Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful treat combining rich pecans, sweet maraschino cherries, and a splash of bourbon, all coated in smooth chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special dessert, they offer a boozy twist on classic bite-sized sweets.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
• ¼ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
• 30 candied cherry halves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl. Cover and let sit for at least 1 hour or overnight to absorb the flavors.
2. Step 2: Place the softened butter in a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Add the pecan and bourbon mixture along with the chopped maraschino cherries to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Step 5: 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.
6. Step 6: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Place the coated balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Press a candied cherry half on top of each chocolate-coated ball. Refrigerate until the chocolate is fully set.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, try substituting pecans with crushed cookies or coconut flakes.
• Use good quality bourbon for the best flavor, or substitute with whiskey or rum if preferred.
• If you like a sweeter treat, consider using milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Allow the pecan and bourbon mixture to soak overnight for a richer, more infused taste.

Storage

Store the Cherry Bourbon Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before enjoying. Reheat briefly in warm hands if needed to soften the chocolate coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bourbon balls without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the bourbon or replace it with a non-alcoholic vanilla extract or cherry juice for flavor, but the traditional bourbon taste will be missing.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?

Make sure to melt the chocolate gently over low heat while stirring frequently. Adding shortening or coconut oil helps keep the chocolate smooth and prevents seizing.

Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 117 reviews

Delicious Cherry Bourbon Balls featuring a rich blend of bourbon-soaked pecans, maraschino cherries, and buttery sweetness, all coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate and topped with a festive candied cherry half. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a decadent treat any time.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling and soaking time)
• Yield: 30 cherry bourbon balls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. 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 flavors to meld and the nuts to absorb the bourbon.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, place the softened butter. Using a handheld electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Nuts and Cherries: Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecan mixture along with the finely chopped maraschino cherries using a wooden spoon, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
4. Form Balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on a plate or tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up.
5. Melt Chocolate: In a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and to achieve a smooth chocolate coating.
6. Coat Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Place each coated ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Add Cherry Topping: Press one candied cherry half gently on top of each chocolate-coated ball to finish.
8. Set Chocolate: Refrigerate the coated balls on the baking sheet until the chocolate is fully set, about 30 minutes. Keep chilled until serving.

Notes

• For best flavor, soak pecans in bourbon overnight.
• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for melting chocolate to prevent burning.
• Store cherry bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Shortening or coconut oil helps create a glossy chocolate coating and prevents the chocolate from hardening too much.
• These treats are perfect for holiday parties or gifting.

Keywords: cherry bourbon balls, bourbon pecan balls, chocolate covered bourbon balls, bourbon candies, holiday treats, bourbon dessert