Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
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.
- 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
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cherry Topping: Press one candied cherry half gently on top of each chocolate-coated ball to finish.
- 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
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe/
