Description
Delight in these festive Cherry Bourbon Balls, a perfect blend of pecans, cherries, and bourbon encased in rich chocolate. These no-bake treats are ideal for holiday parties or special occasions, offering a luscious combination of nutty, boozy, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- 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 preferably overnight, allowing the pecans to absorb the bourbon flavor fully.
- Prepare Base Mixture: In a large bowl, place the softened butter. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This ensures the right texture for your bourbon balls.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecan mixture along with the chopped maraschino cherries into the butter and sugar bowl. Stir well using a wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined into a thick dough.
- Shape Balls: Form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls using your hands. Once shaped, cover the balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt Chocolate: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil together over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve a smooth chocolate coating.
- Coat the Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled bourbon ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Place each coated ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Cherry Topping: Press a candied cherry half lightly on top of each chocolate-coated ball to decorate and add an extra burst of flavor.
- Set and Chill: Refrigerate the finished bourbon balls until the chocolate is fully set and firm, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Notes
- These bourbon balls will last for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For a stronger bourbon flavor, allow pecans to soak overnight.
- Use shortening as alternative to coconut oil to help the chocolate hold a glossy finish.
- Ensure the chocolate is not overheated when melting to avoid grainy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
