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Best Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

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4.4 from 29 reviews

Cherry Bourbon Balls are festive, no-bake holiday treats featuring a rich blend of toasted pecans soaked in bourbon, sweet maraschino cherries, buttery powdered sugar mixture, all coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate and garnished with candied cherry halves. These indulgent bite-sized confections are perfect for Christmas dessert platters or edible gifts.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 30 bourbon balls

Ingredients

Nuts and Soaking

  • ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup bourbon

Mixture Base

  • ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Chocolate Coating

  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp shortening or coconut oil

Garnish

  • 30 candied cherry halves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Soak the Pecans: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans with bourbon. Allow them to soak for at least 1 hour or, preferably, overnight to let the nuts absorb the bourbon flavor fully.
  2. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  3. Combine: Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans and finely chopped maraschino cherries into the butter and powdered sugar mixture until everything is well incorporated.
  4. Shape: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
  5. Melt Chocolate: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with shortening or coconut oil, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fully melted.
  6. Dip and Garnish: Using forks or toothpicks, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate to completely coat it. Place each coated ball back onto parchment paper and immediately top with a candied cherry half for garnish.
  7. Set and Serve: Refrigerate the dipped balls until the chocolate coating is firm. Store finished bourbon balls in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use a quality bourbon with a smooth flavor profile to enhance the taste without overpowering the sweetness.
  • For deeper flavor, toast the pecans lightly before soaking to bring out their nutty aroma.
  • Chilling the balls before dipping helps prevent them from falling apart when coated in melted chocolate.
  • For an alcohol-free version suitable for kids, substitute bourbon with cherry or apple juice.
  • Store refrigerated bourbon balls for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 1 hour soaking and chilling time
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (primarily chocolate melting)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/best-cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe/