Description

These Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining finely chopped pecans, bourbon, maraschino cherries, and a rich buttery mixture, all coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate and topped with vibrant candied cherry halves. Perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet gift, these bite-sized balls require just a few hours to chill and set, offering a luscious blend of nutty, boozy, and fruity flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Nut 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

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Instructions

Soak pecans: Combine 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.
Prepare base mixture: Place softened butter in a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Combine ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecans and chopped maraschino cherries to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly mixed.
Form balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Cover the balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before coating.
Melt chocolate: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning and ensure a smooth chocolate coating.
Coat balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate mixture, fully coating it, then place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Add garnish: Press a candied cherry half onto the top of each chocolate-coated ball for decoration and extra flavor.
Set and refrigerate: Refrigerate the coated balls until the chocolate is fully set and firm, typically about 1 hour or until ready to serve.

Notes

These bourbon balls will last up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For a stronger bourbon flavor, soak the pecans overnight.
Use shortening or coconut oil to ensure a smoother chocolate coating that hardens nicely.
Allow the balls to chill completely before dipping to avoid melting the chocolate prematurely.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball
Calories: 140
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg