Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends or family with a treat that’s both classic and kinda fancy, you have to try this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe. These little bites pack a punch with their perfect bourbon kick, rich chocolate coating, and that delightful cherry surprise inside. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become your go-to for holidays, parties, or just because you deserve a tasty indulgence.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe uses classic ingredients that come together to create a nostalgic yet sophisticated flavor. When you’re shopping, pick good-quality bourbon and fresh pecans for the best taste. Maraschino cherries are sweet and soft, making every bite a little surprise.

• Finely chopped pecans: Give a buttery crunch and deepen the texture.
• Bourbon: Adds warmth and that signature boozy hint everyone loves.
• Finely chopped maraschino cherries: Sweet, juicy bursts balancing the richness.
• Butter, softened: Creates the creamy base that binds everything perfectly.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps with consistency for shaping.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For coating — they create a smooth, melty shell.
• Shortening or coconut oil: Keeps the chocolate silky and easier for dipping.
• Candied cherry halves: The charming finishing touch on each ball.

Tweak to Your Taste

I know everyone likes to make recipes their own, so I always encourage some customizing here. I sometimes swap pecans with walnuts or add a splash more bourbon if I’m feeling bold. If you’re sensitive to boozy flavors, just let the mixture sit in the fridge longer before rolling — it mellows out nicely.

• Variation: I once swapped the semi-sweet chocolate for rich dark chocolate, which gave a deeper cocoa flavor that my chocolate-loving friends adored.
• Nut-free option: You can try crushed pretzels or crispy rice cereal for crunch if nuts aren’t your thing or if you’re making these for kids.
• Bourbon swap: If bourbon isn’t your favorite, try a flavored rum or even a splash of coffee liqueur to mix things up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Pecans in Bourbon

First, combine your finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl. I always let this sit for at least an hour, but overnight is even better if you have the time. This step helps the nuts soak up that lovely bourbon flavor and soften just a bit, adding complexity and moisture to your balls.

Step 2: Create the Sweet, Buttery Base

Place softened butter in a large bowl, and with a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This creates a silky, sweet foundation that holds everything together. When I do this, I make sure my butter isn’t too cold; it helps avoid lumps and makes mixing a dream.

Step 3: Combine and Stir in Cherries and Pecans

Add the bourbon-soaked pecan mixture and those deliciously chopped maraschino cherries. Stir everything with a wooden spoon until evenly mixed. This part is where the magic truly starts—you’ll feel the texture come alive and see those tempting cherry bits spread everywhere.

Step 4: Roll and Chill

Shape your mixture into 1-inch balls (I find a cookie scoop helps keep them uniform). Cover with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. This resting time is key to making the balls easy to handle when dipping and ensuring they hold their shape perfectly.

Step 5: Dip in Chocolate and Add the Finishing Touch

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with shortening or coconut oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to keep the chocolate from burning—that’s a quick way to ruin the whole batch! Using two forks or even toothpicks, dip each ball into the luscious chocolate, then place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Press a festive candied cherry half on top of each while the chocolate is still soft.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Pop the dipped balls back into the fridge until the chocolate firms up, about 30 minutes. After that, they’re ready to enjoy or store for later magic moments.

How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I always stick to the classic candied cherry halves on top—they add a pop of color and hint at the delicious cherry inside. Sometimes, for a festive touch, I roll the balls in finely chopped pecans before dipping, giving that nutty crunch outside too. Crushed peppermint during the holidays also adds a fun twist!

Side Dishes

These are super rich, so I enjoy them alongside a light, refreshing drink like sparkling water with lime or a cup of hot black coffee to cut through the sweetness. For parties, I like pairing them with a cheese board that has sharp cheddar and aged gouda—it’s a surprisingly good balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange the bourbon balls on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or edible flowers, which immediately elevates their look. Wrapping each one in colorful mini cupcake liners or placing them in a pretty box as gifts always gets rave reviews. I also love stacking them in a glass jar with layers of red and green tissue paper for a gorgeous kitchen display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Cherry Bourbon Balls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they last up to two weeks. Pro tip: Let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the softest bite and best flavor.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these! I’ve wrapped mine individually in plastic wrap and placed them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed, they’re just as delicious. Freezing for up to three months works great, especially if you want to prep for a big event ahead of time.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake treats, reheating isn’t necessary—but if they’ve chilled too long and feel too firm, I leave them out at room temp for 10-15 minutes. This softens the centers nice and keeps the outer chocolate shell intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe is one of those timeless treats that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. I remember making them with my grandma, and now sharing them with my friends and family brings me so much joy. They’re comforting, festive, and surprisingly easy to whip up. So grab your mixing bowl, throw on some tunes, and make these for your next gathering — I promise, once you try them, you’ll be hooked. Cheers to sweet memories and delicious bites!

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