Description
Delicious Cherry Bourbon Balls combine finely chopped pecans, bourbon, maraschino cherries, and a buttery powdered sugar mixture, all coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate and topped with candied cherry halves. These sweet, boozy treats are perfect for parties and holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
Nut Mixture
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Sugar Mixture
- 1/2 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 finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl and let sit for at least 1 hour or overnight to infuse flavor and soften the nuts.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: Place softened butter in a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecan mixture and chopped maraschino cherries to the butter and powdered sugar bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly mixed.
- Shape Balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt Chocolate: In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with shortening or coconut oil over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Coat Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip and coat each chilled ball in the melted chocolate mixture. Place coated balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Add Garnish: Press a candied cherry half on top of each chocolate-coated ball for a festive finish.
- Set Balls: Refrigerate the coated bourbon balls until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.
Notes
- Store bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they will last up to 2 weeks.
- Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.
- Use shortening or coconut oil in the chocolate coating to help create a smooth and shiny finish.
- Allow the pecans to soak overnight for a richer bourbon flavor.
- If maraschino cherries are too sweet, drain and pat dry before chopping to balance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
