Cherry Bourbon Balls- these buttery bourbon balls are flavored with both bourbon and maraschino cherries and coated in semi-sweet chocolate.
They make an awesome Christmas treat or I love to serve them for Valentine’s Day or a Kentucky Derby party.
There are several different versions of bourbon balls. Most recipes contain crushed vanilla wafers. This recipe is based off my favorite bourbon ball recipe which has a pecan, butter, bourbon, and powdered sugar filling.
Ingredients Needed For Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Pecans– raw pecans.
- Bourbon– I use Maker’s Mark.
- Maraschino cherries
- Butter– I use salted butter.
- Powdered sugar
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips– Can use milk chocolate instead or a combination of the two.
- Shortening or Coconut Oil– Helps keep the chocolate from hardening too much.
- Candied Cherry Halves– Like the kind you use for fruitcake.
Type of Bourbon To Use
Maker’s Mark is my go to bourbon for both cooking and drinking but there are so many great bourbons available. I also love Four Roses and Buffalo Trace.
Since the alcohol is not cooked off, I recommend these bourbon balls be an adult only treat.
How To Make Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Combine the pecans and bourbon in a small bowl. Let sit at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.
- Use a hand-held electric mixer to beat the powdered sugar and butter. Mixture will be dry.
- Add pecan mixture and chopped cherries and stir with a wooden spoon until evenly mixed. May be easier to mix with your hands.
- Shape into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Dip into melted chocolate and press a candied cherry on top. Refrigerate until set.
How To Store
Can be stored at room temperature but I prefer to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 2 weeks. Can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Cherry Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ½ cup butter,, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Combine pecans and bourbon in a bowl and let sit at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Place butter in a large bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in powdered sugar.
- Add pecan mixture and cherries to bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until evenly mixed.
- Shape into 1-inch balls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- Melt chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil in a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom. Stir frequently so chocolate doesn't burn.
- Using 2 forks or a toothpick, coat balls in chocolate mixture and then place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press a candied cherry half on top of each one.
- Refrigerate until set.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Christin – Question:
What can I use instead of Bourbon and keep the same integrity of the filling? I’m not an alcohol person. These sound JUST like the filling for the fruit and nut Easter eggs I loved as a kid – but they don’t make them anymore.
Thank you for any help you can provide!
Can you substitute something else for the bourbon?
Ill try Armeretto & replace nuts with almonds and almond extract instead of vanilla Skipping the cherry on top.
how do you save recipes tabs don’t work