Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

There’s something downright irresistible about these Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe treats that always make my holidays and gatherings extra special. They pack this fantastic combo of boozy warmth, nutty crunch, and sweet cherry charm all wrapped up in a rich chocolate coating. If you’ve been searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing no-bake dessert with a little grown-up flair, you’re absolutely going to adore this recipe.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe really lies in the simple yet quality ingredients coming together. When I shop for this, I look for fresh pecans and the good stuff bourbon-wise — it truly makes a difference in the flavor.

• Finely chopped pecans: I prefer to chop them myself for a fresher crunch than pre-chopped store nuts.
• Bourbon: Use a bourbon you enjoy sipping—its smooth flavor shines through.
• Finely chopped maraschino cherries: These add sweetness and that classic cherry bourbon ball taste.
• Butter (softened): Softened butter blends easily, making the mixture silky smooth.
• Powdered sugar: This keeps the balls sweet but not gritty—don’t swap with regular sugar!
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: They give the perfect balance of chocolate bitterness and sweetness.
• Shortening or coconut oil: Either helps the chocolate coat the balls smoothly and set nicely.
• Candied cherry halves: These are the signature garnish—don’t skip on them.

Variations

I love tinkering with this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m sharing it with. Feel free to customize it to fit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Nuts Swap: I once tried walnuts instead of pecans—still delish, but pecans are my fave for that sweet buttery crunch.
• Chocolate Variety: Using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet ups the richness if you want a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute bourbon with a bit of cherry juice or vanilla extract for a kid-friendly treat.
• Coconut Oil Use: I prefer coconut oil over shortening sometimes for a subtle tropical note.

How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Step 1: Soak Pecans in Bourbon

Start by combining the finely chopped pecans with the bourbon in a bowl. Stir it up and then let this mixture rest for at least an hour, or better yet, overnight. This soaking step is key—it allows those nuts to soak up that warm bourbon flavor, making your bourbon balls absolutely delicious and boozy in the best way.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar using an electric mixer. I usually start slow to avoid a sugar cloud mess, then crank it up until it looks fluffy and smooth. This sweet buttery base is what helps hold everything together.

Step 3: Mix in Cherries and Bourbon Pecans

Stir in your bourbon-soaked pecans and the chopped maraschino cherries with a wooden spoon until everything’s evenly mixed. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like a candy shop—trust me, it’s hard to stop yourself from sneaking a little taste here.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Balls

Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands—this is where you’ll want to keep your hands slightly cool or wet to avoid too much stickiness. Place the balls on a plate or tray, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. They need to firm up so the chocolate coating stays smooth later on.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate and Coat the Balls

Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) in a medium saucepan over low heat. Be sure to stir frequently—chocolate burns in a flash if you’re not careful! Once melted, use two forks or a toothpick to dip and coat each bourbon ball evenly in the glossy chocolate.

Step 6: Garnish and Set

Place the coated balls on parchment paper and gently press a candied cherry half on top of each one for that final pop of color and flavor. Then, refrigerate until the chocolate sets solid — about 30 minutes to an hour.

How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I’m pretty loyal to those bright red candied cherry halves on top—they add just the right pop of color and a little extra cherry sweetness. Sometimes I dust a tiny bit of extra powdered sugar around the serving platter for a snowy holiday feel.

Side Dishes

These are so rich and flavorful that I love pairing them with a simple cheese board or a glass of sparkling wine to cleanse the palate after each bite. They also shine alongside coffee or dark roast teas when you want a little pick-me-up snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the bourbon balls in mini cupcake liners or pretty festive tins, which makes them easy to grab and look super fancy. Wrapping a few in cellophane with a ribbon also makes for charming homemade gifts that always impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bourbon balls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. Just bring them out a few minutes before serving so they lose some of that fridge chill and the flavors come alive again.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver if you want to stash these for later. I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They hold their texture well and thaw quickly when you need them.

Reheating

Since these are chocolate-covered no-bake bites, reheating isn’t really necessary. But if you want softer balls, just let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after taking them out of the fridge or freezer—no microwave needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe brings a little bit of festive cheer and grown-up indulgence to my kitchen every time I make it. From the first time I tried these, they’ve been a staple—whether for the holidays, office parties, or just because. Trust me, once you make a batch, you’ll see why my family and friends can’t get enough. Go ahead, give these a try—you’ll thank yourself!

Print