Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Cherry Bourbon Balls are delightful bite-sized treats featuring a rich blend of butter, powdered sugar, pecans, maraschino cherries, and a smooth chocolate coating. These no-bake confections are chilled to perfection, rolled in powdered sugar, and topped with a candied cherry half, making them an irresistible, festive dessert or snack for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 30 cherry bourbon balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Nut and Fruit Mixture
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup cherry juice (non-alcoholic alternative)
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Dough
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar (divided: 3 cups for dough, 1 cup for coating)
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
Decoration
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) until smooth, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to avoid melting the butter when combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with 3 cups of the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a smooth dough texture.
- Add Cherry and Nuts: Stir in the non-alcoholic cherry juice, finely chopped maraschino cherries, and finely chopped pecans until everything is evenly incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Gradually add the slightly cooled melted chocolate to the butter-sugar-fruit mixture, mixing thoroughly until a uniform, smooth dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours until the mixture is firm enough to shape into balls.
- Shape Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chilled mixture and roll it between your palms into smooth, round balls.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each formed ball in the powdered sugar until evenly coated, then top each one with a candied cherry half for decoration.
- Final Chill: Arrange the coated Cherry Bourbon Balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to let them firm up completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a boozy version, substitute cherry juice with bourbon, adjusting quantity to taste.
- Ensure the chocolate mixture is cooled enough before combining to prevent melting the butter and altering dough texture.
- Store the finished balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use parchment paper on the tray to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- These are perfect for holiday gifting; wrap in festive cellophane bags once firm.
Keywords: Cherry Bourbon Balls, no bake dessert, holiday treats, chocolate cherry candies, pecan desserts, easy Christmas recipes
Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe/
