ky bourbon balls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ky bourbon balls recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite Ky bourbon balls recipe. This classic Southern treat has been a staple at our gatherings for generations, and for good reason. Not only are they ridiculously easy to make, but they’re also incredibly delicious and versatile.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to munch on while watching the game, a dessert to serve at your next dinner party, or simply a fun project to do with the kids, these bourbon balls are sure to hit the spot. And the best part? They’re made with just a few simple ingredients that you likely have on hand already.

I love how this recipe brings people together – it’s a true crowd-pleaser. My kids adore helping me mix up the dough and rolling the balls into perfect little treats. And let me tell you, there’s something special about biting into one of these chewy balls of goodness that just makes everything feel right with the world.

The combination of the crunchy peanut butter and chocolate coating, paired with the smooth bourbon-infused filling, is absolute perfection. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to customize – add some chopped nuts or sprinkles to give them an extra-special touch. As someone who loves baking but often finds themselves short on time, I appreciate that these bourbon balls can be made in just 20 minutes and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

It’s the perfect solution for when you need a quick dessert fix or want to impress your friends with a show-stopping treat without breaking a sweat. And did I mention that they’re also relatively healthy compared to other sweet treats out there? With wholesome ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and dark chocolate, you can feel good about indulging in these tasty little morsels.

Kentucky Bourbon Balls

4.6 from 1833 votes

These classic Kentucky bourbon balls combine crushed vanilla wafers, pecans, and cocoa with a generous splash of bourbon. Coated in powdered sugar, they are a no-bake treat perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 20 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Bourbon Balls

2 1/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers (about 60 wafers)
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup bourbon
3 tablespoons light corn syrup

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.
2Stir until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon and light corn syrup until smooth.
4Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly with a rubber spatula until the mixture is uniformly moistened and holds together when pressed.
5Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to shape.
6This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to set.
7Place about 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow dish.
8Using your hands, roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated.
9Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10Store the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
11For best flavor, let them come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin or food processor (for crushing wafers)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Airtight container

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 55mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with strong brewed coffee or apple juice mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The mixture will be slightly softer, so chill longer before rolling.

Watch Video Of How Kentucky Bourbon Balls Works

As someone who loves hosting gatherings and sharing delicious food with loved ones, I always say that these Ky bourbon balls are a must-have at any occasion – whether it’s a holiday party or just a regular Tuesday evening with friends and family. They’re incredibly easy to make ahead of time and store in an airtight container until ready to serve (or freeze them for later if needed).

Plus, they’re just so darn delicious that everyone will be begging for the recipe! And don’t even get me started on how versatile these little morsels are – use them as an appetizer at your next dinner party or enjoy them as an after-school snack for your kiddos.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Bourbon Balls

Q: What is the origin of Ky bourbon balls?

A: The exact origin of Ky bourbon balls is unclear, but they are believed to have originated in Kentucky as a variation of traditional peanut butter balls. They quickly gained popularity throughout the Southern United States for their unique combination of peanut butter, oats, and bourbon.

Q: What type of peanut butter is best for making Ky bourbon balls?

A: For this recipe, it’s best to use creamy peanut butter as it will give the filling its signature smooth texture. However, if you prefer a slightly nuttier flavor, you can also use natural or old-fashioned peanut butter.

Q: Can I substitute another type of nut for peanuts in Ky bourbon balls?

A: While peanuts are traditional in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of nuts like almonds or walnuts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that using different nuts may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

Q: How long do Ky bourbon balls last when stored in an airtight container?

A: When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Ky bourbon balls will last for up to 5 days without losing their flavor or texture. If you want to store them longer-term, consider freezing them for up to 2 months.

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