old fashioned bourbon balls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
old fashioned bourbon balls recipe
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The Best old fashioned bourbon balls recipe

I’m so glad you’re here for this old fashioned bourbon balls recipe. I’ve been making these treats for years, and they’re always a hit with my family and friends.

The story behind bourbon balls is that they originated in the southern United States, where bourbon was a staple liquor. The recipe has been passed down through generations, and it’s a testament to the power of traditional cooking techniques.

When I make bourbon balls, I love how they smell – the combination of chocolate, nuts, and bourbon is just heavenly. My kids love helping me make them, and it’s a great way to teach them about cooking and the history of this classic recipe.

Plus, they’re perfect for snacking on while watching a movie or as a sweet treat after dinner. As a bonus, bourbon balls are relatively healthy compared to other desserts – the nuts provide protein and fiber, and the chocolate is rich in antioxidants.

I like to make a big batch of these and store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They’re also easy to customize with different types of nuts or flavorings – my kids love when I add peanut butter or caramel bits to the mix.

Whether you’re looking for a special treat or just want something delicious to snack on, these old fashioned bourbon balls are sure to please.

Old Fashioned Bourbon Balls

Old Fashioned Bourbon Balls

4.6 from 1393 votes

These no-bake bourbon balls combine crushed vanilla wafers, pecans, and cocoa with a generous splash of bourbon for a classic Southern treat. Coated in powdered sugar, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or as an indulgent dessert bite.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Bourbon Balls

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, 1 cup powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and cocoa powder.
2Stir with a fork until evenly distributed, ensuring no clumps of cocoa remain.
3Add the bourbon and light corn syrup to the dry mixture.
4Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until the mixture holds together when pressed; it should feel moist but not sticky.
5If too dry, add 1 teaspoon more bourbon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
6Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll.
7Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes shaping easier.
8Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9Place about 1/2 cup of additional powdered sugar in a small bowl.
10Using your hands, roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated.
11Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet.
12Store the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
13For best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Plastic wrap
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small bowl for coating

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 55mg🌾Total Carbs: 16g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or apple juice mixed with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. The texture will be slightly softer, so chill longer before rolling.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Bourbon Balls Works

Storing these bourbon balls is easy. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months.

When you are ready to serve, just let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. They are perfect for family gatherings because everyone loves a bite-sized treat that feels indulgent but is simple to make ahead.

I always double the batch so we have plenty to share and some left over for ourselves.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Bourbon Balls

What is the origin of bourbon balls?

Bourbon balls have their roots in the southern United States, where bourbon was a staple liquor.

How do you make bourbon balls?

To make bourbon balls, you’ll need 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened), 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of bourbon (or more to taste), and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Can I use different types of nuts?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts – almonds or hazelnuts work well too.

Are bourbon balls suitable for kids?

The amount of bourbon in each ball is minimal – but if you’re concerned about serving them to children, consider using a substitute like coffee or orange extract.

How long do bourbon balls keep?

Bourbon balls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks – they freeze well too!

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