chocolate bourbon balls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chocolate bourbon balls recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite chocolate bourbon balls recipe that has been a staple in our household for years. As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious treats that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed by the whole family.

These rich, fudgy balls are perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday party, a family gathering, or just a Tuesday evening. My kids love helping me make them, and they’re always a hit with their friends.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the combination of flavors – the deep, velvety chocolate pairs perfectly with the subtle tang of bourbon, making each bite feel like a special treat. And the best part?

They’re ridiculously easy to make and can be customized to fit your dietary needs. I’ve made them with dark chocolate for a healthier option, and with white chocolate for a fun twist.

The possibilities are endless! But no matter what variation you choose, these chocolate bourbon balls are sure to become a favorite in your household too.

Chocolate Bourbon Balls

4.8 from 1751 votes

These no-bake chocolate bourbon balls combine crushed vanilla wafers, cocoa, and a generous splash of bourbon for a boozy, fudgy treat. Rolled in powdered sugar or cocoa, they make an elegant holiday dessert or a simple homemade gift.

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 crushed vanilla wafers (about 60 wafers)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup powdered sugar or cocoa powder for rolling

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place vanilla wafers in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs.
2Alternatively, seal wafers in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin until you have 2 1/2 cups of fine crumbs.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed wafers, 1 cup powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and finely chopped pecans.
4Stir with a fork until evenly distributed.
5Add the light corn syrup and bourbon to the dry mixture.
6Stir with a spatula or your hands until the mixture is uniformly moist and holds together when pressed.
7If it feels too dry, add 1 teaspoon more bourbon or corn syrup.
8Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll.
9This chilling step is essential for easy shaping.
10Place the remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar or cocoa powder in a small bowl.
11Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls.
12Roll each ball in the powdered sugar or cocoa until fully coated.
13Arrange the coated bourbon balls on a parchment-lined tray.
14Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
15Serve chilled or at room temperature.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Food processor or rolling pin and ziplock bag
Measuring cups and spoons
Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
Baking sheet or tray
Parchment paper or wax paper
Small bowl for rolling

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 55mg🌾Total Carbs: 21g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with strong brewed coffee or apple juice. Let the mixture chill thoroughly before rolling to prevent sticking. Adjust bourbon quantity to taste, but do not exceed 1/3 cup or the balls may become too soft.

Watch Video Of How Chocolate Bourbon Balls Works

These chocolate bourbon balls are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a Tuesday evening. They’re ridiculously easy to make and can be customized to fit your dietary needs.

I’ve made them with dark chocolate for a healthier option, and with white chocolate for a fun twist. The best part?

They’re perfect for snacking on throughout the day – just pop one (or two) into your mouth whenever you need a pick-me-up.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Bourbon Balls

Q: What is the origin of chocolate bourbon balls?

A: Chocolate bourbon balls have their roots in traditional Southern American confections, where they were often served as a sweet treat at social gatherings. The combination of rich chocolate and smooth bourbon is said to have originated in the early 20th century, when Southern women would mix together melted chocolate, butter, and bourbon to create a decadent dessert.

Q: How do I store these chocolate bourbon balls?

A: To keep these treats fresh for longer periods, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you plan on keeping them for an extended period (up to 2 weeks), consider freezing them – simply place them in an airtight bag or container and keep them frozen until you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I make these chocolate bourbon balls without using bourbon?

A: While the bourbon does add a unique flavor dimension to these treats, you can easily substitute it with another liquid of your choice (such as milk or heavy cream). Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Q: How do I reheat these chocolate bourbon balls?

A: If you want to serve them warm or reheat them after storing in the refrigerator or freezer, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help soften them slightly without melting the chocolate.

Q: Can I make these treats without using refined sugar?

A: To reduce refined sugar content, consider substituting it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup – just keep in mind that these alternatives may affect the flavor profile slightly.

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