It was a quiet Sunday afternoon in early December, the kind where the air smells faintly of cinnamon and the house hums with the sound of the oven preheating for something sweet. My daughter had dropped by with her little ones, their hands still sticky from decorating sugar cookies.
She asked if I still made those “grown-up truffles” I used to bring to Christmas gatherings, the ones Uncle James would guard like gold. I hadn’t made them in years, but the moment she said “bourbon,” a flood of memories poured back.
These Cherry Bourbon Balls were my little holiday indulgence back in the day—sweet, nutty, and just daring enough to make you blush if you weren’t expecting the kick. They remind me of my first Christmas with my husband, when we lived in a tiny apartment with an oven that barely worked. I remember stirring the mixture by hand, laughing as he “taste-tested” more than he should have.
Now, decades later, I make them for the grown-ups at our family gatherings while the grandkids nibble on their hot cocoa cookies. The recipe has aged like the bourbon itself—smooth, rich, and warm in all the right ways.
Short Description
Cherry Bourbon Balls are rich, chocolate-coated treats filled with buttery pecans, sweet cherries, and a hint of bourbon. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these bite-sized indulgences are both nostalgic and irresistible.
Key Ingredients
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 30 candied cherry halves
Tools Needed
- Medium mixing bowls
- Hand-held electric mixer
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment paper-lined baking sheet
- Saucepan with heavy bottom
- 2 forks or toothpicks
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Pecans
Combine the chopped pecans and bourbon in a small bowl. Let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight if you want a deeper flavor. This soaking step gives the pecans a mellow warmth that spreads through every bite.
Step 2: Make the Base Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and thick, almost like frosting.
Step 3: Add the Flavors
Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans and chopped maraschino cherries using a wooden spoon. Mix until everything is evenly combined. The texture should be firm enough to roll but not sticky.
Step 4: Shape and Chill
Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes dipping easier.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the chocolate chips with shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning. The chocolate should be glossy and smooth.
Step 6: Coat and Decorate
Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s evenly coated. Place them back on the parchment paper. Press a candied cherry half on top of each ball while the chocolate is still soft.
Step 7: Chill to Set
Refrigerate the finished bourbon balls until the chocolate hardens completely, about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Boozy Flavor: The bourbon adds warmth and depth to each bite.
Perfectly Balanced: The sweetness of the cherries and chocolate complements the nutty pecans beautifully.
Great for Gifting: These treats look elegant and festive, ideal for sharing.
Make-Ahead Friendly: They taste even better after a day or two as the flavors deepen.
Simple to Prepare: No baking required—just mix, chill, dip, and enjoy.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using cold butter: It won’t mix smoothly. Always soften butter at room temperature.
Skipping the chilling step: The mixture will be too soft to roll or dip. Chill at least an hour.
Overheating the chocolate: It can seize or burn easily. Melt slowly over low heat, stirring constantly.
Using watery cherries: Pat them dry after chopping to prevent soggy texture.
Not soaking pecans long enough: Letting them sit ensures they absorb the bourbon properly for full flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as part of a dessert platter with truffles, fudge, and cookies.
Pair with a glass of bourbon, hot coffee, or spiced tea for a cozy evening.
Arrange in mini paper cups for a polished look at parties.
Perfect gift idea: Place in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Not necessary, serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make these without bourbon?
Yes, replace bourbon with apple juice or cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
2. Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely. Walnuts or almonds work well and provide a slightly different flavor.
3. How long should I soak the pecans?
At least 1 hour, but overnight soaking gives a richer taste.
4. My mixture feels too dry—what should I do?
Add 1 teaspoon of softened butter or a few drops of bourbon until it binds together.
5. How do I make them less sweet?
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a bolder, less sugary flavor.
Tips & Tricks
For easier dipping, keep half the batch in the fridge while you coat the first half.
Add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate for a sweet-salty twist.
To make them look extra festive, drizzle with white chocolate once set.
If gifting, let the chocolate harden completely before packaging.
Recipe Variations
Dark Chocolate Espresso Bourbon Balls: Replace 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar with cocoa powder and add 1 teaspoon instant espresso.
Coconut Bourbon Balls: Mix ½ cup shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical note.
White Chocolate Cherry Balls: Use white chocolate for coating and skip the bourbon for a sweeter touch.
Maple Pecan Balls: Substitute bourbon with maple syrup and add a few drops of maple extract for a cozy, family-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
Making these Cherry Bourbon Balls felt like revisiting a beloved chapter of my kitchen story—one filled with laughter, family, and the irresistible smell of melting chocolate. I ended up boxing a few for my neighbors, who returned the favor with tins of their own cookies, and that simple exchange reminded me why I love this season so much.
Food has a quiet way of connecting us, doesn’t it? Each bite carries a bit of memory, a whisper of the past mixed with the sweetness of the present. These little treats may be small, but they carry decades of joy in every bite.
Cherry Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ½ cup butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Soak chopped pecans in bourbon for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans and chopped maraschino cherries until well mixed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and chill for 1 hour. Melt chocolate chips with shortening or coconut oil until smooth.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate and top with a candied cherry half. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes.
