Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive treat that’s rich, boozy, and downright addictive, you’ve got to try my Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites combine the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of cherries, plus a buttery, nutty base all wrapped in smooth chocolate. When I first tried making these, I was hooked instantly – they’re the perfect easy-to-make indulgence for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through how to make these delectable cherry bourbon balls that will have your family and friends begging for more!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to build layers of flavor – the pecans add crunch and earthiness, while the bourbon and cherries bring that classic adult sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate. When shopping, look for good quality bourbon and maraschino cherries to really elevate your cherry bourbon balls.

• Finely chopped pecans: Toast them lightly for extra nuttiness if you have time—it deepens the flavor wonderfully.
• Bourbon: Use your favorite brand; the boozy kick is what makes these special!
• Finely chopped maraschino cherries: Drain well so they don’t add extra moisture to your mixture.
• Butter, softened: Soft butter blends better and helps form a smooth, creamy base.
• Powdered sugar: This gives the balls their sweetness and helps keep them firm.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt these with shortening for a shiny, smooth coating.
• Shortening or coconut oil: Adds sheen and prevents the chocolate from seizing up.
• Candied cherry halves: These are the perfect festive garnish for a pop of color and extra cherry flavor.

Variations

I love playing around with this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe depending on the occasion. Feel free to tweak the boozy level or swap ingredients to suit your taste – it’s a very forgiving recipe that rewards your creativity.

• Non-alcoholic version: Substitute bourbon with cherry juice or vanilla extract for a kid-friendly treat that still tastes amazing.
• Nut-free variation: Use crushed graham crackers or pretzels instead of pecans for a crunchy, allergy-friendly alternative.
• Chocolate types: Dark chocolate chips add richness, while milk chocolate brings extra sweetness—try mixing both for fun.
• Extra flavor boosts: A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange liqueur can add a lovely twist I discovered after experimenting.

How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Step 1: Let the Pecans Soak Up the Bourbon

First things first, toss those finely chopped pecans into a bowl and pour over the bourbon. I like to let mine sit for at least an hour, but overnight in the fridge really lets the nuts soak up all those boozy notes. It makes a huge difference in flavor depth!

Step 2: Make the Sweet, Buttery Base

Next, cream the softened butter with the powdered sugar using a hand mixer. When I do this, I start slow to avoid a sugar cloud in my kitchen! Beat until the mixture is nice and fluffy—that’s the secret to a smooth texture in your bourbon balls.

Step 3: Mix in the Boozy Nuts and Cherries

Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans and chopped cherries with a wooden spoon until they’re evenly dispersed. The mixture can be a bit sticky here, which is totally normal—it will come together when chilled.

Step 4: Shape and Chill

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls—try not to squish those cherries out—and place them on a tray. Pop them in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. I find chilling really helps with dipping the balls into chocolate smoothly.

Step 5: Coat with Chocolate and Decorate

Melt the chocolate chips with shortening or coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat, stirring frequently so the chocolate stays silky and doesn’t burn. Use forks or toothpicks to dunk each ball into the melted chocolate, then set on parchment paper. Right after coating, press a candied cherry half on top—it’s such a fun and festive finishing touch.

Step 6: Let Them Set

Pop the tray back into the fridge until the chocolate firms up completely, about 30 minutes. Once set, your cherry bourbon balls are ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I stick with those classic candied cherry halves on top—they’re just so festive and add a lovely pop of color. Sometimes, I dust a few with a tiny sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect during the holidays.

Side Dishes

These bourbon balls pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For parties, I love setting up a dessert platter with nuts, cheeses, and fruit to complement that rich chocolate and bourbon flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present cherry bourbon balls is in little paper cupcake liners arranged on a festive tray—makes them look extra special and easy for guests to grab. I’ve also tied small gift boxes with ribbon to share them as homemade edible gifts that everyone adores.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your cherry bourbon balls will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. I like to layer them between sheets of parchment paper so they don’t stick together—makes grabbing a treat quick and hassle-free.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before with great success! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you want a sweet fix, just thaw in the fridge overnight—perfectly fresh tasting, no weird texture changes.

Reheating

Since these are best served chilled, reheating isn’t really necessary. But if your chocolate coating feels too firm, just let the balls sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving to soften up a bit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

My family goes crazy for this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe every holiday season—it’s become our go-to treat for sharing and gifting. I love how easy it is to make ahead, and how perfectly the flavors meld after a little time in the fridge. If you want a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels fancy but isn’t complicated, this recipe is your friend. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that first bite of bourbon-soaked, chocolate-coated joy!

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