Bourbon Balls

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Balls Recipe

• No-bake delight. These bourbon balls are easy to make with no oven time. Perfect for a quick treat!
• Rich, boozy flavor. The bourbon adds a deep, rich flavor that’s irresistible.
• Perfect for parties and gifting. These little treats are a hit at gatherings and a wonderful addition to your cookie trays! They look quite fancy but are so easy to make.
• Customizable. It’s easy to adjust the recipe to suit your tastes, like adding nuts or different types of chocolate. (See my ideas for variations below.)
• Make-ahead magic. They taste even better after a day or two!

What Are Bourbon Balls?

For those of you unfamiliar with these little no-bake treats, let’s talk a little about what exactly they are.

Bourbon balls are a popular confectionary treat originating from the Southern United States. They are small, bite-sized sweets that combine the rich flavors of chocolate and nuts with the distinctive taste of bourbon whiskey.

They offer a unique blend of sweet and boozy flavors. Chocolate and sugar provide a rich sweetness, while the bourbon adds depth with its woody, caramel, and vanilla notes. The nuts contribute a crunchy texture and a nutty taste that complements the overall flavor. In essence, bourbon balls are a delightful combination of texture and flavor, offering a taste experience that’s both sophisticated and indulgent.

What You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the ingredients in these bourbon balls. For ingredient quantities and full instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Vanilla wafers – Grind these finely either by pulsing in a food processor or crushing in a zip-top bag. See my ideas for variations below for some other options to use instead of vanilla wafers.
• Pecans – For the best flavor, toast the pecans before chopping them.
• Confectioners’ sugar – Also labeled as powdered sugar.
• Cocoa powder – Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder, not the sweetened kind used for hot chocolate. Use a good quality cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
• Bourbon – See the section below for tips for choosing a good bourbon for this recipe.
• Light corn syrup – This helps the bourbon balls hold together. You could also likely use honey or maple syrup.
• Granulated sugar – Use this and/or more confectioners’ sugar for rolling the balls.

What Kind of Bourbon Is Best for Bourbon Balls?

Choosing the right bourbon for bourbon balls is important because it significantly influences their flavor. Here’s a guide to selecting the best bourbon:

1. Flavor profile: Choose a bourbon that has a smooth, rich flavor with a good balance of sweetness and spice. Bourbons with notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and oak tend to complement the chocolate and nuts in the recipe well.
2. Proof: Standard proof (around 80-90) bourbons are generally preferred, as higher proof bourbons can be overpowering.
3. Quality: The quality of the bourbon will affect the taste of your bourbon balls, so choose one that tastes good to you. It doesn’t need to be top-shelf, but I recommend avoiding the cheapest options as they can be harsh and detract from the overall flavor.
4. Popular choices: Some popular choices for bourbon balls include Maker’s Mark (for its smoothness and slight sweetness), Bulleit Bourbon (for a spicier kick), and Woodford Reserve (for its well-rounded, rich flavor). Each of these brings a unique character to the bourbon balls.
5. Personal preference: Ultimately, the best bourbon is one that suits your personal taste. If you have a favorite bourbon, feel free to use that, as you’re more likely to enjoy the final result.

Remember, the bourbon doesn’t just add flavor; it’s also a key component of the treat’s character. It’s worth taking the time to choose one that will complement the other ingredients in your bourbon balls.

How to Make Bourbon Balls

• Mix the dry ingredients. Place the cookie crumbs, chopped pecans, confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa powder in a large bowl, and stir until combined.
• Mix the liquid ingredients. Stir together the bourbon and corn syrup in a small bowl.
• Finish mixing. Add the bourbon mixture to the vanilla wafer mixture, and stir until combined.

• Prep your tools. Place the granulated sugar (or confectioners’ sugar if that’s what you’re using) in a shallow bowl. Have a half sheet pan or plate ready for placing your bourbon balls.
• Portion and roll. Using a tablespoon of the mixture at a time, roll into balls. Then roll each ball in sugar until thoroughly coated. Place the bourbon balls on the pan or plate you set aside.
• Chill. Cover and refrigerate until firm. This should take about an hour, although the flavor will be better if left overnight.

Variations

• Change the cookies. Vanilla wafers are the classic choice for bourbon balls, but you can use a different crispy cookie. Gingersnaps and Biscoff are both tasty choices.
• Use different nuts. I tend to use pecans frequently in my recipes, but you can use almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or another nut. Or go nut-free with pepitas or sunflower seeds.
• Try a different liquor. Swap bourbon for rum, brandy, or whiskey for a different twist on the classic flavor.
• Spice it up. Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick.
• Change the coating. The granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar you see here aren’t the only options for coating the bourbon balls. Try a mixture of sugar and cocoa powder, just cocoa powder, cinnamon-sugar, small chocolate sprinkles, shredded toasted coconut, or ground nuts.
• Dip in chocolate. For a more decadent twist, forego the sugar coating in favor of dipping the bourbon balls in melted dark chocolate or white chocolate. Garnish with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Not only do bourbon balls make a great addition to a dessert tray, but they also can be served in some other fun ways.

• Pair with coffee or tea. The bitterness of coffee or the subtlety of tea can complement the rich, boozy flavors beautifully.
• Ice cream accompaniment. Place a bourbon ball or two atop a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Cheese board addition. Add bourbon balls to a cheese board for a sweet contrast. They pair well with creamy cheeses like Brie or sharp ones like aged Cheddar.
• Serve with fruit. Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or cherries to add a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the rich, sweet flavor.

How to Store

• Room temperature: After your bourbon balls have completely set, place them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to keep them looking their best. They can be stored at room temperature up to a week.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage or if you kitchen is warm or humid, store them in the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container after they’ve set. They should keep in the freezer up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.