If you wanna upgrade your homemade holiday gift giving game, make these Southern bourbon balls boos. They are legit my go-to. They’re crunchy, sweet, a little boozy. Plus they are completely no bake! Pass these goodies around to family, friends, and coworkers and get your whole life.
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They’re Lovin’ It! Here’s what They’re Sayin’:
“Best bourbon balls ever! I’ve made several recipes but this one is my favorite. I think it’s the spice combo and the vanilla wafers that stand out from other recipes I’ve used. This is tasty and easy to make. Thanks for the great recipe!”
—MARY
How To Make Bourbon Balls
Step 1: Grind cookies in a blender then add your pecans.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add the wafer cookies, pecans, 1 cup of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and spices. Mix thoroughly until nice and combined. Add the bourbon and corn syrup.
Step 3: Mix until the dry and wet ingredients are fully combined.
Step 4: Use a tablespoon measurement to form the balls, then roll them in the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar. Chill for 1 hour and serve!
Bourbon Balls Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar divided
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1/4 cup bourbon see note below on how to make non-alcoholic
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the pecans on top of a baking sheet. Toast the nuts for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Transfer the nuts to a heat-safe bowl and allow them to completely cool.
- While you wait, use a blender or food processor to grind up the cookies. Once cool, chop up the pecans.
- In a large bowl, combine the wafer cookies, pecans, 1 cup of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the bourbon and corn syrup. Mix until the dry and wet ingredients are fully combined.
- Use a tablespoon measurement to form the balls, then roll them in the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar.
- Chill for 1 hour and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Go Quality: Pick the best bourbon quality you can since the flavor is noticeable.
- Toast It Up: Don’t skip toasting the pecans. It gives that deeper nuttier vibe.
- Check The Consistency: The mixture should be sticky and thick. If they are too dry, add more bourbon or corn syrup and if they are too wet, add a bit more powdered sugar to firm it up.
- Don’t Overcrush Your Wafers: You want them to still have some coarse crumbly texture and not be too fine or the candy will end up pasty.
Ingredient Notes
- Bourbon: Swap the booze with orange or apple juice.
- Pecans: Change out the pecans with walnuts for a similar flavor and texture.
- Vanilla Wafers: You can replace wafers with graham crackers.
- Corn Syrup: Swap in maple syrup
Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Recipe Help
Yep boos! You can use a non-alcoholic substitute like orange juice, apple juice or even coffee.
Absolutely y’all! You can make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Easy peasy!
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Best bourbon balls ever! I’ve made several recipes but this one is my favorite. I think it’s the spice combo and the vanilla wafers that stand out from other recipes I’ve used. This is tasty and easy to make. I plan to try the nonalcoholic version next! Thanks for the great recipe!
Just made these today. Easy and delicious combination for my adult neighbors this Christmas. Will definitely pass around the recipe for those who will ask. Yummy and thank you!
Fantastic! Happy to hear that and of course thank you for sharing the recipe!
Would these work with graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers?
Very similiar to the ones I make every year EXCEPT these call for spices! That’s an amazing idea! I’ll be using this recipe this year.
Whipped up a batch of these this afternoon and they do not disappoint! Easy, delicious and exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth!
Such a fun combo! These dessert balls will make a fun treat for the upcoming holidays.
These bourbon balls look fantastic! I can’t wait to try it!
Love the flavor combo here. Delish!
Oh these would be so much fun to bring to a Xmas party this year! And they look super easy and delicious 🙂