Bourbon Balls

Rich, smooth, decadent, and delicious, Kentucky-Style Bourbon Balls are a Southern delicacy you need to know how to make! These bite-sized treats are full of smoky bourbon, crunchy pecans, warm spice, sweet vanilla wafers, and velvety cocoa powder! 

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Each year I post a gift guide full of my go-to items for the holiday giving season. If you’ve checked it out before, you’ll notice that I adore sharing my favorite cookbooks, kitchen items, and kid-friendly treasures. There’s always something for everyone! 

But, if I’m being honest, one of my favorite gifts to give is a homemade one! During the holiday months, I pump out hundreds of cookies and candies that I carefully arrange in cellophane bags and wrap with satin bows. These goodies get passed around to family, friends, and coworkers alike. 

Bourbon Balls are one of my go-to choices for homemade gifting! They’re crunchy, sweet, creamy, warm, and, of course, boozy. No one can resist these chocolatey bites of Southern goodness! 

Perks and Highlights of These Perfect Bourbon Balls

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern Comfort Sweet and spirited, these treats take a page from the South’s book of hospitality and decadence.

Primary Cooking Method: No-Bake Magic No oven, no hassle! This is alchemy at its finest, with flavors melding together without any baking.

Dietary Info: Indulgent Delight While not fitting into diet categories like vegan or gluten-free, they’re a soulful indulgence that’s totally worth the calories!

Key Flavor: Boozy Sweetness The rich, oaky bravado of bourbon meets the lush landscape of sugary delight, creating a flavor profile that’s both bold and comforting.

Skill Level: Easy Peasy No pastry chef credentials required here! If you can mix, you can master these bourbon beauties.

Special Perks:

• Party Starter: Perfect for adult gatherings, these bourbon balls get the conversations flowing. Just like a little black dress, they’re suitable for any occasion!
• Shelf-life Superstar: These goodies get better with age (a few days of resting enhance their flavor) and don’t demand refrigeration — talk about low maintenance!
• Flexibility is Key: Wanna switch up the nuts or the type of sugar? Go for it! These balls are your canvas.
• No-Bake Nobility: Save that oven space because these treats come together without any preheating business. Plus, it keeps the kitchen cool!
• Gift-Worthy Glam: Pack ’em up pretty, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift for any bourbon lover or sweet-toothed pal in your life.

What Are Bourbon Balls?

To put it simply, Bourbon Balls are a no-bake candy that feature a creamy bourbon-pecan filling and a chocolate coating. There are tons of variations of this recipe, some call for molasses and others are rolled in chocolate jimmies. The possibilities are endless. 

Ingredients

Bourbon- Warm, cozy, and boozy, Bourbon is like a hug for your belly. This intense, smoky liquor takes this recipe from boring to bracing. Make sure to use a bourbon you really like because you’ll be able to taste it! 

Light Corn Syrup- Corn syrup will add the touch of sweetness that these candies need. The stickiness also helps the filling to come together a little easier. 

Vanilla Wafers- Crushed wafers help give this recipe texture and structure. Plus, the added vanilla flavor is divine. 

Pecans- Nuts bring a toasty, tasty crunch that pairs incredibly well with the rich bourbon. 

Spices- I found that adding a bit of spice into the mix really changes things up. All three additions are warm, fragrant, and complimentary to the flavor of the bourbon. 

Powdered Sugar- Confectioners sugar layers in some additional sweetness and helps to absorb extra moisture. 

Cocoa Powder- A bit of cocoa powder adds a velvety, rich chocolate taste. 

NOTE: If you’d like to make this recipe non-alcoholic, replace the bourbon with orange or apple juice. Both options will make the balls a bit sweeter but they’ll be just as delicious! 

How To Make Bourbon Balls

My recipe doesn’t require much, just some simple ingredients and a few short steps. It starts by toasting the nuts to fragrant, golden-brown perfection, then allowing them to cool. Next, pulse the vanilla wafers and pecans in a blender until coarse crumbs form. 

Transfer the cookie crumb/pecan mixture to a large bowl and add in the sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix until combined, then pour the corn syrup and bourbon over the top. 

Once all the ingredients have come together, use your hands or a small cookie scoop to start forming the balls. Roll in the extra powdered sugar, chill for about an hour, and serve! 

Make Ahead and Storage

To Store/ Make Ahead: Store bourbon balls in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If storing at room temperature, be sure to place them in a cool environment. 

To Freeze: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy! 

Favorite Candy Recipes

Here are just a few: 

• Classic Pecan Pralines
• Homemade Turtle Candy
• Divinity Candy 
• Peanut Brittle 
• Chocolate Bark
• Turtle Candies