Rich, smooth, and straight-up decadent, Kentucky Bourbon Balls are the ultimate Southern indulgence you need in your life boos. These bite-sized beauties are loaded with a smoky bourbon kick, crunchy pecan texture, warm spices, sweet vanilla wafers, and a hint of velvety cocoa powder. And the best part is they are completely no bake! Trust me, once you try ’em, you’re hooked!
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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
If you wanna upgrade your homemade holiday gift giving game, make these bourbon balls boos. They are legit my go-to. They’re crunchy, sweet, creamy, warm, and, of course, boozy. No one can resist these delish bites of Southern goodness! You can pump out batches of them and carefully arrange in cellophane bags and wrap with satin bows. Pass these goodies around to family, friends, and coworkers and get your whole life.
The Lowdown of These Perfect Bourbon Balls
Cuisine Inspiration: Sweet Southern Comfort
Primary Cooking Method: No-Bake
Dietary Info: Indulgent Delight! Vegan
Key Flavor: Bold Boozy Sweetness in a cute package
Skill Level: Easy y’all (No Sweat Fam!)
Serious Shelf-Life
These goodies get better with age y’all (a few days of resting really enhance the flavor) and don’t demand refrigeration — talk about low maintenance boos!
No-Bake Vibes
Save that oven space because these treats come together without any preheating business. Plus, it keeps the kitchen cool too!
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. Nothing says love like homemade candy.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Kentucky Bourbon Ball Recipe
- Bourbon: This intense, smoky liquor takes this recipe from boring to bracing with the warm, cozy and boozy vibes.
- Light Corn Syrup: This adds sweetness that these candies need. The stickiness also helps the filling come together a little easier.
- Vanilla Wafers: Crushed wafers give this recipe texture and structure with additional aromatic vanilla notes.
- Pecans: Nuts bring a toasty, tasty crunch that pairs well with the rich bourbon.
- Spices: I found that adding a bit of spice into the mix really changes things up a bit. It gives it that warm and fragrant essence.
- Powdered Sugar: Confectioner’s 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.
How To Make Bourbon Balls
How to Serve Old Fashioned Bourbon Balls
- Individually Wrap: Wrap in cupcake liners or wax paper then add to a decorative box and gift to your homies.
- Warm and Cozy: Serve these treats up with some spiced apple cider or French hot chocolate.
- Pair With Ice Cream: Pair a few with homemade vanilla ice cream and drizzle on some delish ganache too.
- Dessert Platter: Create the ultimate dessert board and make these Kentucky bourbon balls the main attraction.
Recipe Substitutions
- Bourbon: Swap the booze with orange or apple juice. Both options will make the balls a bit sweeter but they’ll be just as delish and alcohol free.
- Pecans: Change out the pecans with walnuts for a similar flavor and texture.
- Vanilla Wafers: You can replace wafers with graham crackers for a similar vibe.
- Corn Syrup: Swap in maple syrup for a nice rich natural sticky option.
Recipe Variations and Additions
- Dip It: Dip finished candy balls in melted dark or white chocolate for a unique silky finish.
- Brighten It Up: Add a little lime or orange zest to the bourbon candy mixture to bring in a citrusy contrast.
- Get With The Coconut: Toss in shredded coconut to mix in some nice textural difference and a bomb tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free: Go with gluten-free wafers to make this great for your boos with gluten sensitivities.
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They’re Lovin’ It! Here’s what They’re Sayin’:
“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!”
—DONNA
Expert Tips and Tricks to Make Kentucky Bourbon Balls
- Go Quality: Pick the best bourbon quality you can since the flavor is noticeable. Select something you really enjoy drinking so those notes are in every bite.
- 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.
How to Store Bourbon Balls
Store bourbon balls in an airtight container at room temp. They should last for about a week. Just make sure it is in a cool area.
How long will this bourbon ball recipe last in the refrigerator?
It should last in the fridge for about 2 weeks.
Can I freeze them?
For sure boos! Freeze leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy boos.
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
They should be firm to the touch and not sticky anymore ya dig?
Favorite Candy Recipes
Bourbon Balls
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I’ll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
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!
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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 🙂