There are so many great dishes packed with flavor that come from Kentucky. Hot browns and creamy pimiento cheese dip are certainly high on my list of favorites. But the tiny treats that receive the top spot? Bourbon balls.
Bourbon balls are a boozy dessert that combines the warm flavors of bourbon and pecans for the perfect bite. And while they might seem tricky to make, the mixture comes together easily—you just need to plan ahead for a bit so everything has time to set up. I love to make a big batch during the holiday season to share with others, but this recipe can certainly be made any time of the year (hello, Kentucky Derby recipes!) And even better? You won’t have to think about turning on your oven for these no-bake chocolate desserts.
Ingredients for Bourbon Balls
- Bourbon: Bourbon is the star of the show in this recipe. It provides moisture for the filling and brings a warm flavor to these treats. Choose a mid-tier option that’s smooth and flavorful because you’ll taste it in this recipe. Save your most expensive bourbon for sipping, and use any extra for bourbon cocktails.
- Pecans: The nutty, caramel notes of pecans play well with bourbon. In this recipe, they bring forward great flavor, help bind the ingredients together and create amazing texture. Here’s how to toast nuts for even more flavor; Be sure to finely chop the nuts for the best results.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar, or powdered sugar, brings a touch of sweetness to this recipe. It also provides some sticking power to the filling. PS: Did you know you can make powdered sugar with a blender?
- Dark chocolate candy coating: These bourbon balls are dipped in chocolate, which acts as a seal for each ball. You can choose dark chocolate candy coating or temper dark chocolate baking bars. Learn how to melt chocolate the right way to avoid curdling.
Directions
Step 1: Soak the pecans in bourbon
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of pecans and the bourbon. Cover and let stand for eight hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cream the butter and confectioners’ sugar
In a mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and confectioners’ sugar, adding 1/4 cup of sugar at a time. Cream until the ingredients look crumbly.
Step 3: Add the pecan mixture
Stir the pecan mixture into the butter mixture.
Step 4: Chill and shape
Cover the mixture and refrigerate until firm enough to shape, about 45 minutes. Once firm, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate the bourbon balls until firm, about 1 hour.
Editor’s Tip: Wondering how to get perfectly round bourbon balls? Use a small cookie scoop to divide the dough. This will help create a uniform size and shape.
Step 5: Dip in chocolate
Melt the chocolate candy coating. Dip each bourbon ball into chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the balls back on the paper-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle the bourbon balls with the remaining 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans. Let stand until set.
Editor’s Tip: Use a toothpick or very small metal skewer to hold the balls and dip them into the melted chocolate. Once placed on the baking sheet, smooth over the small hole where the toothpick was, and then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Bourbon Ball Variations
- Roll in sugar: Not interested in a chocolate coating? Skip it! Once the bourbon balls have been formed and chilled, roll them in confectioners’ sugar or coarse sugar instead.
- Sprinkle sea salt: A little sprinkle of flaked or coarse sea salt can go a long way in amping up the flavor of these bourbon balls. Add it with the sprinkle of chopped pecans at the end, or skip the pecans and let the sea salt stand on its own.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: This recipe calls for dark chocolate, which pairs wonderfully with the bourbon and pecan flavors. If you prefer a lighter chocolate, go for it! Use semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter bourbon ball.
Can you make bourbon balls ahead of time?
A big part of the appeal of bourbon balls is that they can be made ahead of time. This is often used as a great addition to a Christmas cookie line-up because you can make dozens at once and include them in cookie gift boxes or store them until your next get-together.
How long can you store bourbon balls?
Bourbon balls should be stored in an airtight container and will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze bourbon balls in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to three months.
Bourbon Ball Tips
What is the best bourbon to use for bourbon balls?
It’s best to skip your expensive, sipping bourbon for this recipe. Save that to enjoy with them! Instead, pick a decent bourbon that’s smooth and flavorful at an approachable price point. For traditionalists, you might choose a Kentucky bourbon, since bourbon balls are said to originate from the state.
Can you use less bourbon in this recipe?
Prefer something a bit less boozy? You can certainly reduce the amount of bourbon in this recipe. However, it’s important to use the same amount of liquid overall. Reduce the amount of bourbon, but replace it with apple juice or apple cider. You can also make these treats entirely alcohol-free by replacing all the bourbon with apple juice.
