Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a luscious, boozy holiday treat that literally melts in your mouth, you’re going to adore this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe. I absolutely love how these little delights combine rich chocolate, the warmth of bourbon, and the festive pop of cherries—all wrapped up in a buttery, nutty bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or just because, they never fail to impress (and disappear fast!). Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail this fan-freaking-tastic recipe.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe is that it relies on just a handful of ingredients you probably already love, and each one plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. I usually shop for quality pecans and maraschino cherries, because they really elevate the whole thing.

• Pecans: Go for finely chopped pecans for that perfect crunch and buttery nutty flavor.
• Bourbon: A splash of bourbon adds warmth and depth; don’t skimp here—it really shines through.
• Maraschino Cherries: Finely chopped, these add sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the bite.
• Butter: Softened butter helps bind everything and adds richness.
• Powdered Sugar: This sweet powder smooths out the mixture and gives the balls a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts beautifully to coat the balls in a luscious shell.
• Shortening or Coconut Oil: Mixing a bit with chocolate keeps it silky and easier to dip.
• Candied Cherry Halves: The festive garnish that crowns each bourbon ball with charm.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe is how simple it is to make your own tweaks. Once you get the basics down, feel free to customize to your heart’s content—it’s super forgiving and adaptable.

• No-Bourbon Version: I’ve made these for friends who avoid alcohol by substituting bourbon with cherry juice—it’s less intense but still tasty!
• Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans with crushed graham crackers and extra butter for family members with nut allergies; just as delicious.
• Dark Chocolate Shell: For a richer finish, try bittersweet or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet; the contrast with the sweet filling is amazing.
• Extra Cherry Kick: Add a little cherry extract for an even bolder cherry flavor, especially if you love that fruity burst like I do.

How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Step 1: Soak Those Pecans in Bourbon

Start by combining your finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl. Cover and let them soak for at least an hour or, even better, overnight. I discovered this trick early on, and it makes such a difference because the pecans absorb that boozy goodness, which flavors every bite. Plus, the nuts soften up a bit, making your balls more tender.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Next, take your softened butter and beat it gently using a handheld mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar and keep mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This is where you’re building the base that binds everything together, so don’t rush it. I usually mix on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes to get it just right.

Step 3: Stir in Pecans and Cherries

Now, add your bourbon-soaked pecan mixture and the finely chopped maraschino cherries to the bowl. Use a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula to mix everything evenly. This part can get a bit sticky, but that’s exactly how you want it. Every scoop should have nuts, cherry, butter, and sugar mingling together—it’s truly the magic of this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe.

Step 4: Shape and Chill

Shape your mixture into 1-inch balls—this size is perfect for bite-sized indulgence, trust me. Lay them on a parchment-lined tray, cover with plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling helps the balls firm up so they don’t fall apart during chocolate-dipping, which was something I learned the hard way during my first batch!

Step 5: Dip in Chocolate

While your balls chill, melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips with shortening or coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning—this step is crucial. Once silky smooth, use two forks or a toothpick to dip each ball into the chocolate, fully coating them. Lay them back on parchment paper.

Step 6: Garnish and Set

Quickly press a candied cherry half on top of each dipped ball before the chocolate hardens. This little touch not only looks elegant but amps up the cherry flavor. Then, return them to the refrigerator until the chocolate is completely set. Patience here pays off because the texture and presentation are next level!

How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with those classic candied cherry halves because they add that nostalgic holiday vibe and a vibrant pop of color. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast—totally optional but wow, so good!

Side Dishes

When I serve these at parties, I like to pair them with a simple cheese and cracker board or alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or mulled wine. Their richness stands beautifully next to something light or a warm drink that complements the bourbon’s warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the bourbon balls in decorative paper liners or layer them in clear gift boxes with festive ribbons. Sometimes I dust them lightly with edible gold dust for that extra glam touch. Trust me, they look as amazing as they taste and instantly bring the “wow” factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cherry bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, which is great if you want to prep ahead or enjoy them slowly.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm! I freeze mine in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you want some, just thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the chocolate from sweating.

Reheating

You really don’t want to “reheat” these, but if your chocolate shell feels too hard, letting them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes softens them beautifully without losing texture or flavor. I avoid microwaving because it can melt the chocolate unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe is one of those timeless treats that brings me back to cozy family holidays and joyful gatherings. I adore how easy it is to pull together yet how fancy it feels when you serve it. If you try it out (and you really should), I promise it’ll become a go-to for your celebration lineup—or just a sweet little secret stash for yourself. Happy baking and cheers to boozy, chocolaty joy!

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