Cherry Bourbon Balls

Indulge in the rich, boozy decadence of Cherry Bourbon Balls that melt in your mouth with each bite. These no-bake treats combine the sweet tang of cherries with the warm, smoky notes of bourbon whiskey, wrapped in a velvety chocolate coating that creates an irresistible texture contrast. Perfect for holiday gifting or sophisticated entertaining, Cherry Bourbon Balls offer a grown-up twist on classic confections that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. You’ll learn how to create these luxurious treats with simple ingredients and easy techniques that deliver spectacular results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Bourbon Balls are about to become your new favorite treat for several compelling reasons. First, they require no baking, making them perfect for hot summer days or when your oven is occupied with other holiday dishes. The combination of dried cherries soaked in bourbon creates a complex flavor profile that’s simultaneously fruity, boozy, and decadent.

The texture contrast is truly exceptional—crunchy nuts and graham cracker crumbs provide structure, while the bourbon-soaked cherries add chewy pockets of fruity goodness throughout. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth from the bourbon, with the chocolate coating adding a satisfying snap before you reach the fudgy interior.

Perhaps best of all, these Cherry Bourbon Balls actually improve with time as the flavors meld together, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for parties or gifts. The recipe is forgiving and customizable, allowing you to adjust the bourbon intensity to suit your preference while still maintaining that signature luxurious taste.

Ingredients

For approximately 24 delicious Cherry Bourbon Balls, you’ll need:

• 1 cup (150g) dried cherries, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup (80ml) good-quality bourbon whiskey
• 2 cups (200g) vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers, finely crushed
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1 cup (120g) pecans or walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) light corn syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, for coating (optional)

The quality of bourbon matters significantly in these bourbon cherry balls—choose a mid-range bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel for the best flavor profile. Using dried tart cherries rather than sweetened ones creates a better balance with the bourbon’s sweetness. For the coating, high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa solids will provide the best texture and snap.

Pro Tips

Soak for Success
Allow your cherries to soak in the bourbon for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This crucial step ensures the cherries absorb the bourbon fully, becoming plump and infused with that distinctive whiskey flavor. If you’re short on time, you can heat the bourbon slightly before pouring it over the cherries to accelerate the infusion process.

Perfect Texture Balance
The consistency of your Cherry Bourbon Ball mixture should be like a stiff cookie dough—firm enough to roll but not crumbly. If your mixture seems too dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of bourbon or cherry juice. Conversely, if it’s too wet, add more crushed cookies or powdered sugar in small increments until you reach the right consistency. This balance is essential for balls that hold their shape without being overly dense.

Chilling Matters
Refrigerate the formed balls for at least 30 minutes before coating them in chocolate or rolling them in powdered sugar. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly. For the chocolate coating, let the chilled balls come to room temperature for 5 minutes before dipping—this prevents the chocolate from cracking as it sets due to extreme temperature differences.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Place your finely chopped dried cherries in a small bowl and pour the bourbon over them. Stir gently to ensure all cherries are coated, then cover with plastic wrap and let soak for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The cherries will absorb much of the liquid, becoming plump and infused with bourbon flavor. Once soaked, you’ll notice they’ve darkened and expanded slightly—this means they’re perfectly infused and ready for your Cherry Bourbon Balls.

Step 2: Create the Base Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, powdered sugar, and finely chopped toasted nuts. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Add the bourbon-soaked cherries (including any remaining bourbon that hasn’t been absorbed), corn syrup, and cocoa powder to the bowl. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or your hands (wearing food-safe gloves makes this easier), mix everything until completely incorporated. You’re looking for a moist, firm consistency that holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Form the Bourbon Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Place each formed Cherry Bourbon Ball on the prepared baking sheet. For easier rolling, lightly dampen your hands with water or coat them with a small amount of bourbon—this prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands. Work quickly but gently to maintain a uniform size and shape across all your bourbon balls.

Step 4: Finish and Set
For powdered Cherry Bourbon Balls, place additional powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each ball to coat completely. For chocolate-dipped versions, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Use two forks to dip each chilled bourbon ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off before returning to the parchment-lined sheet. For a decorative touch, sprinkle a few pieces of finely chopped dried cherries on top of each ball before the chocolate sets. Refrigerate all finished Cherry Bourbon Balls for at least 1 hour to set completely.

Variations

Spiced Cherry Bourbon Balls
Add depth and complexity to your Cherry Bourbon Balls by incorporating warm spices. Mix 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves into the dry ingredients. This warming spice blend complements both the cherries and bourbon beautifully, creating a more festive flavor profile perfect for holiday gatherings. For an additional layer of flavor, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest to brighten the rich mixture.

White Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls
For a stunning visual contrast and sweeter flavor profile, try coating your Cherry Bourbon Balls in white chocolate instead of dark. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs wonderfully with the tangy cherries and oak notes from the bourbon. To enhance this variation, mix 2 tablespoons of finely chopped candied orange peel into the bourbon ball mixture and sprinkle the finished balls with a light dusting of cinnamon for a festive appearance.

Non-Alcoholic Cherry Balls
For a family-friendly version, substitute the bourbon with cherry juice or strong brewed black tea with a dash of vanilla extract and almond extract. This maintains the moisture and flavor complexity while making them appropriate for all ages. You’ll still get delicious cherry balls with a sophisticated flavor profile, just without the bourbon kick that makes the original Cherry Bourbon Balls an adults-only treat.

Storage and Serving

Cherry Bourbon Balls actually improve with age as the flavors continue to develop and meld together. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 weeks. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, these bourbon cherry balls can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

For the best flavor experience, remove the Cherry Bourbon Balls from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow them to come to cool room temperature. This slight warming enhances both the texture and flavor, allowing the bourbon notes to become more pronounced.

These luxurious treats shine when served on a beautiful platter alongside after-dinner coffee or espresso. They also pair wonderfully with dessert wines like Port or sweet Sherry, which complement the rich cherry and bourbon flavors. For a show-stopping holiday gift, package your Cherry Bourbon Balls in decorative tins lined with colorful tissue paper or parchment.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried for Cherry Bourbon Balls?
Fresh cherries contain too much moisture and would make the mixture too wet. Stick with dried cherries, which have concentrated flavor and the perfect texture for Cherry Bourbon Balls.

How strong is the bourbon flavor in these treats?
The bourbon flavor is noticeable but not overwhelming. For a stronger bourbon presence, you can add an additional tablespoon of bourbon to the mixture or brush the finished balls lightly with bourbon before rolling in powdered sugar.

Can I make Cherry Bourbon Balls ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These treats actually improve after 2-3 days as the flavors meld together, making them perfect for advance preparation. Store them in the refrigerator until about 20 minutes before serving.

What can I substitute for corn syrup in this recipe?
Honey makes an excellent substitute for corn syrup in Cherry Bourbon Balls, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Maple syrup or agave nectar can also work, though they will impart their distinctive flavors to the final product.

Do Cherry Bourbon Balls need to be refrigerated?
Yes, due to their moisture content, Cherry Bourbon Balls should be refrigerated both for food safety and to maintain their optimal texture. They can be left at room temperature for a few hours during serving.

Conclusion

These Cherry Bourbon Balls are comfort food at its finest — sophisticated little morsels that deliver big flavor in every bite. The combination of boozy bourbon, sweet-tart cherries, and rich chocolate creates an indulgent treat that’s somehow both nostalgic and elegant. It’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions and makes holiday gift-giving truly personal. Whether you’re an experienced baker looking for a no-fuss treat or a novice seeking foolproof results, these Cherry Bourbon Balls deliver satisfaction with every delectable bite.

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