Description
Cherry Bourbon Balls: Decadent chocolate truffles infused with rich bourbon and sweet cherries. Perfect for a quick and indulgent treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
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.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Rolling, Coating
- Cuisine: Americaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120 calories
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cherry Bourbon Balls