If you’re craving a festive no-bake dessert that combines Southern tradition and boozy indulgence, these Kentucky Bourbon Balls are the ultimate holiday sweet treat you won’t be able to resist. Bursting with chocolate, pecans, and a hint of authentic bourbon, this recipe is easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a new party favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– No oven needed: mix, chill, and dip for a stress-free dessert.
– Ready in under two hours: perfect for last-minute holiday planning.
– Real Kentucky bourbon in every bite: adds that signature boozy flair.
– Rich chocolate coating: indulge in a decadent, fudgy shell.
– Crunchy pecans: celebrate a beloved Southern tradition with every bite.
– Ideal for homemade gifts: pack in festive boxes or mason jars.
– Customizable sweetness and booziness to match your taste.
– Crowd-pleasing party treat: universally adored at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
– 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs (about 100 wafers; Nabisco Nilla recommended)
– 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts for a milder nut flavor)
– ¼ cup light corn syrup (for a softer texture; substitute maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy note)
– ¼ cup bourbon (choose a mid-shelf brand like Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust up or down for sweetness)
– 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped 60–70% cacao bittersweet chocolate)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (ensures glossy, smooth dipping chocolate)
– Powdered sugar for rolling (optional, for an elegant, snowy finish)
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together vanilla wafer crumbs, chopped pecans, and granulated sugar until evenly combined. (Tip: pulse wafers in a food processor for super-fine crumbs.)
2. Pour in bourbon and corn syrup, stirring with a wooden spoon until a thick dough forms. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes so flavors meld.
3. Scoop dough by the tablespoon (or use a small cookie scoop) and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls; aim for 20–24 pieces. If dough sticks, lightly dust hands with powdered sugar.
4. Arrange the formed balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this firms up the centers for dipping.
5. While centers chill, melt chocolate chips and butter together in a double boiler or microwave (20-second bursts), stirring until smooth and glossy to avoid seizing.
6. Remove dough balls from fridge and, using two forks or a dipping tool, submerge each in melted chocolate, tapping off excess before returning to the tray.
7. Once all balls are coated, refrigerate for another 30 minutes. For a festive touch, roll each in powdered sugar immediately after chilling.
Servings & Timing
– Yield: Makes 20–24 bourbon balls
– Prep Time: 20 minutes of hands-on mixing and shaping
– Chill/Rest Time: 60 minutes total (two 30-minute sessions)
– Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes from start to finish
Variations
– Maple Bourbon Balls: Swap corn syrup for pure maple syrup for a sweet, woodsy twist.
– Spiced Rum Twist: Use dark spiced rum instead of bourbon to warm up your holiday spread.
– Nut-Free Version: Replace pecans with crushed pretzels or seeds for a safe, crunchy alternative.
– Salted Caramel Center: Stir in 2 tbsp of homemade caramel sauce for a gooey surprise.
– Mini Bourbon Balls: Roll into ½-inch bites for smaller, kid-friendly treats (omit bourbon if serving children).
Storage & Reheating
Store bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze up to three months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature for optimal texture—no reheating needed.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these alcohol-free?
A: Absolutely—swap bourbon with extra corn syrup and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version.
Q: How do I control the boozy flavor?
A: Reduce bourbon by 1–2 tbsp and increase corn syrup to maintain the dough’s consistency.
Q: Will the chocolate seize if I overheat it?
A: To prevent seizing, melt on low heat, stir often, and add the butter only after chips begin to soften.
Q: Can I freeze Kentucky Bourbon Balls?
A: Yes, flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zipper bag; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q: Why are my centers crumbly?
A: Add a splash more bourbon or corn syrup until the dough holds its shape without excess crumbling.
Q: What nuts work best?
A: Pecans are classic for Southern tradition, but walnuts or hazelnuts also pair beautifully with chocolate and bourbon.
Conclusion
These Kentucky Bourbon Balls bring together the best of Southern tradition—rich pecans, decadent chocolate, and genuine Kentucky bourbon—in a fun, no-bake party treat. Whether you’re gifting to neighbors or indulging at home, they’re bound to become a holiday favorite. Try this easy recipe today, leave a comment below to share your results, and explore more festive desserts on the blog!
Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs about 100 wafers, crushed
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a twist
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup sub maple syrup for depth
- 1/4 cup bourbon choose mid-shelf brand
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar adjust sweetness
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped bittersweet 60–70% cacao
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- Powdered sugar for rolling, optional
Instructions
- Stir vanilla wafer crumbs, chopped pecans, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until evenly mixed.
- Pour in bourbon and corn syrup, mixing until a thick dough forms; let rest 10 minutes.
- Scoop and roll dough into 1-inch balls, using powdered sugar on hands if mixture is sticky.
- Place balls on parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Gently melt chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Using forks or a dipping tool, coat each chilled ball in melted chocolate, tapping off excess.
- Refrigerate dipped balls for another 30 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar for a festive finish.
