Bourbon Balls

Kentucky is the birthplace of many great dishes. Hot Brown and creamy pimiento cheese dip are certainly high on my list of favorites. But the tiny treats that receive the top spot? Bourbon balls—a favorite Kentucky Derby dessert.

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 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 is also great for your race day spread along with other Kentucky Derby recipes. Thankfully, you won’t even 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 help bind the ingredients together and contribute texture. You can toast the nuts for even more flavor, and be sure to finely chop them for the best results.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar, aka powdered sugar, brings a touch of sweetness to this recipe. It also provides some sticking power to the filling. (Psst: 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 a dark chocolate candy coating or temper dark chocolate baking bars. Melt chocolate carefully 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 the mixture stand for eight hours or overnight.

Editor’s Tip: You can even soak the nuts for up to one week to maximize the bourbon flavor!

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 mixture looks crumbly.

Step 3: Add the pecan mixture

Stir the pecan mixture into the butter mixture.

Step 4: Chill and shape the balls

Cover the mixture and refrigerate it until it’s firm enough to be shaped, about 45 minutes. Once firm, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on waxed paper–lined baking sheets. Refrigerate them until they’re firm, about one 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 them in chocolate

Dip each bourbon ball into the melted chocolate candy coating, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the balls back on the paper-lined baking sheets.

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.

Step 6: Sprinkle them with the nuts

Sprinkle the bourbon balls with the remaining 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans. Let them stand until the candy coating is set.

Bourbon Ball Variations

• Roll them 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 them with 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.
• Use 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.

How to Store Bourbon Balls

Bourbon balls should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

How long can you store bourbon balls?

Bourbon balls 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.

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. Bourbon balls make a great addition to a Christmas cookie lineup because you can make dozens at once and include them in cookie gift boxes or store them until your next get-together.

Bourbon Ball Tips

What is the best bourbon to use for bourbon balls?

It’s best to skip your expensive bourbon for this recipe. Save that to sip on while you enjoy them! Instead, pick an approachably priced bourbon that’s smooth and flavorful. For traditionalists, you might choose a Kentucky bourbon, since bourbon balls are said to have originated in 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.

Why are my bourbon balls dry?

The bourbon balls may have turned out dry if the ingredients weren’t measured properly. Too little butter and bourbon will make the mixture dry, and too much confectioners’ sugar will do the same. Avoid reducing the butter in this recipe, and if you want to reduce some of the bourbon, make up for the measurement by replacing it with apple juice or apple cider.

Measure the confectioners’ sugar the same way you properly measure flour: Spoon it into the measuring cup, then scrape off the excess with a butterknife. Don’t stick the measuring cup in the bag, or you’ll pack too much sugar!

Watch How to Make Bourbon Balls

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