Description
Sweet Kentucky bourbon balls bring southern charm to dessert tables with rich chocolate and whiskey-infused flavor. Smooth nutty notes and spirited indulgence make these no-bake treats perfect for holiday gatherings and cocktail parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup bourbon
- 2 ½ cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 1 box)
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Coating Ingredients:
- Extra powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts for rolling
Instructions
- Pulverize vanilla wafers into fine crumbs, creating a consistent texture for the bourbon ball base.
- Finely chop nuts to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Blend the dry ingredients; crushed wafers, chopped nuts, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder; in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Whisk bourbon and corn syrup together in a separate vessel until thoroughly integrated.
- Gradually pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring methodically to create a cohesive, moldable consistency.
- Using clean hands, gently form the mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
- Select your preferred coating; powdered sugar, additional cocoa powder, or finely ground nuts; and delicately roll each bourbon ball to create an elegant exterior.
- Arrange the coated bourbon balls on a parchment-lined tray, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Transfer the tray to the refrigerator and allow the confections to rest and develop rich, harmonious flavors for a minimum of two hours.
- Once chilled, transfer the bourbon balls to an airtight container, maintaining their quality in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Swap bourbon with rum or brandy for a different flavor profile if you prefer alternate spirits.
- Crush vanilla wafers finely to ensure smooth, compact texture in bourbon balls.
- Add extra chopped nuts for enhanced crunch and robust nutty undertones.
- Consider using gluten-free vanilla wafers to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg