Cherry Bourbon Balls
Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining tart maraschino cherries, smooth bourbon whiskey, and rich chocolate coating, perfectly balanced with crunchy pecans and creamy cream cheese. Ideal for parties, gifts, or cozy nights in, these boozy bites offer sweet, fruity, and warm flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24-30 balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces chocolate chips or melting chocolate (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Finely chop the pecans and maraschino cherries. Drain the cherries well to avoid excess syrup which can make the mixture too wet.
- Combine the base mixture: In a bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, chopped cherries, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and bourbon whiskey until evenly combined and sticky enough to hold shape.
- Shape the balls: Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate: Gently melt your choice of chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Stir until smooth and glossy for easy dipping.
- Coat the balls in chocolate: Using a fork or dipping tool, submerge each bourbon ball in the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined tray. Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped pecans or cherries on top before the chocolate sets.
- Chill until set: Refrigerate the coated balls for at least one hour or until the chocolate hardens completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use quality bourbon for richer flavor.
- Do not over-soak cherries to avoid dilution and runny mixture.
- Chill the balls thoroughly before dipping to prevent melting or misshaping.
- Work quickly when dipping in chocolate as it sets fast.
- Store the finished balls refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cherry bourbon balls, no-bake dessert, bourbon treats, holiday sweets, boozy snacks, gluten free dessert
Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/cherry-bourbon-balls/
