Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Bourbon Balls that are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, boozy treat. Made with vanilla wafer crumbs, toasted pecans, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and bourbon, these no-bake treats are rolled in powdered sugar and chilled until firm.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (11-ounce) package vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Powdered sugar for coating
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or flavoring
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Instructions
- Crush the cookies: Use a food processor or food chopper to crush the vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the cookies in a large zip-top bag and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to crush them finely.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs, finely chopped toasted pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup until smooth.
- Form the dough: Pour the bourbon mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Shape the balls: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll each portion into roughly 1-inch balls with your hands.
- Coat in powdered sugar: Place powdered sugar in a medium bowl and roll each bourbon ball in it to coat fully.
- Chill the bourbon balls: Arrange the coated balls in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Store properly: Keep the bourbon balls refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, or toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden.
- You can substitute bourbon with whiskey or rum if preferred.
- For a more intense cocoa flavor, sift the cocoa powder before mixing to remove any lumps.
- Adjust powdered sugar coating thickness to taste—double coating if desired.
- Ensure to refrigerate before serving for the best texture.
- These treats contain alcohol; keep out of reach of children.
