Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful treat that perfectly marries the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries with a hint of bourbon. Sweet, fudgy, and with a slight crunch from the pecans, these indulgent confections are a favorite during the holiday season and special gatherings. The best part? They’re easy to make and offer a fun way to bring a festive spirit to your dessert table. Whether you’re preparing for a party or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these balls will leave everyone asking for more.
Why We Love This Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
One of the reasons you’ll fall in love with this Cherry Bourbon Balls recipe is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cherry juice adds a fruity note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chocolate, while the pecans add a lovely crunch. The buttery base melds everything together into a creamy, smooth mixture that melts in your mouth. Plus, these treats look stunning garnished with candied cherries on top, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Ideal for sharing with friends and family or just enjoying at home, these treats are bound to become a favorite in your sweet repertoire.
Ingredients about Cherry Bourbon Balls
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup cherry juice (non-alcoholic)
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 30 candied cherry halves
How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls Directions
To begin creating your Cherry Bourbon Balls, gather all your ingredients and take a moment to prep your workspace. Having everything at hand will streamline the process and enhance your overall experience.
Start by melting the chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil together. You can do this either in a microwave-safe bowl or in a double boiler. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between until smooth. If using a double boiler, use gentle heat to melt the chocolate, stirring until it reaches a perfect silky consistency. Once melted, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly while you continue with the next steps.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with three cups of powdered sugar. You’ll want to mix until the butter is light, creamy, and fluffy. This process is crucial as it will create a rich base for your mixture. Next, carefully stir in the cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and finely chopped pecans. It might seem that the mixture is too thick initially, but keep stirring until everything is well combined.
Once your butter mixture is ready, incorporate the cooled chocolate gradually, mixing it in until everything is uniform. It’s important that the chocolate isn’t too hot, or it could melt the butter mixture and change the texture of your balls. Once completely mixed, you’ll want to cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about one to two hours. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
After chilling, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and begin rolling the chilled mixture into balls about one tablespoon in size. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round; the homemade aspect makes them all the more charming. Once shaped, roll each ball in the remaining cup of powdered sugar to give them a beautiful, snowy appearance. For the finishing touch, place a candied cherry half on top of each ball.
To firm up the Cherry Bourbon Balls a bit more, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This will ensure that they hold their shape when served. Now, they’re ready to delight your guests or provide a sweet treat for yourself!
How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls
Serving your Cherry Bourbon Balls is a delightful experience. These treats can be presented in various ways to enhance their festive appeal. Consider placing them in decorative boxes or on a beautiful serving platter, dusting them lightly with powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance.
You can enjoy these balls as a delightful standalone treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a fabulous addition to dessert tables at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. If you want to elevate the experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a contrasting coolness that complements the rich flavors.
Additionally, consider serving them with an assortment of other holiday cookies and snacks. This will create a wonderful spread that offers various flavors and textures, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Remember to keep your Cherry Bourbon Balls refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, as this will help maintain their shape and freshness.
Expert Tips: Cherry Bourbon Balls
To ensure your Cherry Bourbon Balls turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips to keep in mind.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your maraschino cherries and other ingredients are fresh. The flavor of the cherries significantly affects the final taste of your confection.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, feel free to reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly. Just remember that it might affect the binding properties of the mixture.
- Chilling Is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process, as properly chilling the mixture will yield a better texture and make rolling easier.
- Experiment with Coatings: While powdered sugar is traditional, you can also roll your balls in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or even toasted coconut for a unique twist.
- Storage Matters: Keep your balls tightly sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and flavors longer.
How to Store Cherry Bourbon Balls
Storing your Cherry Bourbon Balls properly is essential for keeping them fresh and delicious. Once they’ve chilled after preparation, place them in an airtight container. If you’ve made a large batch, it’s advisable to separate the layers of balls with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
These treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead option for parties or holiday events. If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing them. You can store the balls in a well-sealed freezer bag or container, and they can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Variation of Cherry Bourbon Balls
There are many delightful variations to explore with Cherry Bourbon Balls. If you feel adventurous, try introducing different flavors or textures into your mixture. For instance, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. You might even consider adding a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
For a twist on the classic chocolate coating, melt some white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate and dip your balls for a stunning visual contrast. You can also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate on top for an attractive finishing touch.
If you want to create a fruitier version, consider incorporating other dried fruits alongside the maraschino cherries, such as dried cranberries or apricots, which can add additional texture and flavor. You can even play with the type of juice you use; try using cherry-flavored soda or even cranberry juice for a different taste profile.
FAQ
What are Cherry Bourbon Balls made of?
Cherry Bourbon Balls are made from a creamy mixture of softened butter, powdered sugar, cherry juice, maraschino cherries, chopped pecans, and melted chocolate. They’re rolled into balls and often topped with a candied cherry half for a festive touch.
How should I store Cherry Bourbon Balls?
You should store Cherry Bourbon Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a well-sealed bag for up to three months.
Can I make Cherry Bourbon Balls without alcohol?
Absolutely! The recipe uses cherry juice instead of bourbon, making it suitable for all ages. You can enjoy these delicious treats without any alcohol while still capturing the delightful cherry flavor.
How do I serve Cherry Bourbon Balls?
Cherry Bourbon Balls can be served in decorative boxes or on a platter, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and can be part of a dessert table spread at parties.
What variations can I try for Cherry Bourbon Balls?
You can experiment with various nuts, coatings, or flavor extracts to create unique variations. Substituting pecans with walnuts or integrating dried fruits can enhance their flavor and texture. Alternatively, use white chocolate for dipping to achieve a different visual appeal.
Cherry Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup cherry juice (non-alcoholic)
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 30 pieces candied cherry halves For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and prep your workspace.
- Melt the chocolate chips and shortening/coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with three cups of powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy.
- Stir in the cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and finely chopped pecans until well combined.
- Incorporate the cooled chocolate gradually, mixing until uniform.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up.
Formation
- Once chilled, roll the mixture into balls approximately one tablespoon in size.
- Roll each ball in the remaining cup of powdered sugar.
- Top each ball with a candied cherry half.
Chilling
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for another 30 minutes.
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