Hey there! Anne Carter here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I’m excited to share my bourbon balls recipe with you.
As someone who’s spent years working in restaurants, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These little treats hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of holiday gatherings and cozy nights at home.
I remember the first time I tried bourbon balls – the rich chocolate, the hint of bourbon, and that satisfying crunch of pecans. It was love at first bite! Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it just right.
These bourbon balls are perfect for parties, gift-giving, or just treating yourself after a long day. They’re easy to make and don’t require any baking, which is always a plus in my book.
So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe together. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why Are My Bourbon Balls Dry?
Bourbon balls rely on a precise balance of dry and wet ingredients. While bourbon adds flavor, it also moistens the mixture, making it easier to shape into balls.
Corn syrup plays a dual role by adding moisture and acting as a binding agent to hold everything together.
If your mixture feels too dry, simply add a small amount of corn syrup to restore moisture. When shaping the bourbon balls, if the mixture still feels dry and crumbly, lightly moisten your hands with water.
This trick helps the mixture stick together better, making the rolling process smoother and more manageable.
Why You’ll Love This Old-fashioned Bourbon Balls Recipe
- A Tasty Homemade Holiday Treat: Looking for a homemade holiday gift idea? Bourbon balls are sure to delight anyone you share them with. These grown-up indulgences (think Red Wine Truffles) are perfect for the festive season. If you love giving gifts like Cookie Mix in a Jar, you’ll adore making these too.
- Practically Effortless: Kentucky bourbon balls are a cinch to make. This no-bake recipe only requires a food processor and rolling the mixture into bite-sized balls. Even amidst holiday chaos, this is a breeze!
- Long Storage Life: With all the holiday treats around, it’s nice to have an edible gift that doesn’t need to be eaten immediately. Bourbon balls can last for weeks in the refrigerator or at room temperature, making them a convenient option.
- A Balanced Bite: Many bourbon balls can be overly sweet or one-note, with a strong bourbon punch. The secret to a balanced bite? Gingersnaps!
Bourbon Balls Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups 1 lb powdered sugar
- 4-5 Tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 4 to 6 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 30 whole pecan halves for garnish
Instructions
- Cream butter, add powdered sugar, mix until smooth, then add bourbon and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Form mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm.
- Transfer balls to a freezer bag and freeze for at least 1 hour until very firm.
- Insert a toothpick into each ball.
- Melt chocolate until smooth.
- Dip each ball into chocolate, shake off excess, place on a parchment-lined sheet, and cover the toothpick hole with a pecan half. Let set.
Nutrition
What To Serve With Bourbon Balls?
Variation You Must Try!
- Roll in Sugar: Not a fan of chocolate coating? After forming and chilling the bourbon balls, roll them in confectioners’ sugar or coarse sugar for a sweet finish without the chocolate.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt: Enhance the flavor of your bourbon balls by sprinkling them with flaked or coarse sea salt. Add it along with chopped pecans for a savory-sweet contrast, or skip the pecans to let the sea salt shine on its own.
- Try Semi-Sweet Chocolate: While dark chocolate complements the bourbon and pecan flavors, you can opt for semi-sweet chocolate for a slightly sweeter bourbon ball. Experiment with different chocolate types to suit your taste preferences.