Description
Bourbon Balls are a classic no-bake treat combining finely crushed vanilla wafers, toasted pecans, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar, all mixed with bourbon and vanilla extract to form rich, flavorful bite-sized confections. These sweet, nutty bourbon-flavored balls are coated in powdered sugar and chilled for a deliciously indulgent snack or dessert perfect for parties and holidays.
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, stir together the crushed cookie crumbs, finely chopped toasted pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup until fully combined.
- Form Dough: Pour the bourbon mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Shape the Balls: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure, portion out the dough and roll each portion into roughly 1-inch balls between your palms.
- Coat and Chill: Place powdered sugar in a medium bowl and roll each bourbon ball inside to coat well. Arrange the coated balls in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour to set.
- Store Properly: Keep the bourbon balls stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best flavor, use good quality bourbon and freshly toasted pecans.
- If you prefer a stronger or milder bourbon flavor, adjust the amount of bourbon accordingly.
- Use powdered sugar coating immediately after rolling the balls to prevent the sugar from clumping.
- You can freeze the bourbon balls for longer storage; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball
- Calories: 57 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 21 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0.1 mg