Homemade Cherry Bourbon Balls – Sweet, Boozy, and Delicious

Cherry Bourbon Balls are the ultimate indulgent holiday treat that transforms any gathering into a memorable celebration. Picture this: last Christmas, my grandmother’s bourbon cherry dessert ideas became the talk of our family dinner when even my usually reserved uncle asked for the recipe twice!

These bite-sized confections combine the warmth of bourbon with sweet cherries and rich chocolate, creating a sophisticated dessert that’s surprisingly simple to master. Whether you’re planning for the holidays or searching for an elegant treat to impress guests, this easy bourbon ball recipe delivers restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about creating festive bourbon ball treats that brings out the joy in both the baker and those lucky enough to taste them. I remember my first attempt at making bourbon fudge balls with cherries – I was intimidated by the idea of working with bourbon in desserts, but the moment I took that first bite, I knew I’d discovered something special. The combination of buttery sweetness, subtle bourbon warmth, and those delightful cherry bursts creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated.

What makes this best bourbon cherry balls recipe truly irresistible is its forgiving nature and make-ahead convenience. Unlike temperamental baked goods, these holiday bourbon balls actually improve with time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and require no baking – perfect for busy holiday schedules or when you want to create something impressive without turning on the oven. Explore more quick & easy dinner recipes here to complete your holiday menu planning.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delectable Cherry Bourbon Balls:

Category	Ingredient	Amount
Base Mixture	Butter, softened	½ cup
	Powdered sugar	4 cups
	Bourbon	¼ cup
	Finely chopped maraschino cherries	¼ cup
	Finely chopped pecans	¾ cup
Coating	Semi-sweet chocolate chips	3 cups
	Shortening or coconut oil	2 tablespoons
Garnish	Candied cherry halves	30 pieces

The beauty of this Cherry Bourbon Balls recipe lies in its simplicity – each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The softened butter creates a creamy base, while the bourbon adds depth without overwhelming the delicate cherry notes. Find more delicious lunch ideas here to keep your meal planning inspired throughout the day.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating perfect Cherry Bourbon Balls requires patience and attention to detail, but the process itself is wonderfully straightforward. Start by ensuring your butter is properly softened – it should yield easily to gentle pressure but not be melted. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing until the combination is smooth and well-blended.

Next, slowly add the bourbon, mixing continuously to prevent any separation. The mixture should become glossy and aromatic as the bourbon integrates. Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture. The consistency should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled but not so stiff that it cracks.

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Meanwhile, prepare your chocolate coating by melting the chocolate chips with shortening in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off before returning to the parchment. Top each Cherry Bourbon Ball with a candied cherry half while the chocolate is still wet.

Exact Timing to make Cherry Bourbon Balls

The total timeline for creating these delectable treats spans approximately 3.5 hours, though most of this time is hands-off chilling. Active preparation takes about 30 minutes for mixing ingredients and forming balls, followed by a crucial 2-hour refrigeration period to firm the centers properly. The chocolate coating process requires another 20-30 minutes, including melting time and dipping each ball individually. Allow an additional 30 minutes for the chocolate coating to set completely before serving or storing.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of Cherry Bourbon Balls helps you enjoy them mindfully while appreciating their rich, indulgent nature. Each serving delivers concentrated energy and flavor in a small package.

Nutrient	Per Ball (1 piece)	Daily Value %
Calories	185	9%
Total Fat	8.5g	11%
Saturated Fat	4.2g	21%
Cholesterol	8mg	3%
Sodium	15mg	1%
Total Carbohydrates	28g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1.5g	5%
Total Sugars	26g	–
Protein	2.1g	4%
Vitamin C	2mg	2%
Iron	0.8mg	4%

These nutritional values reflect the rich ingredients used in traditional Cherry Bourbon Balls, with the majority of calories coming from the powdered sugar and chocolate coating. The pecans contribute healthy fats and protein, while the cherries provide a small amount of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Healthier Alternatives

Making Cherry Bourbon Balls healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor – it’s about smart ingredient swaps that enhance nutritional value while maintaining that irresistible taste profile.

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefit
Powdered sugar (4 cups)	2 cups powdered sugar + 2 cups powdered monk fruit sweetener	Reduces sugar content by 50% while maintaining sweetness
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	Dark chocolate (70% cacao) chips	Higher antioxidants, less sugar, more beneficial compounds
Butter (½ cup)	Greek yogurt cream cheese (¼ cup)	Lower saturated fat, added protein, probiotics
Maraschino cherries	Dried tart cherries, chopped	No artificial colors, higher fiber, natural antioxidants
Regular pecans	Toasted almonds or walnuts	Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, heart-healthy fats
Shortening	Coconut oil (unrefined)	MCT fats, no trans fats, natural processing

These modifications create a more nutrient-dense version while preserving the sophisticated flavor that makes these treats special. Explore more delicious Desserts here to discover additional healthy indulgence options for your repertoire.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Bourbon Balls shine brightest when presented thoughtfully, transforming any occasion into an elegant affair. Serve them on a beautiful silver or crystal platter alongside other petit fours and confections for a sophisticated dessert spread that guests will remember long after the evening ends. The rich flavors pair exceptionally well with coffee service, sparkling wine, or even a small glass of the same bourbon used in the recipe.

For holiday gatherings, arrange Cherry Bourbon Balls in decorative paper cups or small gift boxes as take-home treats that extend the celebration beyond your event. Their compact size makes them perfect for dessert tables where variety is key, and their make-ahead nature allows you to focus on other aspects of entertaining. Consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of elegance that photographs beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error when making Cherry Bourbon Balls is adding too much liquid at once, whether bourbon or cherry juice from the maraschino cherries. This creates a mixture that’s too soft to hold its shape during rolling, resulting in messy, irregularly shaped treats. Always drain cherries thoroughly and add bourbon gradually, checking consistency as you go to ensure the mixture remains workable.

Another common pitfall involves rushing the chilling process or working in a warm kitchen environment. Cherry Bourbon Balls need adequate time to firm up properly – shortcuts here lead to coating that slides off or centers that lose their shape. Patience during the refrigeration phase ensures clean chocolate coating and professional-looking results that maintain their form during serving and storage.

Storing Tips

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and flavor development of Cherry Bourbon Balls over time. Store completed treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to two weeks. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor release.

For longer storage, Cherry Bourbon Balls freeze exceptionally well for up to three months when properly wrapped. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. This prevents them from freezing together and allows you to remove just the quantity needed. The alcohol content helps prevent them from freezing solid, making them easier to thaw and serve.

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