Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Bourbon Balls combine crushed vanilla wafers, toasted pecans, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla into bite-sized treats. These no-bake confections are coated in powdered sugar and chilled to perfection, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a rich, boozy dessert.
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 cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush with a meat mallet or rolling pin until finely ground.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cookie crumbs, finely chopped toasted pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar thoroughly to create an even dry mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup until well combined.
- Form Dough: Pour the bourbon mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Shape Balls: Use a cookie scoop to measure about 1 tablespoon of dough, then roll it between your hands to form 1-inch balls.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Roll each bourbon ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Chill: Arrange the coated bourbon balls in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Storage: Store bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for best freshness.
Notes
- For a different nut flavor, try substituting toasted walnuts or almonds for pecans.
- Ensure the pecans are well-toasted to enhance the nutty flavor.
- If you prefer less alcohol, reduce the bourbon slightly or substitute with strong brewed coffee for flavor.
- You can roll the balls in cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts as an alternative coating.
- Allow the balls to chill sufficiently to make them easier to handle and improve taste.
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
