If you’re ready to delight your taste buds with a treat that expertly balances sweet, nutty, and boozy flavors, this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine bite-sized delights that combine the rich warmth of bourbon with the bright pop of maraschino cherries, all wrapped in a luscious chocolate coating. These little gems are perfect for holiday celebrations, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll quickly become your go-to festive favorite.

The image shows eight chocolate-covered cherries arranged on light brown parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Each cherry is coated in smooth, dark brown chocolate with a shiny, bright red cherry placed on top, forming a single visible layer of chocolate with the cherry sitting firmly on it. To the left, one cherry with its stem rests beside the chocolate-covered ones. Behind the parchment paper, there is a small white bowl filled with many shiny bright red cherries with stems. In the background, a blurry wooden board holds a bottle of Maker’s Mark whiskey with a beige label. The overall look is colorful with a mix of red, brown, white, and natural wood tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe lies in its beautifully simple and thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each element plays a critical role: pecans add crunch and warmth, bourbon infuses a subtle kick, and chocolate creates that irresistible finish. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

¾ cup finely chopped pecans: Adds crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
¼ cup bourbon: Infuses the mixture with warmth and depth, giving the balls their signature boozy charm.
¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries: Brings vibrant color and a sweet, tangy burst in every bite.
½ cup butter (softened): Ensures the mixture is smooth and creamy while binding all the flavors together.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the mix and creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For coating, offering the perfect bittersweet contrast to the sugary interior.
2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil: Helps the chocolate to melt smoothly and harden with a glossy finish.
30 candied cherry halves: A gorgeous, festive topping that adds extra sweetness and a pop of color.

How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

Step 1: Infuse Pecans with Bourbon

The first step sets the flavor foundation. Combine the finely chopped pecans with bourbon in a bowl and let them sit for at least one hour or, even better, overnight. This soaking step lets the nuts soak up that boozy warmth, enhancing their flavor and making every bite deliciously aromatic.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Next, soften the butter and gradually beat in the powdered sugar using a hand-held electric mixer. This process creates a creamy, smooth base that ensures your bourbon balls have the perfect texture — sweet but not too dense, and wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Mix in Cherries and Bourbon-Pecan Blend

Now it’s time to fold in the bourbon-soaked pecans and finely chopped maraschino cherries. Stir everything together carefully with a wooden spoon until you have an even, richly scented mixture. This step guarantees that bursts of cherry and nutty goodness are spread throughout every ball.

Step 4: Shape and Chill

Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls with your hands—it’s a bit sticky, but that means it’s working right. Place the formed balls on a plate or baking sheet and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour so they firm up and are ready for dipping.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate Coating

While your bourbon balls firm up, gently melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening or coconut oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to ensure a smooth, glossy chocolate that won’t burn. This luscious coating is what transforms these bites into a decadent treat.

Step 6: Dip and Decorate

Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, fully coating it. Place the coated balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately press a candied cherry half onto the top for an elegant and colorful finishing touch.

Step 7: Final Chill and Set

Pop the tray back into the refrigerator and let the chocolate set completely. In about an hour, your Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe is ready to enjoy—perfectly firm chocolate on the outside with a fudgy, boozy center that will have you reaching for just one more.

How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

The image shows nine round chocolate-covered truffles on a piece of parchment paper over a wooden board with a white marbled surface in the background. Each truffle is mostly dark brown with a smooth yet slightly uneven chocolate coating and topped with a bright red cherry or cherry half. One truffle in front has a bite taken out, revealing a creamy, white center with bits of red and light brown inside. In the background, a small white bowl filled with bright red cherries is visible, along with a blurry yellow bottle. The whole scene is brightly lit, emphasizing the shiny texture of the cherries and the smooth chocolate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic candied cherry halves are a beautiful garnish, you can also sprinkle crushed pecans or dust a little powdered sugar on top for added texture and elegance. Fresh mint leaves can add a surprisingly refreshing note if you want a contrasting pop of herbal brightness alongside the sweet richness.

Side Dishes

Pair these bourbon balls with robust coffee or a glass of lightly chilled dessert wine to contrast the chocolate’s sweetness and the bourbon’s warmth. A simple cheese platter with sharp cheddar or aged gouda can also complement the flavors by adding savory balance—perfect if you’re serving these treats as part of a party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe on a festive platter lined with doilies or edible gold leaf for an extra special touch. You can also serve them in decorative mini cupcake liners or present them in glass jars tied with twine for gifting. Imagine how impressed friends will be receiving these elegant homemade sweets!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cherry bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate coating firm and the filling fresh. They will keep well for up to two weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly stored, they can last up to three months, so you can prepare them well in advance and bring them out whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat cherry bourbon balls before serving—they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the chocolate becomes too hard from refrigeration or freezing, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly before digging in.

FAQs

Can I substitute bourbon with another alcohol?

Absolutely! While bourbon gives a warm, rich note, you can use whiskey, rum, or even brandy depending on your preference. Just be sure to use the same amount to keep the texture intact.

What can I use if I don’t have shortening or coconut oil?

If you don’t have shortening or coconut oil for melting the chocolate, you can use a small amount of vegetable oil or even butter, but be careful with quantities as these can affect the chocolate’s consistency and flavor.

Are Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe appropriate for kids?

Since these treats contain bourbon, they are intended for adult consumption. However, you can easily omit the bourbon and substitute with cherry juice or another alcohol-free flavoring to make a kid-friendly version.

How do I prevent the chocolate from becoming dull?

Adding shortening or coconut oil to your melted chocolate helps ensure a shiny coating that won’t dull or become grainy when it sets. Working slowly over low heat and stirring constantly also keeps the chocolate smooth and glossy.

Can I make these balls smaller or larger than 1 inch?

Definitely! Smaller balls make for daintier bites, while larger ones feel more indulgent. Just remember to adjust chilling and dipping times accordingly to keep the right texture and firmness.

Final Thoughts

When you make this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe, you’re not just creating a dessert—you’re crafting moments of joy and connection. The combination of buttery sweetness, nutty crunch, boozy warmth, and rich chocolate is truly something special. Whether for a festive party or an elegant gift, these bite-sized treasures will win hearts and requests for more. So grab your ingredients, dive into the process, and get ready to share a little happiness one delicious ball at a time!

Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 36 reviews

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 30 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these decadent Cherry Bourbon Balls, a luscious no-bake treat combining finely chopped pecans soaked in bourbon, sweet maraschino cherries, and rich semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for parties or gifting, these bite-sized confections are coated in smooth chocolate and topped with a candied cherry half for an elegant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Nut Mixture

¾ cup finely chopped pecans
¼ cup bourbon
¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries

Base

½ cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Coating

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil

Garnish

30 candied cherry halves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Soak Pecans: Combine finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the pecans to absorb the bourbon.
Prepare Base: In a large bowl, place softened butter. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in the powdered sugar until well combined and creamy.
Mix Ingredients: Add the bourbon-soaked pecan mixture along with finely chopped maraschino cherries into the butter and powdered sugar base. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the mixture is evenly mixed.
Shape Balls: Form the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the shaped balls on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Melt Chocolate: In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the chocolate from burning, creating a smooth coating.
Coat Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate mixture until fully coated. Place coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Immediately press one candied cherry half on top of each ball to garnish.
Set and Chill: Refrigerate the coated balls until the chocolate is set and firm, about 30 minutes. Once set, the Cherry Bourbon Balls are ready to serve or package.

Notes

For a stronger bourbon flavor, increase soaking time or add a splash more bourbon when mixing.
Substitute coconut oil for shortening for a dairy-free option.
Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pan to avoid scorching chocolate during melting.
For a decorative touch, drizzle with white chocolate after coating.