Description
Delightfully rich and boozy, Bourbon Balls are no-bake treats that combine the crunch of vanilla wafer cookies and toasted pecans with the warmth of bourbon, coated in a sweet powdery sugar finish. These bite-sized confections are perfect for parties and holiday gatherings, offering a blend of chocolate, nuts, and whiskey flavors in a smooth, creamy dough.
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 into a large zipper bag and carefully crush them using a meat mallet or rolling pin until the crumbs are finely ground.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the crushed vanilla wafer cookies, finely chopped toasted pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until fully mixed.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the bourbon, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup together until well combined to form a smooth liquid mixture.
- Form the dough: Pour the bourbon mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir thoroughly until a thick, cohesive dough forms that holds its shape well.
- Shape the balls: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to portion out the dough. Roll each portion between your palms into roughly 1-inch diameter balls.
- Coat and chill: Pour powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Roll each bourbon ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Place the coated balls in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Store properly: Keep the bourbon balls stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ensuring freshness and optimal flavor.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast pecans before chopping.
- You can adjust bourbon quantity to taste, but too much liquid will make the dough too soft.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for better flavor.
- These treats are best enjoyed chilled.
- Optionally, roll balls in cocoa powder or crushed nuts as an alternative coating.
