Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry Bourbon Balls are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, smooth bourbon, and sweet, juicy cherries—an irresistible bite-sized treat that feels custom-made for the holiday season. These no-bake confections have an old-fashioned charm, yet they always stand out on dessert platters and cookie trays thanks to their bold flavor and elegant presentation. The bourbon infuses the mixture with warmth, while the cherries bring bright sweetness that balances every bite. I once soaked the cherries overnight in a splash of extra bourbon, and the depth of flavor was incredible without becoming overpowering. Whether you’re gifting homemade treats, hosting a party, or adding variety to your holiday dessert spread, Cherry Bourbon Balls are wonderfully simple to make and even easier to enjoy. They store beautifully, taste better as they rest, and bring festive, grown-up indulgence to any celebration.
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Cherry Bourbon Balls: A Boozy, Chocolatey Treat for Festive Celebrations
- Total Time: 20 mins + chilling
- Yield: 24 balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bite-sized chocolate cherry bourbon balls made with crushed cookies, maraschino cherries, and a splash of bourbon for a decadent no-bake holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 1 box crushed)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained well)
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for dipping)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, pecans, and cocoa powder.
- Add the chopped cherries, cherry juice, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture comes together.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Optional: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil and dip each ball, letting excess drip off.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Store chilled in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a stronger bourbon flavor, add an extra tablespoon.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a splash more cherry juice.
- Roll in powdered sugar or cocoa instead of dipping in chocolate for a quicker version.
- These taste even better after resting overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Crushed vanilla wafers
These form the main structure of the bourbon balls, absorbing liquid and creating the ideal texture.
Cherries (maraschino or dried)
Cherries add sweetness and color; maraschino cherries bring moisture, while dried cherries offer deeper flavor.
Bourbon
Bourbon provides warmth, depth, and signature aroma that sets these treats apart.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the mixture and helps bind the ingredients smoothly.
Cocoa powder
Cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness of the cherries and sugar.
Honey or light corn syrup
A small amount helps the mixture hold together while adding gentle sweetness.
Butter (optional)
Butter adds richness and helps unify the mixture for smoother shaping.
Salt
A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate and bourbon flavors.
Finishing sugar or melted chocolate
Used to roll or dip the bourbon balls for added texture and visual appeal.
Directions
Begin by crushing the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and rolling with a pin. Chop the cherries into small pieces and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until evenly mixed. Add the chopped cherries, honey or corn syrup, and bourbon. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and cohesive. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon more bourbon; if too wet, add additional wafer crumbs.
Let the mixture rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the crumbs to absorb the liquid fully. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, rolling each tightly to ensure they hold their shape.
Finish each ball by rolling it in powdered sugar or dipping it in melted chocolate for a richer finish. Place the completed bourbon balls on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for at least two hours before serving so the flavors can deepen.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24–30 cherry bourbon balls depending on size. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, with at least 2 hours of chilling time. Total estimated time: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cherry bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to one month and thaw in the refrigerator before serving. The flavor improves after a day or two as the bourbon mellows and the ingredients blend. These treats are served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating required.
Variations and Customizations
Dark Chocolate Dipped Bourbon Balls
Dip each ball in melted dark chocolate for a richer, more elegant presentation.
Cherry Almond Bourbon Balls
Add a splash of almond extract to complement the cherries.
Rum-Cherry Balls
Swap bourbon for dark rum for a tropical twist.
Dried Cherry & Espresso Version
Stir in a pinch of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Pecan Crunch Bourbon Balls
Fold in finely chopped pecans for added texture.
White Chocolate Cherry Balls
Dip or drizzle with white chocolate for holiday color contrast.
Cinnamon-Spiced Version
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Coconut-Rolled Balls
Roll in shredded coconut instead of sugar for a different texture.
Black Forest Bourbon Balls
Add a tiny spoonful of cherry jam for extra moisture and flavor.
Kid-Friendly Version
Replace bourbon with cherry juice—still delicious, just no alcohol.
FAQs
Can I make these bourbon balls without alcohol?
Yes—replace bourbon with cherry juice or vanilla extract.
Do they taste stronger after chilling?
Actually, the bourbon mellows and blends more smoothly over time.
Can I use chocolate wafers instead of vanilla?
Yes—this deepens the chocolate flavor.
Should I drain maraschino cherries first?
Yes, pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Can I freeze bourbon balls?
Absolutely—they freeze well for up to one month.
How can I make them less sweet?
Roll in cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar.
Can I use a different liquor?
Rum, whiskey, or brandy work beautifully.
How firm should the mixture be before rolling?
It should feel sticky but hold together when pressed.
Should I store them chilled?
Yes—they keep best refrigerated.
Can I dip them in chocolate instead of rolling in sugar?
Yes, melted chocolate adds an indulgent finish.
Conclusion
Cherry Bourbon Balls are the perfect blend of chocolate, cherry, and warm bourbon—simple to make yet impressively flavorful. Whether for holidays, parties, gifting, or after-dinner treats, these bite-sized confections offer nostalgic charm and grown-up indulgence in every bite. With plenty of room for customization and a flavor that improves over time, this is a treat you’ll return to year after year. Enjoy them chilled, savor their silky texture, and celebrate the festive season with a dessert that always delights.
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