Classic No-Bake Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Make these rich, boozy Kentucky Bourbon Balls using a simple no-bake method. These Southern dessert bites combine pecans, vanilla wafers, and bourbon for an easy holiday confection.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: About 20 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 150 grams)
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup quality bourbon (Jim Beam recommended for classic flavor)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder for rolling
Instructions
- Place the crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa powder into a medium mixing bowl. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are fully combined.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the bourbon, corn syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix everything thoroughly until a stiff dough forms.
- Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the mixture easier to handle.
- Place extra confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder onto a shallow plate.
- Scoop out about one tablespoon of the chilled dough and roll it firmly between your palms to form a small ball.
- Roll each ball in the coating until it is completely covered.
- Place the finished bourbon balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the bourbon balls for at least one hour before serving to allow them to set properly.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, you can melt 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, dip the chilled balls, and let them set on parchment paper.
- If you prefer a less boozy treat, reduce the bourbon to 3 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon of milk or water.
- These rich boozy goodies keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor in these easy bourbon truffles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0
Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/classic-no-bake-kentucky-bourbon-balls/