Sinking my teeth into a homemade Cherry Bourbon Ball is hands down one of my favorite holiday treats. There’s just something so irresistible about the perfect balance of tart cherry, rich bourbon, and velvety chocolate coating. It’s a flavor explosion that takes me right back to cozy evenings spent baking with my grandma during the most wonderful time of the year.
She’d let me help roll the balls between my palms, trying my best to get them perfectly round. Then we’d carefully dip each one into the shiny chocolate glaze, sprinkling them with a light dusting of powdered sugar. The aroma of the bourbon and cherries would fill the entire kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.
Even now, years later, that memory brings me such joy. And I’m thrilled to share my grandma’s classic Cherry Bourbon Balls recipe with you. This simple yet sophisticated treat is sure to become your new holiday go-to, yielding a total of 24 irresistible balls – one for each guest at your next festive gathering.
Table of Contents
Why This Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Bourbon Balls
The key to making these Cherry Bourbon Balls truly special is all in the details. First, we use high-quality, plump Maraschino cherries that have been drained and finely chopped. This gives each bite a lovely cherry flavor that’s not too overpowering. Then, we spike the creamy chocolate-almond filling with a generous splash of smooth bourbon, adding a warm, boozy note that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
The real secret, though, is in the rolling and coating process. By carefully shaping the filling into 24 perfectly round balls and chilling them before dipping, we ensure a silky-smooth texture that won’t crack or crumble. And the final touch of that crisp chocolate shell, finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, makes these Cherry Bourbon Balls an absolute showstopper.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe for 24 irresistible Cherry Bourbon Balls, you’ll need:
- 1 cup finely chopped Maraschino cherries, drained well
- 1 cup finely chopped toasted almonds
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
Step-by-Step Cherry Bourbon Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Cherry Bourbon Balls
This recipe takes 40 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 0 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a food processor, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a small saucepan to melt the chocolate.
1- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the drained and finely chopped Maraschino cherries, toasted almonds, confectioners’ sugar, bourbon, cocoa powder, softened butter, and salt. Pulse until a smooth, well-combined filling forms.
2- Scoop the filling by the tablespoonful and roll it between your palms to form 24 perfectly round balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3- In the meantime, melt the chopped dark chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy.
4- One by one, use a fork to dip the chilled balls into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip back into the pan. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 15 minutes.
5- Once the chocolate has hardened, transfer the Cherry Bourbon Balls to a serving platter and dust lightly with additional confectioners’ sugar.
6- Serve your homemade Cherry Bourbon Balls immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best texture, be sure to finely chop the cherries and almonds before processing them into the filling. This helps create a smooth, velvety consistency. You can also swap in pecans or walnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
Chilling the balls before dipping in chocolate is crucial – it helps the coating adhere perfectly without cracking. And for an extra-shiny finish, you can briefly dip the balls in tempered chocolate instead of melted.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with the coatings. Try rolling the balls in toasted coconut, crushed candy canes, or a mixture of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for delicious variations.
Serving and Storing Your Cherry Bourbon Balls
Perfect Pairings for Cherry Bourbon Balls
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are the ultimate holiday indulgence, perfect for serving at festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sophisticated after-dinner treat. Each recipe yields 24 balls, with one ball being the perfect single-serving portion.
For the best presentation, arrange the Cherry Bourbon Balls on a platter or in a decorative box. They pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a glass of port or dessert wine, or a strong cup of coffee. You can also nestle them alongside other holiday cookies and candies for a gorgeous homemade dessert spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great news about these Cherry Bourbon Balls is that they keep exceptionally well. Once the chocolate coating is set, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and have them on hand whenever a craving strikes.
To reheat, simply let the frozen balls thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. You can also gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you want them slightly softened. No matter how you enjoy them, these decadent Cherry Bourbon Balls are sure to be a hit!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Bourbon Balls
Creative Cherry Bourbon Balls Variations
While the classic Cherry Bourbon Balls are truly hard to beat, there’s always room for fun variations. For a festive twist, try rolling the balls in crushed candy canes or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar instead of powdered sugar. You could also experiment with different nut varieties, like pecans or walnuts, for a new flavor profile.
Looking to get creative with the filling? Swap out the bourbon for a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau for an orange-infused twist. Or, fold in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter for a delectable peanut butter cup-inspired treat.
Making Cherry Bourbon Balls Diet-Friendly
Fortunately, these decadent Cherry Bourbon Balls can be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs. For gluten-free guests, simply use certified gluten-free confectioners’ sugar and dark chocolate.
To make them vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and use dairy-free dark chocolate for the coating. You can also experiment with maple syrup or date paste in place of the confectioners’ sugar for a lower-sugar version.
No matter how you customize them, these 24 Cherry Bourbon Balls are sure to delight everyone at your holiday gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of nut besides almonds?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap in pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile in your Cherry Bourbon Balls.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 Cherry Bourbon Balls, with each serving being 1 ball.
Q: Can I make the Cherry Bourbon Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, these balls keep very well! You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: My balls are cracking when I dip them in chocolate. What am I doing wrong?
A: Make sure to chill the balls thoroughly before dipping them in the melted chocolate. This helps the coating adhere smoothly without cracking. You can also try briefly dipping them in tempered chocolate for an extra-shiny, crack-free finish.
Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 balls
Description
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delectable no-bake treat that combines the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of maraschino cherries, and the bold flavor of bourbon. Coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
– 2 tablespoons bourbon
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. 2. Add the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and bourbon, and mix until well combined.
3. 3. Fold in the graham cracker crumbs and chopped maraschino cherries until fully incorporated.
4. 4. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. 5. Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. 6. Once chilled, roll the balls in additional powdered sugar to coat.
7. 7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra boozy flavor, add an additional tablespoon of bourbon to the cream cheese mixture. These Cherry Bourbon Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These homemade Cherry Bourbon Balls are truly a holiday showstopper, with their perfect balance of tart, boozy, and chocolatey flavors. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create 24 absolutely irresistible Cherry Bourbon Balls that will delight everyone who tries them. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I can’t wait to hear all about your baking adventures!
