Cherry Bourbon Balls

Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful treat that bring together rich flavors and a sweet crunch. These balls, infused with maraschino cherries and coated in chocolate, are perfect for festive occasions like Special occasion celebrations or Kentucky Derby parties. The combination of buttery texture and nutty pecans makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, these Cherry Bourbon Balls can be whipped up quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cherries and chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste that is hard to resist.
• Perfect for Gifting: These treats are ideal for holiday gift-giving, adding a personal touch to your presents.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them during any celebration or as an everyday indulgence; they fit perfectly into many occasions.
• Elegant Presentation: Topped with candied cherry halves, these balls look stunning on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Cherry Bourbon Balls, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand-held electric mixer
• Wooden spoon
• Parchment paper
• Heavy-bottomed saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without spills.
• Hand-held electric mixer: Makes beating butter and sugar quick and easy, ensuring a smooth mixture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking when placing the coated balls on the baking sheet.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Cherry Bourbon Balls, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Base Mixture

• ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
• ¼ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Coating

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

For Decoration

• 30 candied cherry halves

How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls

Step 1: Combine Pecans and Bourbon

1. In a bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans and bourbon.
2. Allow this mixture to sit for at least 1 hour or overnight to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture

1. Place softened butter in a large mixing bowl.
2. Using a hand-held electric mixer, gradually beat in powdered sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Mix in Pecans and Cherries

1. Add the pecan mixture and chopped maraschino cherries to the bowl with butter.
2. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4: Shape Into Balls

1. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate Coating

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt chocolate chips together with shortening or coconut oil over low heat.
2. Stir frequently to prevent burning until smooth.

Step 6: Coat the Balls

1. Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate mixture to coat thoroughly.
2. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Add Decorative Cherry Halves

1. Press a candied cherry half on top of each chocolate-coated ball for decoration.
2. Refrigerate again until set before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Cherry Bourbon Balls as an exquisite treat for any gathering!

How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls

Cherry Bourbon Balls make a delightful treat for any occasion. They are perfect for festive gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with these delicious bites.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy Cherry Bourbon Balls alongside a warm cup of coffee. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange Cherry Bourbon Balls on a dessert platter with other sweets like cookies and brownies for a colorful display.

Gift Wrapping

• Package these treats in decorative boxes or tins as thoughtful gifts during the holiday season. They make delightful presents for friends and family.

Ice Cream Topping

• Crumble Cherry Bourbon Balls over vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert. The combination of textures is irresistible.

Cocktail Pairing

• Serve with a fruity mocktail or soda to balance the sweetness of the balls. Experiment with flavors like cherry or citrus for a refreshing drink.

How to Perfect Cherry Bourbon Balls

Creating the perfect Cherry Bourbon Balls involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to ensure your treats are a hit!

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour helps the balls hold their shape when coated in chocolate.
• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips to enhance the flavor of your bourbon balls.
• Proper Coating Technique: Make sure to coat each ball evenly in chocolate, ensuring they are completely covered for optimal taste and appearance.
• Experiment with Nuts: While pecans are traditional, try using walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Store Correctly: Keep your finished Cherry Bourbon Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Bourbon Balls

When serving Cherry Bourbon Balls, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that balance their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses such as sharp cheddar and creamy brie pairs wonderfully with sweets, providing a rich contrast in flavors.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can refresh your palate between bites of the rich bourbon balls.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the bourbon balls.
4. Chocolate Fondue: For chocolate lovers, serve chocolate fondue alongside fresh fruits and pretzels for dipping, creating an interactive dessert experience.
5. Mini Pastries: Include mini pastries like éclairs or tartlets filled with fruit or cream to diversify your dessert offerings.
6. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side dish option that adds creaminess and tartness to the spread.
7. Savory Crackers: Offer an assortment of savory crackers topped with cheese or spreads as a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bourbon balls.
8. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy coconut delights provide another texture and flavor option that pairs well without overwhelming the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Bourbon Balls, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your treats. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly ignore chilling time – Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to soft, unmanageable balls. Always refrigerate for at least an hour for the best results.
• Boldly skip chopping – Not finely chopping the pecans or cherries can result in uneven texture. Make sure to chop them finely for a well-blended mixture.
• Boldly overheat chocolate – Burning chocolate is a common issue. Melt it slowly and stir frequently to keep it smooth and creamy.
• Boldly neglect measurements – Eyeballing ingredients can ruin the balance of flavors. Use precise measurements for a successful recipe.
• Boldly forget about coating – Not fully coating the balls in chocolate can lead to dry spots. Ensure each ball is completely covered for an indulgent treat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Bourbon Balls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Bourbon Balls

• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to label the container with dates.

Reheating Cherry Bourbon Balls

• Oven – Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm balls on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual balls for 10-15 seconds on low power until slightly warm.
• Stovetop – Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cherry Bourbon Balls that may help you in your preparation.

Can I use non-alcoholic alternatives for Cherry Bourbon Balls?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with fruit juice or a flavored syrup. This will maintain sweetness without alcohol.

What if I don’t have pecans?

If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as excellent substitutes that add a similar crunch.

How do I make these Cherry Bourbon Balls vegan?

To make them vegan, replace butter with plant-based butter and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Can I customize my Cherry Bourbon Balls?

Absolutely! You can add different nuts or use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for variety.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. Their rich flavor and customizable options make them versatile and appealing. Don’t hesitate to try different nuts or coatings to create your signature version!

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Cherry Balls

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x

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Description

Cherry Bourbon Balls are indulgent treats that combine the rich flavors of maraschino cherries and velvety chocolate, perfect for any celebration. These delightful confections feature a creamy butter base enriched with finely chopped pecans, delivering a satisfying crunch in every bite. Coated in luscious semi-sweet chocolate and topped with candied cherry halves, they make an elegant addition to dessert tables or an impressive homemade gift. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, these Cherry Bourbon Balls will surely impress family and friends at your next gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
• ¼ cup fruit juice (as an alternative to bourbon)
• ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• ½ cup softened butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
• 30 candied cherry halves for decoration

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine finely chopped pecans and fruit juice; let sit for at least 1 hour.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in the pecan mixture and chopped cherries until well blended.
4. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls; refrigerate for at least one hour.
5. Melt chocolate chips with shortening or coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
6. Coat each ball in melted chocolate, placing them on parchment paper.
7. Top each ball with a candied cherry half and refrigerate until set.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: None (chilling required)
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg