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Cherry Bourbon Balls

Cherry Bourbon Balls

Cherry Bourbon Balls are quick, no-bake treats that blend the rich warmth of bourbon with the sweet tang of cherries for a crunchy, chewy, and boozy indulgence. Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting, these flavorful confections come together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and customizable options.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry pie filling (drained)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 cups vanilla wafers or crushed cookies (or gluten-free cookies for gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (or substitute with seeds/crushed pretzels for nut-free option)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Drain the cherry pie filling to remove excess syrup but keep cherries moist. Finely crush the vanilla wafers or gluten-free cookies, and chop the nuts evenly.
  2. Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine crushed wafers, chopped nuts, and powdered sugar. Slowly stir in the bourbon until the mixture holds together but is not too wet. Gently fold in the cherries without breaking them.
  3. Shape the Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch bite-sized balls. If sticky, refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up. Then coat each ball evenly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and add sweetness.
  4. Chill to Set: Place coated balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and ensure a firm texture.

Notes

  • Use quality bourbon whiskey for the best flavor.
  • Drain cherries to retain moisture but avoid sogginess.
  • Chill mixture before rolling to reduce stickiness and shape neater balls.
  • Adjust powdered sugar coating according to your sweetness preference.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh up to two weeks.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months by placing balls on a baking sheet, freezing, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
  • No reheating required; thaw frozen balls at room temperature or in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry bourbon balls, no-bake dessert, holiday treats, bourbon sweets, nut-free option, easy party snacks