Description
Classic Bourbon Balls are a rich, no-bake treat combining crushed vanilla wafer cookies, toasted pecans, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla. Rolled into bite-sized balls and generously coated in powdered sugar, they are perfect as a sweet snack or festive holiday treat. The recipe yields 60 deliciously boozy bites that need chilling before enjoying.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (11-ounce) package vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Powdered sugar for coating (as needed)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or flavoring
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Instructions
- Crush Cookies: Use a food processor or food chopper to crush the vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush them finely with a meat mallet or rolling pin until you achieve a coarse powder-like texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the crushed cookie crumbs, finely chopped toasted pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the bourbon, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup together until well blended.
- Create Dough: Pour the bourbon mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until a thick, cohesive dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Balls: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to portion out the dough, then roll each portion by hand into roughly 1-inch diameter balls.
- Coat with Sugar: Place additional powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Roll each bourbon ball in the sugar to coat completely, giving them a smooth, sweet exterior.
- Chill and Set: Arrange the coated bourbon balls in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow them to firm up and meld flavors.
- Store Properly: Keep the bourbon balls stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept fresh for up to two weeks.
Notes
- You can substitute toasted walnuts for pecans to vary the flavor.
- For a stronger bourbon flavor, slightly increase the bourbon amount but be careful not to make the dough too wet.
- Ensure the powdered sugar coating is generous for the classic look and taste.
- These treats are perfect for gifting when wrapped in decorative tins or boxes.
- Allow the balls to chill thoroughly to enhance texture and taste.
