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Cherry Bourbon Balls

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Cherry bourbon balls are a festive, no-bake Christmas candy featuring chewy tart cherries, crunchy nuts, and a boozy bourbon kick, all wrapped in a snappy dark chocolate shell. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for holiday gifting or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried tart cherries, chopped
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Place chopped dried tart cherries in a small bowl and pour bourbon over them. Let soak for at least 20 minutes (up to 1 hour for more flavor).
  2. Pulse vanilla wafer cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt to the cookie crumbs. Stir to combine.
  4. Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts and almond extract (if using). Mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Drain excess bourbon from the cherries (reserve for later if needed). Add soaked cherries to the bowl.
  6. Pour in melted unsalted butter and stir until a sticky dough forms. If mixture is dry, add 1-2 teaspoons reserved bourbon.
  7. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll gently between palms to smooth and place on a lined baking sheet.
  8. Refrigerate balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  9. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth.
  10. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled ball into melted chocolate. Tap off excess and return to the sheet. Decorate with sprinkles or flaky salt while chocolate is wet.
  11. Let dipped balls set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or refrigerate for faster setting.
  12. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free vanilla cookies. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and allergy-friendly chocolate chips. Substitute bourbon with cherry juice or apple cider for a kid-friendly version. If dough is too dry, add more bourbon or butter; if too wet, add more cookie crumbs. Decorate immediately after dipping for best results. Balls can be frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry bourbon balls, Christmas candy, holiday dessert, no-bake, bourbon, chocolate, festive treats, easy candy, party food, edible gifts

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/cherry-bourbon-balls-recipe-easy-festive-christmas-candy-treats/