This is a very easy recipe, with a lot of flavor "bang for the buck." Consistently popular. Do note that using premium bourbon in the recipe makes the bourbon flavor even better and allows the use of a lesser quantity,e.g., 3T instead of 4 or 5.
Bourbon Balls
Credit: Ben Fink
MAKES 25 – 30
These chocolatey confections are what author Shane Mitchell calls "Southern truffles—boozy and bad to the bone".
28 vanilla wafers, finely crushed (to yield 1 cup)
1 cup shelled pecans, finely chopped
3 tbsp. quality unsweetened cocoa powder
3–5 tbsp. bourbon, preferably small-batch
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup small chocolate sprinkles
1. Mix crushed wafers, pecans, and cocoa together in a medium bowl. Combine bourbon and corn syrup in a small bowl, add to wafer mixture, and stir until thoroughly combined. Pinch off pieces of chocolate mixture just a bit smaller than the size of a walnut, roll into 1" balls, and transfer to a wax paper–lined sheet pan as done.
2. Put chocolate sprinkles into a small bowl. Dredge balls in sprinkles, turning to coat completely. If sprinkles are not sticking easily, moisten fingertips with a drop of water, lightly dab surface of ball, then dredge again.
3. Serve at room temperature. Store bourbon balls in individual paper candy cups, if you like, in an airtight container in a cool spot or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Ratings & Reviews (8)
easy, quick, and crazy yummy. I ended up using about 4 tbsp of Bourbon (possibly more... there was some over-spillage), which made it too watery, so I just added more crushed wafers/chopped nuts. Easy as pie... or easy as Bourbon Balls, I guess. I may have sampled a few...
Fantastic flavor, but pretty messy to make. I only used 3T bourbon, but the mixture was incredibly sticky and difficult to roll. I added 6 or so more crushed wafers as I went along to try to dry it out a bit. I stopped several times while rolling to clean the goo off my hands so I could keep forming nice balls. All that said, I'll make these again, maybe with a little less liquid -- they were delicious!
I have made these a bunch of times - they are a favorite for train rides to Chicago (especially when I make them "extra boozy")! Quick, easy, delicious!
Can these be frozen?
Any reason we can't use chocolate wafers rather than vanilla, and rum rather than bourbon?
these are wonderful. can almost get a "buzz" just eating them!!
i used brandy and the batter tasted perfect, not too sweet with lots of flavor. the real test will come when my partner gets them as a valentine gift!
Bourbon Balls
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