Indulgent Cherry Bourbon Balls

The first snowfall had just blanketed the backyard when Min-jun, our neighbor’s teenager, came knocking with a shy smile and a fresh jar of his grandmother’s bourbon-soaked cherries. “My halmeoni says you’ll know what to do with these,” he said before rushing off. He wasn’t wrong.

That weekend, my kitchen turned into a swirl of chocolate, cherries, and pecans. Across town, my cousin Elise was hosting a winter solstice potluck, so I wrapped up a tray of these Cherry Bourbon Balls to bring along.

At the gathering, candles flickered against frosty windows, and the kids snuck bites of the glossy chocolate treats before anyone could stop them. Every bite held that rich, boozy warmth with little pops of sweet-tart cherry. Even Uncle Ravi, usually a fruitcake loyalist, couldn’t stop eating them. And when Sofia Elise’s friend from Buenos Aires asked for the recipe in both English and Spanish, I knew this dessert had found a new audience.

These Cherry Bourbon Balls quickly became our go-to for December parties. They’re indulgent without being heavy, easy to prep ahead, and bring that nostalgic balance of sweet, buttery, and spiked. Whether tucked into cookie boxes or served at winter gatherings, they’ve earned their place among the season’s stars.

Short Description

These Cherry Bourbon Balls combine buttery pecan-cherry filling with a rich chocolate shell and candied cherry toppers for a boozy, festive treat perfect for holiday parties or edible gifts.

Key Ingredients

• ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
• ¼ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
• 30 candied cherry halves

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small cookie scoop
• Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Fork or dipping tool

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Pecans
In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans and bourbon. Let them soak for at least 1 hour or overnight to intensify flavor.

Step 2: Make the Base Mixture
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans and chopped maraschino cherries.

Step 3: Shape and Chill
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using a scoop or your hands. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, until firm.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
In a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, melt the chocolate chips with the shortening or coconut oil. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate using a fork. Let the excess drip off, then place back on the sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, top each with a candied cherry half.

Step 6: Final Chill
Refrigerate the dipped balls for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The cherry-bourbon flavor is rich and bold, perfect for the holidays

No baking required, making it beginner-friendly

Freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead planning

Eye-catching and elegant for parties or gift boxes

Soft inside with a satisfying chocolate shell

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using Cold Butter
Cold butter doesn’t blend smoothly with sugar and can leave lumps.
Solution: Let your butter sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.

Overmixing the Base
Overmixing after adding pecans and cherries can make the mixture greasy.
Solution: Fold in the pecans and cherries gently by hand.

Chocolate Too Hot
Dipping into overheated chocolate can cause separation or grainy texture.
Solution: Melt chocolate slowly and stir continuously, removing from heat as soon as smooth.

Balls Falling Apart During Dipping
If the filling is too soft, it can collapse when dipped.
Solution: Chill the balls thoroughly before coating them.

Skipping the Topping Too Late
If the cherry toppers are added after the chocolate hardens, they won’t stick.
Solution: Press the cherry halves on immediately after dipping each ball.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve on a holiday dessert platter alongside fudge and peppermint bark

Pair with espresso, mulled wine, or spiked eggnog

Present in mini paper cups for a polished touch

Great for cookie swaps, holiday gifts, or New Year’s Eve bites

Use as a luxurious garnish atop a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

For longer storage, freeze in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months

No reheating needed – enjoy straight from the fridge

Allow to come to room temperature for a slightly softer bite

FAQs

1. Can I use a different alcohol instead of bourbon?
Yes. Dark rum or brandy work well as substitutes.

2. Are these safe for kids?
No. These contain unheated bourbon, making them an adult-only treat.

3. Can I skip the chocolate coating?
You can, but the shell adds a key textural contrast and helps preserve the center.

4. Can I use fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries don’t have the same sweetness and moisture balance. Stick to maraschino or dried cherries.

5. How far in advance can I make these?
You can prep them up to 2 weeks ahead if stored chilled in an airtight container.

Tips & Tricks

Toast the pecans before soaking for added depth

Use food-safe gloves when rolling to reduce sticking

Place dipped balls on a wire rack over parchment to catch drips cleanly

Decorate with gold dust or edible glitter for extra sparkle

Chill your dipping fork between batches to keep the chocolate coating neat

Recipe Variations

Dark Chocolate Orange Balls
Replace maraschino cherries with orange zest and juice-soaked dried cranberries. Use Grand Marnier in place of bourbon. The result is citrusy, bitter-sweet, and elegant.

Nut-Free Coconut Balls
Omit pecans and fold in shredded coconut instead. Use coconut extract and rum for a tropical twist. Ideal for nut-sensitive households.

Espresso Mocha Balls
Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the filling and coat in dark chocolate. Top with chocolate-covered coffee beans instead of cherries.

White Chocolate Raspberry Balls
Swap maraschino cherries for freeze-dried raspberries. Dip in melted white chocolate and top with a red sprinkle or raspberry shard.

Final Thoughts

December brings a blur of traditions, some loud and joyful, others quiet and deeply personal. These Cherry Bourbon Balls captured that blend for me this year something about the richness of chocolate, the pop of cherry, and the unmistakable bite of bourbon made them stand out at every table. The way they disappeared at the solstice potluck reminded me that food always speaks louder than any gift card.

Min-jun’s surprise delivery turned into a recipe that wove through so many hands and homes Elise’s friends, my neighbors, cousins, and now yours too. They may look like dainty truffles, but each one holds a little holiday mischief, and a lot of love. Here’s to more shared bites, passed recipes, and unexpected gifts that inspire something sweet.