These Bourbon Balls are rich, chocolatey, and packed with a kick of bourbon! With a nutty, creamy center and smooth chocolate shell, they’re the perfect treat for anyone who loves a boozy dessert. (The bourbon flavor does shine in these treats!) I love drizzling melted chocolate over some of the chocolate balls and rolling others in chopped pecans. If you love these Bourbon Balls, you’ll definitely want to try my Buttercream Candies next! They’re another irresistible chocolate-covered treat, but with a smooth, creamy filling that melts in your mouth, perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps make the center of the bourbon balls creamy and smooth. It also helps everything stick together. If you only have salted butter, you could use that, too.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) makes the insides of the treats sweet and soft. Granulated sugar can be used, but the texture won’t be as smooth.
- Pecans: For a nutty crunch in each bite, I added chopped pecans to the bourbon balls. If you don’t have pecans, other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work just as well. Be sure to set aside some extra nuts for rolling the chocolate balls!
- Bourbon: Bourbon gives these treats a little kick of flavor. It’s what makes them “boozy” and adds a deep taste. If you don’t have bourbon, you can try using rum, whiskey, brandy, Kahlúa, or even cognac for a rich, boozy flavor. Each will give your bourbon balls a unique flavor while still delivering that alcohol kick!
- Chocolate: Melt semisweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil to make the coating. I love how the oil helps make the coating nice and glossy. If preferred, dark chocolate would be delicious, too!
How To Enhance Bourbon Balls With Soaked Pecans For Extra Flavor
For a bolder bourbon flavor (although they are pretty packed with it as-is), soak your chopped pecans in bourbon for 1-2 hours (or overnight) before using them in the recipe. This step is optional—the bourbon balls are delicious without it, too! Just be sure to drain the pecans to remove excess liquid, then chop them if needed and mix them into the bourbon ball mixture as the recipe is written.
Chocolate Coating: Microwave vs. Double Boiler
When ready to coat the bourbon balls in the chocolate, there are a couple of methods you could use to melt the chocolate with the oil:
- Melting Chocolate in the Microwave: To melt the chocolate in the microwave, add the chocolate chips and oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 20-second increments, stirring after every 20 seconds, until melted. Once melted and smooth, let the chocolate sit for about 2-3 minutes before dipping the bourbon balls.
- Double Boiler Method for Melting Chocolate: The double boiler method keeps the chocolate smooth and shiny without burning. Fill a pot with water, bring it to a simmer, and place a heat-safe bowl over it without touching the water. Add the chocolate and oil to the bowl, stirring until melted and smooth. Let it cool a bit before dipping the bourbon balls.
How To Make Bourbon Balls Without Alcohol
If you want to make these chocolate-covered treats without alcohol, it’s easy! Simply substitute the bourbon with a non-alcoholic option like vanilla extract, almond extract, or apple cider. For a richer flavor, you can also use a bit of strong-brewed coffee or flavored syrup. The rest of the recipe stays the same!
How To Store Bourbon Balls
I prefer to store these bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 1-2 weeks. If stored at room temperature, they can last up to a few days, but should not be in a warm area. You don’t want that delicious chocolate to melt!
Can I Freeze Bourbon Balls?
Yes, you can freeze bourbon balls, which is perfect for getting a head start on your holiday treats! (I love the idea of that!) To freeze them, first, place the bourbon balls on a lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for an hour or two, or until they’re solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to separate the layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few minutes before serving!
Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup (109 g) pecans, finely chopped
- 5 tablespoons bourbon
- 3 cups (504 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- To a medium bowl, add softened butter and confectioners' sugar. Using a hand mixer on low speed, mix until combined.
- Add the chopped pecans and bourbon to the butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Using a 1 ½-tablespoon scoop, portion the mixture onto the lined baking sheet.
- Place the bourbon balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the bourbon balls from the refrigerator and roll each into a ball shape. (If the mixture still seems too dry, add a bit more bourbon or a teaspoon of corn syrup.)
- Cover the balls with plastic wrap and place the truffles back into the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes, up to overnight, to chill.
- When ready to coat, add chocolate chips and vegetable oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring after each session, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly, about 2 to 2 ½ minutes, before dipping the bourbon balls.
- Line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove bourbon balls from the refrigerator. Drop each into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Using a fork, lift each bourbon ball from the chocolate. Gently slide it onto the newly lined parchment-lined baking sheet using a second fork or a toothpick. If the chocolate begins to thicken, reheat briefly in the microwave to maintain a smooth consistency.
- If desired, drizzle each bourbon ball with extra melted chocolate. For an optional garnish, roll in sprinkles or crushed pecans.
- Place the coated bourbon balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These bourbon balls are the perfect adult treat! The bourbon adds a nice warmth, and the chocolate coating makes them so indulgent. A new favorite!
Elizabeth
I love bourbon. I love nuts. And, I love chocolate! I am glad I am an adult so I can enjoy these candies. Decadent, delicious, and definitely 'bourbon-y'!!
Bella
Loved these! The pecans give them a great crunch, and the bourbon flavor is just right. These are definitely a hit for the holidays.
Selena
These bourbon balls are a perfect balance of sweet and strong. The chocolate coating is rich, and the bourbon flavor is definitely there, which is what you would want in a bourbon treat.
What could I use instead of nuts? Love the idea of these, but hate nuts!
I haven’t made these in years. I love them. Thanks for sharing and reminding me about them.
Should these be stored in the fridge or can they be left at room temp?
Oops my bad, I just read that at the end of the directions.
We can’t eat nuts. If I leave the nuts out will it affect the structure of the candy based white part?
You can leave the nuts out.
Hi Amanda! Thanks for this delicious recipe. I don’t have bourbon, but I do have rum. Can I substitute?
Sure!