No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls: The Ultimate Holiday Treat

When it comes to quick, festive desserts that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor, No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls reign supreme. These delightful treats combine the deep richness of cocoa powder, the nutty crunch of pecans, and a warming hint of bourbon for a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is effortless. Perfect for holiday parties, gift exchanges, or simply as a sweet snack, these bourbon balls are sure to become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: No oven needed, and you can whip these up in under 30 minutes!
Customizable: Easily adjust flavors, swap ingredients, or roll them in coatings of your choice.
Elevated Flavor: The combination of cocoa, pecans, and bourbon gives these treats a sophisticated taste profile.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These taste even better the next day, making them perfect for prepping ahead of busy holiday events.

Looking for more festive treats? You’ll love these Sugar Cookie Cheesecake and Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

Ingredients for No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls

¾ cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1 cup finely ground pecans (about 1 ¼ cups pecan halves)
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (unsifted)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
¼ cup bourbon
⅓ cup sifted confectioners’ sugar (for coating)

Necessary Tools for Preparation

Mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Sifter for confectioners’ sugar
Airtight container for storage

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Swap bourbon for rum for a tropical twist.
Add orange zest for a bright, citrusy note.
Use dark chocolate cocoa powder for an even richer flavor.
Substitute ground walnuts or almonds for pecans.

How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, ground pecans, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, corn syrup, and bourbon.
Using a rubber spatula, mix the ingredients until fully combined. Finish incorporating with your hands for a uniform dough.
If the mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
Shape small portions of the dough (less than a tablespoon) into 1-inch balls.
Roll the balls in sifted confectioners’ sugar to coat.
Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days. Pro tip: These taste even better as the flavors meld over time!

What to Serve with No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls

Pair them with coffee or a glass of bourbon for an indulgent dessert experience.
Serve alongside other holiday favorites like Blueberry Pastry Rings for a festive dessert platter.

Tips for Making Perfect No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls

For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before grinding them.
If you prefer a less intense bourbon flavor, reduce the bourbon slightly and replace it with water or a flavored liqueur.
Refrigerating the dough before shaping makes it easier to handle.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these alcohol-free?
Yes! Replace the bourbon with an equal amount of orange juice or apple cider for a kid-friendly version.

How far in advance can I make them?
These are perfect for make-ahead preparation. They actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Conclusion

With their rich, chocolatey flavor and festive flair, No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls are a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Their no-fuss preparation makes them perfect for the holiday rush, and their incredible flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds.

If you’re ready to create more delicious holiday desserts, check out this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake or whip up these Melt-In-Your-Mouth Shortbread Cookies.

Love this recipe? Share your creations with us on Pinterest—we’d love to see them!

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