Growing up, I always looked forward to my grandma’s annual holiday party. It was a time for our big, boisterous family to come together and indulge in all the nostalgic flavors of the season. And you can bet Cherry Bourbon Balls were the star of the show! Grandma would spend weeks perfecting her secret recipe, carefully rolling each bite-sized treat until she had a tray overflowing with 24 perfect spheres. The aroma of the rich bourbon and tart cherries would fill the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen to “sample” them before dinner.
I can still remember the look of pure delight on my cousin’s face as he popped one of those Cherry Bourbon Balls into his mouth, savoring the smooth, boozy sweetness. It was like taking a sip of Christmas in ball form! To this day, that flavor combination instantly transports me back to those cozy family gatherings, surrounded by the people I love most.
Why This Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Bourbon Balls
This Cherry Bourbon Balls recipe is truly a showstopper. Not only do you end up with 24 irresistible bites, but the unique method ensures each one has the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the careful blending of the ingredients – the chewy, boozy cherries are perfectly complemented by the creamy, indulgent filling. And the final step of rolling the balls in toasted pecans adds an irresistible crunch that takes these to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Maraschino cherries: These provide the vibrant cherry flavor and juicy texture.
- Cream cheese: This gives the filling a rich, creamy consistency.
- Powdered sugar: For sweetening the filling and helping to bind the ingredients.
- Bourbon: The star of the show! This adds a sophisticated warmth and depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors and adds an aromatic note.
- Pecans: Finely chopped and toasted to create the perfect crunchy coating.
Step-by-Step Cherry Bourbon Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Cherry Bourbon Balls
This recipe takes 20 minutes total – 20 minutes for prep and 0 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a food processor, a mixing bowl, and a small cookie scoop or melon baller to make these Cherry Bourbon Balls. Let’s get started!
1- Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with a paper towel. Roughly chop the cherries into small pieces.
2- In a food processor, blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a mixing bowl and fold in the chopped cherries until evenly distributed.
4- Scoop the filling by the tablespoonful and roll it into 24 even balls between your palms.
5- Pour the chopped pecans onto a plate. Roll each ball in the pecans, pressing gently to help them adhere.
6- Arrange the finished Cherry Bourbon Balls on a serving plate and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, make sure to thoroughly drain and dry the maraschino cherries before chopping.
- Don’t be afraid to add an extra splash of bourbon if you want a stronger flavor.
- Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their natural oils and amplifies the crunch.
- Chilling the balls for at least 30 minutes helps them hold their shape when serving.
Serving and Storing Your Cherry Bourbon Balls
Perfect Pairings for Cherry Bourbon Balls
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are the ultimate holiday treat, making 24 servings with each portion being 1 ball. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of your favorite bourbon for an indulgent after-dinner delight. You can also serve them alongside a platter of festive cookies or alongside a cheese board for a sophisticated cocktail party spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great news is that these Cherry Bourbon Balls keep exceptionally well! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the balls for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. And the best part? You can make the entire batch up to 5 days in advance, keeping them chilled until you’re ready to wow your guests.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Bourbon Balls
Creative Cherry Bourbon Balls Variations
While the classic Cherry Bourbon Balls are truly hard to beat, there’s always room for a creative twist! Try swapping out the pecans for crushed walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. You could also roll the balls in cocoa powder or finely shredded coconut for a fun visual contrast. And if you’re feeling festive, you could even dip the chilled balls in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Making Cherry Bourbon Balls Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, fear not – you can still enjoy the flavors of Cherry Bourbon Balls. To make them gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies in the filling. And for a vegan version, opt for dairy-free cream cheese and maple syrup or agave in place of the powdered sugar. You can even make a low-carb spin by using a sugar-free powdered sweetener and swapping the cherries for low-sugar dried cranberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even finely chopped pistachios if you prefer. Just toast them beforehand to amp up the crunch.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 balls, with each serving being 1 ball.
Q: Can I make these Cherry Bourbon Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, these balls can be made up to 5 days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
Q: What if I don’t have a food processor?
A: No problem! You can use a stand mixer or even a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese filling. Just be sure to finely chop the cherries by hand.
Q: How do I know when the Cherry Bourbon Balls are fully set?
A: The balls should firm up nicely after about 30 minutes in the fridge. You’ll know they’re ready when they hold their shape when gently pressed.
Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 24 balls
Description
Indulge in the rich, boozy flavors of these homemade Cherry Bourbon Balls – a decadent holiday treat that’s quick and easy to make. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of cherries and the warmth of bourbon, these bite-sized delights are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
– 1 cup pitted fresh cherries, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons bourbon
– 2 cups powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cherries and bourbon. Let sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the cherries to macerate.
2. 2. Add the powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract to the cherry-bourbon mixture. Mix until a thick, fudgy dough forms.
3. 3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. 4. Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. 5. Dust the chilled cherry bourbon balls generously with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
– For a stronger bourbon flavor, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the dough.
– Substitute dried cherries or other dried fruit if fresh cherries are not available.
– Store the finished cherry bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that Cherry Bourbon Balls are a true holiday showstopper. With their perfect balance of boozy, sweet, and crunchy flavors, they’re sure to be the star of any festive gathering. I hope this recipe inspires you to get in the kitchen and whip up a batch (or two!) to share with your loved ones. And don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear all about your Cherry Bourbon Ball adventures!
