On a chilly afternoon when I was reorganizing my holiday baking cabinet. I opened a jar of maraschino cherries, and the sweet aroma immediately pulled me into a nostalgic mood.

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It brought back memories of the tiny treats we used to decorate during festive seasons, little bites that always appeared before the main celebration. That playful moment of rediscovery inspired me to create something rich, fun, and just a bit grown up.

Later that day, while the house buzzed with everyone preparing for their evening plans, I slipped into the kitchen with a bowl of pecans and a splash of bourbon. Starting a no bake treat has its own quiet excitement, almost like crafting a secret surprise. As I chopped the cherries and stirred everything together, it felt similar to assembling handmade ornaments, each ingredient adding a small spark of holiday spirit.

By the time the mixture chilled and the rounds were shaped, the kitchen was filled with the scent of cherries mingled with warm bourbon. Dipping each piece into glossy chocolate felt like adding a final flourish to something meant to be shared. These Cherry Bourbon Balls quickly earned a spot on my winter dessert table simply because they bring a cheerful, festive energy to every gathering.

Short Description

Cherry Bourbon Balls a festive no-bake treat featuring bourbon-soaked pecans, sweet cherries, and buttery filling dipped in smooth chocolate.

Key Ingredients

1 cup raw pecans
½ cup bourbon
1 cup chopped maraschino cherries
½ cup salted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil
Candied cherry halves for topping

Tools Needed

Mixing bowls
Hand-held electric mixer
Wooden spoon
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Pecans
Combine the pecans and bourbon in a small bowl. Let them soak for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours. The pecans should look fully saturated but not mushy. Longer soaking gives a richer flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling Base
Use a hand-held electric mixer to beat the powdered sugar and butter until crumbly. The mixture will look dry at first — this is normal.

Step 3: Add the Cherries and Pecans
Stir in the chopped maraschino cherries and the bourbon-pecan mixture using a wooden spoon. The mixture may become thick. If it feels too stiff, knead it gently with your hands until everything blends evenly.

Step 4: Shape the Balls
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls using your palms. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour so they firm up and hold their shape while dipping.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
Add the chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) to a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 20-second intervals, stirring between each one until smooth and glossy. If using a double boiler, heat gently until melted.

Step 6: Dip and Top
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate using a fork to lift and shake off excess. Place back onto the parchment. Press a candied cherry half on top before the chocolate sets.

Step 7: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate until the chocolate is fully firm, about 20 minutes. The coating should be smooth and crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Full of nostalgic holiday flavor

Easy no-bake process

Perfect for gifting

Great make-ahead dessert

Rich chocolate coating

Soft, buttery, cherry-filled center

Festive presentation with cherry toppers

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dry or Crumbly Filling
If the filling falls apart when shaping.
Solution: Add 1 teaspoon of softened butter or 1 teaspoon of bourbon until the mixture comes together smoothly.

Balls Too Soft to Dip
If they lose shape in the chocolate.
Solution: Chill for an additional 30 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes before dipping.

Chocolate Seizing
If chocolate turns grainy.
Solution: Add ½ teaspoon shortening or coconut oil and stir gently over low heat until smooth again.

Over-soaking the Pecans
If they start to break apart.
Solution: Limit soaking to 12 hours. If they soften too much, reduce the soaking time on your next batch.

Uneven Chocolate Coverage
If chocolate drips thickly or sets lumpy.
Solution: Thin the chocolate with a tiny bit of shortening and tap the fork lightly after dipping.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve on a holiday dessert platter alongside fudge, truffles, or cookies.

Pair beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, or a creamy holiday cocktail.

Arrange on a tiered stand for buffet-style gatherings so guests can help themselves.

For individual plating, add a small swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

No reheating is required.

Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving so the centers soften slightly.

FAQs

1. Are these safe to serve to kids?
Because the bourbon is not cooked out, the flavor is strong and retains alcohol content. They’re best reserved for adults.

2. Can I substitute another alcohol?
Yes. Rum, amaretto, or brandy work beautifully and add different flavor notes.

3. Can I make these without alcohol?
Replace bourbon with cherry juice or apple juice. The flavor will be sweeter and less bold, but still delicious.

4. Why is my filling sticky?
Sticky filling usually comes from excess moisture in the cherries. Pat them dry before chopping.

5. Can I freeze Cherry Bourbon Balls?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips & Tricks

Dry the maraschino cherries before chopping to prevent soggy filling.

Use gloves when shaping to keep your hands clean and the mixture from warming.

Chill the balls twice for the smoothest chocolate coating.

Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.

Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and finish.

Recipe Variations

White Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for 2 cups of white chocolate chips. Melt using the same method. Dip as usual. The flavor becomes creamier with a vanilla-like finish.

Dark Chocolate Espresso Version: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the filling in Step 2. Replace semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate chips. Expect a deeper, slightly bitter note that pairs beautifully with bourbon.

Nut-Free Cherry Balls: Replace pecans with 1 cup crushed graham crackers. Skip the bourbon soak and add 2 tablespoons cherry juice instead. Mix and shape as normal for a kid-friendly version.

Coconut Cherry Truffles: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the filling before shaping. Dip in chocolate and sprinkle a little coconut on top before chilling.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Bourbon Balls have a charming way of blending nostalgic sweetness with a subtle adult richness. Every bite gives you that soft burst of cherry, wrapped in cocoa and lifted by a smooth bourbon aroma, cozy, festive, and just bold enough to feel special. They fit effortlessly into holiday plates, late-night cravings, or little moments when you want something indulgent without going overboard.

The best part is how simple they are to prepare. No baking, minimal effort, and they store beautifully, making them perfect for gifting or keeping chilled for whenever the craving hits. Whether shared at a party or enjoyed quietly from the fridge, these little confections always seem to disappear faster than expected.

Cherry Bourbon Balls