These bourbon balls are fudgy, creamy, and irresistibly delicious.
Best Bourbon Balls Recipe
Made with heavy cream, chocolate, a touch of bourbon, and vanilla, then rolled in crushed pecans, these truffles are rich, smooth, and perfect for sharing. They work well year-round but shine at holiday gatherings and in cookie boxes.
Who invented bourbon balls?
Ruth Hanly Booe, cofounder of Kentucky chocolatier Rebecca Ruth Candy, created bourbon balls in 1938. They’ve been a festive favorite ever since.
Bourbon Ball Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 16 ounces chocolate, chopped
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
- 3 cups crushed pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
What can I substitute for bourbon?
The bourbon flavor in these truffles is subtle. If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace the bourbon with an equal amount of water or a neutral-flavored liquid. The extra liquid helps the chocolate and cream come together into a smooth ganache.
How To Make Bourbon Balls
- Heat the cream – Pour the heavy cream into a small to medium saucepan and heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Combine – Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, bourbon (if using), a pinch of sea salt, and vanilla. Whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. If needed, return to very low heat briefly to finish melting.
- Chill – Transfer the ganache to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 3–4 hours, until firm enough to scoop.
- Scoop and roll – Use a small cookie scoop (#40) or a spoon to portion the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball, then coat in the crushed pecans.
- Set – Refrigerate the coated truffles for at least 2 hours so they hold their shape.
- Serve – Arrange on a platter and enjoy.
Bourbon Ball Toppings
While crushed pecans are classic, these toppings also work well:
- Crushed walnuts
- Cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar
- Crushed toffee
- Sprinkles
- Shredded coconut
- Cinnamon sugar
Chocolate Bourbon Ball Tips and FAQs
Storing Chocolate Bourbon Balls
Do bourbon balls need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh.
How long do bourbon balls last?
Refrigerated bourbon balls will keep for 1–2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month or more; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 16 ounces chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
- 3 cups crushed pecans
Instructions
- Add the heavy cream to a small to medium saucepan and heat until it simmers.
- Add the chopped chocolate, bourbon, sea salt, and vanilla to the hot cream and whisk until smooth. If needed, return to low heat to fully melt the chocolate.
- Transfer the chocolate mixture to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 3–4 hours until firm.
- Portion the chilled mixture with a small scoop or spoon, roll into balls, and coat with crushed pecans.
- Refrigerate the bourbon balls for at least 2 hours to set before serving.
Recipe Notes
Coating variations:
- Crushed walnuts
- Cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar
- Crushed toffee
- Sprinkles
- Shredded coconut
- Cinnamon sugar
Nutrition
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