Kentucky Bourbon Balls

Chocolate bourbon balls in white muffin cups on a gold plate.

Susannah Brinkley Henry

Kentucky Bourbon Balls are a sweet and boozy confection and a Southern delicacy. Perfect for Derby Day, holiday parties and cookie trays!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Southern

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 0

Total Time 30

Servings balls

Calories 189kcal

Author Susannah Brinkley Henry

Ingredients

3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
¾ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
½ cup bourbon whiskey
toppings such as cocoa powder, powdered sugar, sprinkles, more chopped pecans or melted chocolate

for chocolate-dipped coating

4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
¼ cup coconut oil
whole pecans for garnish

Instructions

Place the cookie crumbs, powdered sugar, cocoa and chopped pecans in a large bowl.
Add the bourbon, vanilla and maple syrup. Stir together until thoroughly combined and a thick dough has formed.
Use a 1- or 2-tablespoon-sized cookie scoop or spoon to form evenly-sized balls. Roll balls in your palms to round them out.
Roll in your favorite toppings, such as powdered sugar, cocoa powder, sprinkles or more chopped pecans.
For a melted chocolate coating: Warm chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave and stir together until combined. Use a fork to lower the balls in the melted chocolate until coated and place on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Top with a whole pecan half or sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Best bourbon for bourbon balls

If you have a favorite bourbon, you can use it in these bourbon balls. I like trying different whiskeys, but my favorites for baked goods are Maker’s Mark, Bulleit and Woodford Reserve.

Variations and substitutions

Bourbon balls without nuts: If you need to make a nut-free version, substitute an additional 1 cup Nilla Wafer crumbs for the nuts.

Non-alcoholic bourbon balls: Try them with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.

With other nuts: These would work with walnuts instead of pecans.

Different cookie base: Instead of Nilla Wafers, you can use graham cracker crumbs, Biscoff cookies or chocolate wafers.

Gluten-free bourbon balls: Use crumbs from your favorite gluten-free cookies.

Nutrition

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