Bourbon Balls Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Nothing is better than the rich chocolate and crunch of homemade Bourbon Balls! Add this recipe to your holiday list and make a few extra as the adults will grab and devour these in no time!

Make these Bourbon Balls for the holidays. Since this is considered more of an adult dessert, consider making  White Chocolate Gingerbread Truffles for the kids.

Bourbon balls stacked on a wooden platter

Bourbon Balls

These bourbon balls are the best you will ever make. They are easy to make, taste amazing and are always a hit. You can make them for a party or as a gift, and everyone will love them.

Can I Get Drunk from Kentucky Bourbon Balls?

There is only a small amount of bourbon in these Holiday cookies. In the entire batch, which makes 48 balls, there is 1/4 cup of bourbon which is about 1 and 1/3 jiggers or shots. It is very unlikely that you would get drunk even if you ate the entire batch.

What is the Best Bourbon for this Recipe?

When I am making these old fashion bourbon balls, I like to use Jim Bean Bourbon. This is a personal preference and if you have another brand that you like, feel free to use that instead. The important thing to remember is to pick one that you like the flavor of. This is the predominant flavor in these bourbon balls and you need to like the flavor.

Up close picture of bourbon balls with one cut in half

Can Kids Eat These?

When you are making these bourbon bars, it uses a 1/4 cup of bourbon which is about 1 and 1/3 shots. This is split between the 48 balls. Since there is no cooling involved, the alcohol is not getting cooked out of the balls. There is only a small amount of alcohol in each ball but it is in there.

Stacked bourbon balls on a wood cutting board in front of Jim Beam bourbon

Ingredients you will need:

  • Vanilla wafer crumbs
  • Pecans
  • Confectioners sugar
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Jim Bean Bourbon
  • Light corn syrup

Other Things You Will Need

  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Spoon
  • Mini cookie scoop
  • Baking pan

How to Make Bourbon Balls

In a bowl, put the wafer crumbs, cocoa and 1 cup of the confectioner’s sugar together.

Dry ingredients for whiskey Holiday Cookie balls in a large glass bowl

Next, add the corn syrup and bourbon to another bowl. Use a spoon to blend it together.
Slowly, add it to the crumb mixture and mix it together well.
Use a mini cookie scoop to make the dough balls and then roll it with your hands.

Then, roll the ball in the confectioner’s sugar.

Rolling in powdered sugar

Put the dough balls on the baking pan or a plate and refrigerate.
A hand holding a bourbon ball with a bite out of it.
5 from 2 votes

Bourbon Balls

These boozy Bourbon Balls are a tasty dessert for all adults to enjoy. They are rich, crunchy, and easy to make for your next party. I promise they will be devoured as fast as you put them out!
Servings: 24 Balls
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12-oz. package vanilla wafers, finely crushed
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
  • Powdered sugar chocolate jimmies and holiday sprinkles for coating

Instructions

  • Line a tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, bourbon, cocoa powder and corn syrup.
  • Using an electric mixer combine everything.
  • Roll the mixture into 1 to 1-½ inch balls.
  • Roll the balls in either powdered sugar, chocolate jimmies or holiday sprinkles and set on the parchment lined tray.
  • Chill for 1 hour to set.
  • Serve!

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • small bowl
  • Spoon
  • Mini cookie scoop
  • Baking pan

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 weeks. 
  • You can use other crushed nuts if you prefer. 
  • Roll the balls in crushed nuts or even dip them in chocolate if you prefer. 
  • You can switch out the bourbon for rum or your favorite alcohol. 

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Categories:

LOVE THIS HOLIDAY COOKIE RECIPE? PIN IT!

Kentucky Bourbon Balls Recipe

Leave a Review!

We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.

Your email address will not be published.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating:




I accept the Privacy Policy

1 thought on “Bourbon Balls Recipe”

  1. Jackie DeBlanc

    I think this needed more cookie crumbs. It was very wet and sticky and very boozy tasting. Added another cup and a half of the vanilla wafer crumbs and was much better consistency. I got 42 balls and they tasted much smoother.