Description
These Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining crunchy vanilla wafer cookies, toasted pecans, cocoa powder, and the smooth warmth of bourbon. Coated in powdered sugar, they make an irresistible bite-sized dessert perfect for parties or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (11-ounce) package vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Powdered sugar for coating
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or flavoring
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Instructions
- Crush the Cookies. Use a food processor or food chopper to crush the vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush them finely with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the crushed cookie crumbs, finely chopped toasted pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Form Dough. In a small bowl, whisk the bourbon, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup together. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well until a thick dough forms.
- Scoop and Shape. Using a cookie scoop, measure about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it between your hands to form roughly 1-inch diameter balls.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar. Place additional powdered sugar in a medium bowl and roll each bourbon ball in the sugar to thoroughly coat. Arrange the coated balls in a sealed container.
- Chill and Store. Refrigerate the bourbon balls for at least one hour to set. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping.
- You can adjust the bourbon quantity slightly depending on your preference for strength and moisture.
- If a smoother texture is desired, pulse the pecans with cookie crumbs in the processor briefly to finer consistency.
- These treats are best served chilled but should be brought to room temperature a few minutes before eating for optimal taste.
- Use a gentle hand when rolling to keep the balls firm but not crumbly.
