This amazing Pecan Bourbon Ball recipe is one of my favorite old fashioned treats. The crunchy pecans and the smoothness of the bourbon give it an incredible depth of flavor which makes it a one-of-kind boozy bite!
Jump to:
Pecan bourbon balls
You don't need anything fancy for this recipe-just a few simple ingredients from your local grocery store and liquor store. The combo of chocolate, pecans, and bourbon creates a flavor that's totally unique and irresistible.
That rich chocolate with a hint of bourbon? It's a match made in holiday heaven and the perfect treat for your party spread!
Ingredients you'll need
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
Creative variations to try
- Instead of rolling these boozy bourbon balls in confectioners' sugar, you could dip in melted chocolate or roll in cocoa powder.
- You can also roll this no bake treat into your favorite holiday sprinkles. That will give them a little extra flare and prevent them from sticking together.
- Out of vanilla wafers? You can use graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even gingersnaps instead of the usual vanilla wafers.
- Want a little maple flavor in your bourbon balls? Swap out the Karo syrup for maple syrup. I also had a reader who substituted honey and really enjoyed the flavor!
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the recipe card. Click on the photo to enlarge it up for clear instruction!
#1 Pulverize the cookies in a blender or food processor.
#2 Pour the crumbs into a large mixing bowl.
#3 Combine the crumbs, cocoa, chopped pecans and crumbs.
#4 Mix together well.
#5 Add the bouton, vanilla and corn syrup.
#6 Mix to combine.
#7 Shape the mixture into small balls.
#8 Roll in powdered sugar and chill.
Essential tools for this recipe
The following are affiliate links. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
Watch and learn: recipe video
Hey, if you want to catch all my videos, subscribe to my YouTube Channel. You'll be notified each time I share a new video!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
A Kentucky bourbon ball is usually coated in chocolate instead of powdered sugar.
No, you aren't heating this dessert so the alcohol will not evaporate. Because of that, you will need to serve this as an adult-only dessert the holiday season.
The primary difference is the type of alcohol used. Rum balls use rum and bourbon balls use bourbon whiskey. Bourbon also has a slightly smoky flavor that pairs nicely with chocolate.
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
If you don't have a blender or food processor you can use a storage bag and a rolling pin to make the cookie crumbs. Just be sure to completely crush the cookies. You want to make sure that you get your cookies to a fine crumb so that they mix well into your chocolate mixture.
- Is your batter sticking to your scoop? You can lightly spray the scoop with nonstick cooking spray and that should help prevent it from sticking.
- Use a good quality bourbon to make this boozy treat! Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve or any high caliber is best. (You only need a quarter cup of bourbon for the recipe.)
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Store your bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you are stacking them in your container make sure to use a piece of wax paper between the layers so they don't stick together.
Freezer - If you want to freeze these no bake treats, then I recommend that you flash freeze them. Place them on a baking sheet or cookie sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once they have hardened move them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
More holiday treats you'll enjoy
There are some amazing Christmas cookies and treats on the blog. Be sure to click through to the link so you can decide what treats to make for your cookie exchange!
Aren't these yummy? I hoped you would love them as much as we do! Leave your comments below, I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts!
Pecan Bourbon Balls Recipe
Equipment
- small cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups crushed vanilla wafer cookies about 45 cookies
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling, holiday sprinkles, cocoa powder, etc.
Instructions
- Place the vanilla wafer cookies in a blender and pulse until they become fine crumbs. (Alternatively, you can place the cookies in a plastic bag, seal it, and use a rolling pin to crush the cookies.)
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the crushed cookies, chopped pecans, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder and mix with a fork.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the whiskey, vanilla and corn syrup. Mix well until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
- Using a small cookie scoop, roll small portions into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until they're evenly coated. This gives them a nice finish and helps prevent sticking.
- Place the bourbon balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate.
Melody Harris says
Thanks, Deb, for the recipe. I have substituted honey for the corn syrup and adds a different flavor to the dessert. Yum!
Bowl Me Over says
That sounds wonderful Melody!! GREAT substitute, I will add it to the blog. Thanks for sharing!
Colleen B. says
Years ago I had made Rum Balls and have never made them again. Just not the type of person to have alcohol in my baking. Give me an old fashion chocolate chip cookie.
Being I have already won on your Amazon giveaway; leave my name off your drawing and let someone else have that wonderful opportunity of winning.
Thank you
Bowl Me Over says
And NOW I'm drooling for a chewy chocolate chip cookie 😋 Yum, yum, yum! I appreciate your support of the blog Colleen! Happy Holidays!!
Nancy Mah says
I would probably use rum or liqueurs instead of whiskey
Maureen says
These bourbon balls look right up my alley. I like the fact that I can freeze them so when things get out of hand I can go into my corner and relaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
kesha says
Oh my! My guy friend would love these! I must make them for him!
Marsha says
Debra ! These are going to be a hit a my next gathering! I will use the maple syrup for sure. I love the great instructions
Bowl Me Over says
Most definitely Marsha!! They are SO good - enjoy!!!
Jean Morgan says
I have 2 sons that don't eat a lot of sweets. BUT if I say Bourbon Balls I can hear them now saying I'll try those. One is in Army in Germany. Do you think they would last long enough to get there? The other just retired from Army but lives in NY I think they would make it okay there. I'm sending out from NC.
Bowl Me Over says
Yes, this treat would ship well. They last about two weeks, so shipping would work! Be sure to package them well so they don't get crumbly. Enjoy!!
MaryB says
I’ve always wanted to try these but my hubby has a nut allergy. Do you think I could add additional wafer crumbs in place of the pecans? Even if I can’t, I just might make these for gifts!
Bowl Me Over says
I haven't tried that, however I don't see why it wouldn't work! Definitely give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you. Can't wait!! Happy Holidays Mary!!
Michelle Gosser says
I've never tried these! But they look very easy to make. I like the idea that they can be made ahead of time and be frozen until ready to thaw and serve.
Bowl Me Over says
I hope you give them a try!!
Jann Forrest says
I made these with one change. I don't like the taste of Bourbon/Whiskey but I love rum. So I substituted rum and they were delicious.
Sheila Brewer says
I love bourbon balls. My mom made them every holiday when we were growing up. We weren't allowed to have anyone than 2. I'm definitely going to make these
Bowl Me Over says
I love those foodie memories, that's awesome Sheila! Enjoy the recipe, these are amazing!
Bowl Me Over says
That's perfect Jann, what a great substitution. Happy Holidays!
Carol says
I make these every December they are so good. I have never tried rolling them in confectionary sugar, I always roll them in granulated sugar. I will try the confectionary sugar this year!!!
Bowl Me Over says
Ooh, you know I've never tried rolling them in granulated sugar, so there you go! Try rolling in cocoa powder as well, super yummy! Enjoy Carol and Happy Holidays!!
Kim Slater says
I always make Rum Balls. These sound even better. I think I'll try making these this year.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful! Enjoy Kim, this is an easy recipe to make homemade candy. These are perfect holiday treats!!
C. Luciana says
Look so yummy! Might have to try them!
Bowl Me Over says
I hope you do Cindy! Happy holidays!