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Classic Kentucky Bourbon Balls: Easy No-Bake Recipe

A stack of delicious bourbon balls rolled in shredded coconut, sitting on a white plate near a window.
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Create rich, decadent Kentucky Bourbon Balls with this simple, no-bake recipe. These boozy treats use vanilla wafers and pecans, coming together quickly for impressive holiday gifting or festive parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers (about 150 grams)
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus extra for rolling
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup quality bourbon (Jim Beam or similar recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate, for optional coating

Instructions

  1. Place the crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa powder into a large mixing bowl. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are evenly combined.
  2. Add the bourbon, honey, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix everything thoroughly using a sturdy spoon or your hands until a stiff dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should yield about 24 to 30 bourbon balls.
  4. Roll each ball in extra confectioners’ sugar until fully coated, or dip them in the melted semi-sweet chocolate for a different finish.
  5. Place the finished bourbon balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Chill the bourbon balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow them to set properly.

Notes

  • For a deeper bourbon flavor, let the dough rest, covered, in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
  • If the mixture seems too dry to hold its shape, add bourbon one teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  • These adult dessert recipes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them excellent homemade candy gifts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/easy-bourbon-balls-no-bake-recipe/