Description
Bite-sized indulgent treats made with crushed cookies, bourbon, cherries, and a hint of cocoa — no baking required and perfect for festive gifting or holiday dessert platters.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 40 cookies)
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1/4 cup honey or light corn syrup
1/4 cup bourbon (or to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, pecans, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.
2. Add chopped cherries, honey, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Stir until mixture is fully combined and slightly sticky.
3. If mixture is too dry, add an additional tablespoon of bourbon or honey.
4. Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
5. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat evenly.
6. Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
For a stronger flavor, make these a few days in advance — the bourbon intensifies over time.
Substitute rum for bourbon for a different twist.
You can also dip the balls in melted dark chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: no-bake bourbon balls, cherry bourbon dessert, holiday treats, bourbon truffles, Christmas candy