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- 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped - 1/4 cup light corn syrup - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup unsweetened cherry juice - A pinch of sea salt - Mixing bowl - Spatula or wooden spoon - Baking sheet - Parchment paper When I make Cherry Bourbon Balls, I love the mix of sweet and nutty flavors. The dried cherries add a chewy bite and a burst of fruitiness. Graham cracker crumbs give the balls a great texture, making them easy to roll. The powdered sugar is key for sweetness and dusting, making the balls look nice. Toasted pecans add a rich, crunchy flavor that pairs well with the cherries. For the additional ingredients, light corn syrup helps bind everything together. Pure vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting taste that everyone loves. Cherry juice enhances the cherry flavor and makes the mixture moist. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor. In terms of tools, you will need a mixing bowl for combining all the ingredients. A spatula or wooden spoon works best to mix the dough. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. These simple ingredients and tools come together to create a festive treat for the holidays. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, get a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, add: - 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1 cup powdered sugar Stir these dry ingredients well with a spatula. Make sure they mix evenly. Next, it's time to add the wet ingredients. Gently fold in: - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped - 1/4 cup light corn syrup - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup unsweetened cherry juice - A pinch of sea salt Mix until you see a moist dough form. This dough should stick together nicely. Now, with clean hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture. Roll them into balls that are about 1 inch in size. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step helps to keep them from sticking. Once all the balls are shaped, cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is key. It helps the balls firm up and makes them easier to handle later. After they chill, take them out and roll each one in more powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Enjoy these treats chilled or at room temperature! To make cherry bourbon balls, the right consistency is key. You want the mixture to be moist but not too sticky. If it feels too dry, add a bit more cherry juice or corn syrup. If it's too wet, add more graham cracker crumbs. Rolling the balls smoothly can be tricky. Use clean hands and wet them slightly to help shape the mixture. This way, the dough won’t stick to your fingers. Aim for balls that are about one inch wide. You can add extra flavors to your cherry bourbon balls. Consider mixing in a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist. A bit of orange zest can bring a fresh note. If you want them sweeter, add more powdered sugar when rolling. Adjusting sweetness is simple. If you prefer less sugar, cut back on the powdered sugar you roll them in. Just remember, the sugar adds a nice touch to the outer layer. Presentation can make your cherry bourbon balls look even more appealing. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar right before serving. This adds a snowy look that’s festive. For garnishing, try placing whole pecans on top of each ball. You can also add a sprig of mint for a pop of color. Arrange them on a decorative platter for a beautiful display at your holiday table. Pro Tips Chill for Firmness: Ensure the bourbon balls chill for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect firmness. This prevents them from falling apart when you roll them. Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality dried cherries and pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of your bourbon balls significantly. Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor profile in your cherry bourbon balls. Storage Tips: Store any leftover bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and flavorful for up to a week. {{image_4}} You can change some ingredients in your cherry bourbon balls. If you want different nuts, use almonds or walnuts. Both add a nice crunch and flavor. If you need a sweetener swap, consider honey or maple syrup. These options give a richer taste without losing sweetness. Feel free to get creative with flavors! You can switch out bourbon for rum or brandy. Each spirit brings its unique twist to the dish. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the taste. A few drops of almond or orange extract will give it a fresh spin! Cherry bourbon balls are great for any season. For the holidays, add festive spices like ginger or cloves. You can even roll them in colored sugar to match the season. For events like birthdays, try using fun sprinkles instead of powdered sugar. These small changes make them perfect for any celebration! Store your cherry bourbon balls in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. If you don’t have a container, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. These treats stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge. If they look dry or have an off smell, it’s time to toss them. Freshness is key for the best taste. To freeze your bourbon balls, first, let them cool. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about one hour. Once firm, transfer the balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge. This helps keep their flavor intact and makes them easy to eat. Cherry bourbon balls are sweet, no-bake treats. They blend dried cherries, graham crackers, and bourbon. This dessert is a festive favorite. It likely originated in the Southern U.S., where bourbon is popular. Each bite offers a mix of sweetness and nutty flavor. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts. Yes, you can make these balls ahead. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make them a few days before your event to save time. Once formed, just refrigerate them until you're ready to serve. This makes party prep easier and stress-free. Yes, you can easily make gluten-free cherry bourbon balls. Swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Look for gluten-free cookies or crumbs in stores. Ensure your other ingredients, like nuts and bourbon, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these treats. You can serve cherry bourbon balls in various ways. Place them on a decorative platter for a nice display. Dust them with extra powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Adding whole pecans or mint leaves can enhance their look. They can be served chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy them during festive gatherings or casual get-togethers. Cherry bourbon balls mix tasty ingredients and fun steps. You learned about key ingredients, tools, and methods. I shared tips to enhance flavor and make your treats look great. You can try variations for holidays or special events. Remember to store them right to enjoy their best taste. These treats are not just tasty; they are memorable. Enjoy making and sharing them with friends and family!

Cherry Bourbon Balls Delight

A delightful treat combining dried cherries, bourbon, and nuts, rolled in powdered sugar.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cherry juice
  • a pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, add the finely chopped dried cherries, graham cracker crumbs, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Stir well with a spatula or wooden spoon until all elements are evenly incorporated.
  • Next, gently fold in the toasted and finely chopped pecans, light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, unsweetened cherry juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until a moist and cohesive dough is formed.
  • With clean hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep them from sticking.
  • After shaping all the balls, cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or until the balls are firm and set.
  • Once chilled, remove the balls from the refrigerator. Roll each one individually in additional powdered sugar to create a light, sweet coating that enhances their appeal.
  • These delightful cherry bourbon balls can be served either chilled or at room temperature. Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness.

Notes

For an elegant touch, arrange the bourbon balls on a decorative platter, dust with extra powdered sugar, and garnish with a few whole pecans or a sprig of mint.
Keyword bourbon, cherry, dessert, no-bake