It was a chilly December evening, and I had a hankering for something sweet and a little bit naughty. That’s when I remembered my grandma’s famous Cherry Bourbon Balls. These bite-sized treats had been a staple at our family’s holiday gatherings for as long as I could remember, and I couldn’t wait to recreate that nostalgic flavor.
I gathered the simple ingredients – plump maraschino cherries, a splash of smooth bourbon, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and a dusting of powdered sugar. As I started mixing everything together, the aroma of the cherries and bourbon filled my kitchen, transporting me back to those cozy Christmas eves spent gathered around the fireplace, swapping stories and laughing until our bellies hurt.
With each step, I could practically see my grandma’s warm smile as she watched me work. She always had a special touch when it came to these Cherry Bourbon Balls, and I was determined to do her recipe justice. After just 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, I had a tray of the most decadent, boozy-sweet treats ready to share. It’s no wonder these Cherry Bourbon Balls have become a beloved tradition in my family – they’re the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and they always manage to bring people together.
Why This Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Bourbon Balls
What makes this Cherry Bourbon Balls recipe so special is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The juicy, tart maraschino cherries provide a lovely contrast to the rich, oaky bourbon, while the graham cracker crumbs lend a delightful crunch to each bite. And let’s not forget the velvety coating of powdered sugar – it adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the boozy punch.
The key to nailing this recipe is all in the technique. First, you’ll want to make sure the cherries are finely chopped, so they seamlessly integrate into the filling. Then, you’ll need to let the bourbon and graham cracker crumbs mingle for just the right amount of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. And the final step of gently rolling the balls in powdered sugar? That’s what takes these Cherry Bourbon Balls from good to absolutely irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped: These juicy, sweet cherries are the star of the show, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
1/4 cup bourbon: The smooth, oak-y notes of the bourbon perfectly complement the cherries, creating a grown-up take on a classic holiday treat.
2 cups graham cracker crumbs: The crunchy graham cracker crumbs lend a wonderful texture to the Cherry Bourbon Balls, balancing out the soft, creamy filling.
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating: The powdered sugar not only adds a delightful sweetness, but it also gives the balls a beautiful, snowy-white exterior.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a rich, indulgent filling.
Step-by-Step Cherry Bourbon Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Cherry Bourbon Balls
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 5 minutes, these Cherry Bourbon Balls come together in a flash. You’ll need a medium mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a small spoon or cookie scoop to get started.
1- Begin by draining the maraschino cherries and finely chopping them. This will ensure the cherry flavor is evenly distributed throughout the filling.
2- In the mixing bowl, combine the chopped cherries, bourbon, graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and the melted butter. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until they’re well incorporated and the mixture starts to come together.
3- Scoop the cherry-bourbon mixture by the tablespoonful and roll it into smooth, round balls. Place the balls on the baking sheet as you go.
4- Once all the balls are formed, roll them in the additional powdered sugar, making sure to coat them evenly. The sugar will create a beautiful, snowy-white exterior.
5- Transfer the coated balls to a serving platter or container.
6- Enjoy your homemade Cherry Bourbon Balls immediately, or store them for later. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chop the cherries finely to ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the filling.
- Don’t over-mix the ingredients – you want the filling to be just cohesive enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the filling for uniform-sized balls.
- Roll the balls gently in the powdered sugar to create a smooth, even coating.
- Store the Cherry Bourbon Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
Serving and Storing Your Cherry Bourbon Balls
Perfect Pairings for Cherry Bourbon Balls
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are the perfect bite-sized treat to serve at your next holiday gathering or cozy night in. With 20 balls per batch, they’re great for sharing with friends and family.
For the best flavor experience, pair the Cherry Bourbon Balls with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a glass of your favorite red wine. The rich, velvety chocolate or bold, fruity notes of the wine will complement the boozy-sweet flavor of the balls beautifully.
You can also serve the Cherry Bourbon Balls alongside a selection of other holiday cookies, candies, and snacks for a truly decadent spread. They’d be a lovely addition to a dessert table or cheese board.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these Cherry Bourbon Balls is that they can be made in advance, making your holiday prep a breeze. Once the balls are coated in powdered sugar, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you’d like to make them even further ahead, you can freeze the uncoated balls for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the balls in the refrigerator overnight, then roll them in the powdered sugar just before serving.
To reheat the Cherry Bourbon Balls, you can either enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge or briefly warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as that can cause the bourbon flavor to become too intense.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Bourbon Balls
Creative Cherry Bourbon Balls Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try these delicious variations on the classic Cherry Bourbon Balls:
- Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Bourbon Balls: Melt some dark chocolate and dip the balls in it for an extra indulgent twist.
- Cherry Bourbon Balls with Nuts: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch.
- Festive Cherry Bourbon Balls: Sprinkle with crushed peppermint or roll in crushed candy canes for a holiday-inspired look.
- Spiced Cherry Bourbon Balls: Add a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling for a warm, seasonal flavor.
Making Cherry Bourbon Balls Diet-Friendly
Want to enjoy these Cherry Bourbon Balls while sticking to a specific dietary plan? No problem! Here are some easy substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed nuts in place of the graham crackers.
- Vegan: Substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter, and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of powdered sugar.
- Low-Carb: Replace the graham cracker crumbs with ground almonds or pecans, and use a sugar-free powdered sweetener instead of regular powdered sugar.
No matter which version you try, these Cherry Bourbon Balls are sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
A: Absolutely! While bourbon provides a delicious oak-y flavor, you can experiment with other spirits like rum, whiskey, or even coffee liqueur.
Q: How long do the Cherry Bourbon Balls need to chill before rolling them in the powdered sugar?
A: There’s no need to chill the balls before rolling them in the powdered sugar. You can coat them immediately after forming the balls, as the sugar will help them hold their shape.
Q: Can I make these Cherry Bourbon Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, these balls are perfect for making in advance. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze the uncoated balls for up to 3 months.
Q: How many Cherry Bourbon Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 20 delicious, bite-sized Cherry Bourbon Balls.
Q: My Cherry Bourbon Balls are crumbling when I try to roll them. What can I do?
A: If the filling is too dry, try adding an extra tablespoon or two of melted butter to help bind the ingredients together. You can also lightly wet your hands before rolling to prevent the balls from sticking.
Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 20 balls
Description
These cherry bourbon balls are a decadent and boozy treat that come together in just 20 minutes. Made with maraschino cherries, graham cracker crumbs, and a splash of bourbon, they’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for parties or enjoying with friends.
Ingredients
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped maraschino cherries and bourbon. Let sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the cherries to absorb the bourbon.
2. 2. In a separate bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
3. 3. Add the melted butter to the cherry-bourbon mixture and stir until well combined.
4. 4. Scoop the cherry-bourbon mixture by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Roll the balls in the graham cracker crumb mixture until fully coated.
5. 5. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet or platter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. 6. Dust the chilled cherry bourbon balls with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a stronger bourbon flavor, increase the amount of bourbon to 1/3 cup. Store any leftover balls in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Cookies & Bars
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are the perfect balance of sweet and boozy, and they’re sure to become a new holiday favorite in your household. The combination of juicy cherries, smooth bourbon, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs is simply irresistible.
What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful Cherry Bourbon Balls. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see how they turn out! And if you have any other questions, be sure to leave a comment below. Cheers to a delicious and merry holiday season!
