Description

These classic Bourbon Balls are a delightful no-bake treat perfect for parties and festive occasions. Made with crushed vanilla wafers, toasted pecans, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and infused with bourbon and vanilla extract, these bite-sized confections are rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. They require no baking and come together quickly, offering a rich, nutty flavor with a touch of spirited warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 (11-ounce) package vanilla wafer cookies
1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Powdered sugar for coating (as needed)

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or flavoring
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

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Instructions

Crush the cookies: Use a food processor or food chopper to finely crush the vanilla wafer cookies into crumbs. Alternatively, place the cookies in a large zip-top bag and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to crush them finely.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs, finely chopped toasted pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined.
Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup until thoroughly blended.
Form the dough: Pour the bourbon mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
Shape the balls: Using a cookie scoop, measure out about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it by hand into approximate 1-inch balls.
Coat with powdered sugar: Place powdered sugar in a medium bowl and roll each bourbon ball in the sugar to coat evenly.
Chill: Transfer the coated bourbon balls to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour to set.
Store: Keep the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.

Notes

For best flavor, use good quality bourbon and freshly toasted pecans.
The cookies need to be crushed to a fine crumb texture for the dough to bind properly.
If the dough is too sticky, chill it briefly before rolling.
These bourbon balls contain alcohol; they are not suitable for children or those avoiding alcohol.
Can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld even better.