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Classic No-Bake Bourbon Balls Recipe

A close-up stack of rich, dark bourbon balls heavily coated in granulated sugar, sitting on a white plate.
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Make these rich, boozy bourbon balls using vanilla wafers and pecans. This easy, no-bake recipe comes together quickly and creates a decadent Southern confection perfect for holiday parties or adult treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (Jim Beam or preferred brand)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Extra confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder for rolling

Instructions

  1. Place the crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa powder into a large mixing bowl. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly combined.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, honey, and vanilla extract until the honey dissolves slightly.
  3. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or your hands until a stiff, uniform dough forms.
  4. Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes rolling easier.
  5. Prepare a shallow dish with extra confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder for coating.
  6. Scoop the chilled dough using a small spoon or a 1-inch cookie scoop. Roll the mixture between your palms into tight, uniform balls.
  7. Roll each ball completely in the coating mixture until fully covered.
  8. Place the finished bourbon balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Refrigerate the bourbon balls for at least 1 hour before serving to allow them to set completely.

Notes

  • You can substitute graham cracker crumbs for vanilla wafers if you prefer a different base flavor.
  • For a smoother texture, pulse the pecans in a food processor until finely chopped, but do not turn them into butter.
  • These boozy dessert balls keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • If the mixture seems too dry to hold its shape, add bourbon one teaspoon at a time until the dough binds.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/bourbon-balls-classic-no-bake-recipe/