Kentucky Bourbon Balls are a no-bake treat that dates back to the 1930s, when the candy factory Rebecca Ruth Candies of Frankfort, KY commercialized them and saw how they quickly became a crowd favorite. Although the original recipe is still a secret, there are many versions that capture the beauty and flavor of these candies.
Commonly enjoyed during the holidays, these Kentucky Bourban balls make a great gift! Presented in decorative tins, they're sure to be a hit with anyone that loves a sweet treat.
Make Ahead
This recipe is easy to double or even triple to yield bigger batches. For best flavor, make these candies a few days in advance and roll them in confectioners sugar again before serving.
Ingredients
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1 cup fine vanilla wafer crumbs, about 20 to 25 cookies crushed
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1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted or raw
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2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
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2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/4 cup bourbon
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2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
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Thoroughly combine 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs, 1 cup finely chopped pecans, 1 cup confectioners' sugar, and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder.
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In a separate bowl, blend 1/4 cup bourbon and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup.
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Stir the bourbon mixture into the dry mixture.
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Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours.
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Once the mixture is chilled and ready to be shaped, sift about 1/2 to 1 cup of confectioners' sugar into a wide, shallow bowl.
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Place a bowl of cold water next to your working area. Wet your hands with cold water and shape small bits of the dough into balls. Roll them in the confectioners' sugar.
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Serve right away, or store in the refrigerator in tightly covered containers for up to 2 weeks.
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Enjoy!
Storage Tips
Store-
Freeze- for longer storage, the bourbon balls can also be frozen. Leave in the fridge overnight to thaw, and then at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours before rolling in the confectioners' sugar and serving. Alternatively, roll in a mixture of 50/50 semi-sweet cocoa powder and confectioners' sugar.
Feeling Adventurous? Try This:
Even if bourbon and pecans are the classic flavor to use for these treats, other flavors can be added to the basic mixture:
- Different Spirits- replace the bourbon with a good quality rum or tequila. Or use flavored liqueurs like Frangelico, Baileys, Kahlúa, or any flavored alcohol of your liking.
- Toasted Pecans- for an even nuttier flavor, spread pecan halves out in a dry skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When lightly browned and fragrant, transer them to a plate to cool completely before chopping.
- Other Nuts- use toasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts in place of the pecans to experiment with other nutty flavors.
- 50/50- for a little less sweetness and more cocoa goodness, try rolling in a mixture of 50/50 semi-sweet cocoa powder and confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
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70 | Calories |
3g | Fat |
12g | Carbs |
0g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 36 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 70 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 3g | 3% |
Saturated Fat 0g | 2% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 12mg | 1% |
Total Carbohydrate 12g | 4% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
Total Sugars 10g | |
Protein 0g | |
Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
Calcium 3mg | 0% |
Iron 0mg | 1% |
Potassium 14mg | 0% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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