The first time I made Cherry Bourbon Balls they were a small miracle on a cold afternoon, when the house smelled like warm chocolate and bright cherries and my kids clustered at the counter with flour on their cheeks. I remember pressing a candied cherry half on top of each ball and how the sound of the little lid closing on the jar felt like a promise of something sweet to come. That day felt ordinary and full, and it taught me how a simple sweet can hold a family moment.
Why This Cherry Bourbon Balls Still Feels Like Home
I first learned this recipe from my grandmother, who kept a tin of treats for anyone who dropped by. She had a way of making food feel like an open hug. Every time I make Cherry Bourbon Balls I think of her hands shaping the rounds and of the quiet way she would hum while she worked.
These little bites are more than dessert. They are a small ritual at our house. We bring them to school events, to a neighbor’s porch, or tuck a few into a lunch box for a special surprise. They travel well and make people smile, which is the kind of comfort my kitchen likes to give.
I also love how forgiving this recipe is. If you are new to making sweets, these are a friendly place to start. If you have been cooking for years, there is room to play and adjust, to make them yours. If you want a crunchy twist, try swapping in a different nut. If you need to make them for little ones, choose the non-alcoholic cherry juice and call it a win.
How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
The rhythm of making these treats is soothing. Melt the chocolate and shortening while the butter softens on the counter, and listen as the mixer hums. The mixture comes together like a dense, glossy dough, and you will know it is ready when it feels smooth and holds together without sticking to everything.
You will see the dough change color as you add the chocolate. You will feel the cool, pliable texture once it has chilled. Roll the balls slowly and let each get its powdered sugar coat. The aroma of cherries and butter will remind you of a family kitchen, and that memory is part of the joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup cherry juice (non-alcoholic alternative)
1/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
30 candied cherry halves
A few warm notes as you gather things: a little extra vanilla if you love a cozy aroma. Fresh butter gives this its richness. The maraschino cherries bring a sweet snap of color and flavor, and the pecans add a soft crunch that makes the texture sing. Measure carefully but not obsessively. When a recipe is meant for sharing, the love you stir in matters more than the millimeter you miss on a cup.
If you are thinking about other treats to make the week of family baking, you might like this playful twist on candy that I have on the site as well, called Butterfinger Balls. It is a great one to make with kids while these chill in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Directions
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{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘name’: ‘Melt Chocolate & Shortening’, ‘text’: ‘In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) until smooth. Stir occasionally. Let cool slightly.’}
Melt gently so the chocolate stays glossy and silky. Stir until the surface looks even and shiny, then let it sit for a few minutes so it will not melt the butter. Breathe in that warm cocoa scent that fills the kitchen. -
{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘name’: ‘Cream Butter & Sugar’, ‘text’: ‘In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with 3 cups of the powdered sugar until light and fluffy.’}
Use a paddle or a wooden spoon and work patiently. Creaming brings air into the mixture and gives a tender bite. Stop when it looks pale and a little cloudlike, scraping the sides down as you go. -
{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘name’: ‘Combine Flavors’, ‘text’: ‘Stir in the non-alcoholic cherry juice, finely chopped maraschino cherries, and finely chopped pecans until well combined.’}
Fold in the cherries and nuts with gentle strokes so the pieces stay whole. You will see specks of cherry and flecks of pecan dispersed through the mix. The smell will brighten and feel like the start of something festive. -
{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘name’: ‘Integrate Chocolate’, ‘text’: "Gradually add the slightly cooled melted chocolate mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined and a uniform ‘dough’ forms."}
Add the chocolate a little at a time so the dough stays smooth and even. Stir until everything looks like one another and the texture is thick and a bit pliable. The color will deepen into a rich, even brown. -
{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘name’: ‘Chill Mixture’, ‘text’: ‘Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to handle and roll.’}
Let it rest and get firm enough to shape without sticking to your hands. Cold helps the flavors settle and blend. Use this time to wash up, set the serving tray, or slice a lemon for water and take a breath. -
{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘name’: ‘Form Balls’, ‘text’: ‘Scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon) of the chilled mixture and roll them between your palms into smooth, round balls.’}
Work quickly so your hands do not warm the dough too much. Roll until the outside looks smooth and even, like tiny polished stones. If the mixture warms and gets sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. -
{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘name’: ‘Coat & Garnish’, ‘text’: ‘Place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar until evenly coated. Top each ball with a candied cherry half.’}
Roll gently and tap off the excess sugar. The white of the sugar sets off the deep chocolate and the red cherry like a small proud hat. Press each candied cherry half on top with a kind touch so it sticks and looks pretty. -
{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘name’: ‘Final Chill’, ‘text’: ‘Arrange the coated Cherry Bourbon Balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to firm up completely before serving or storing.’}
This final chill helps the sugar set and keeps the balls neat. After this, they are ready to box up or lay out on a platter. You can also let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a softer bite. -
{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘name’: ‘Serve and Enjoy’, ‘text’: ‘Place the chilled Cherry Bourbon Balls on a nice plate and serve them with coffee, tea, or a small glass of milk for the kids. Enjoy with family and friends.’}
Set them gently and step back to admire. Watch the faces of people as they take that first bite and listen for the small sigh of contentment. These are meant to be shared and to make the ordinary feel like celebration.
Serving Cherry Bourbon Balls With Family Warmth
When I bring these to the table I like to arrange them on a simple white platter so the cherries pop. Place a small stack of napkins beside the plate and maybe a spoon if someone wants to add an extra drizzle of chocolate. At our house, we serve them alongside strong coffee and the soft hum of conversation.
These feel right at holiday gatherings, but they are equally at home on a Tuesday when we need something special after dinner. Kids steal one before dinner sometimes and that becomes a little family joke. I like to offer slices of crisp apple or a few tea cookies on the side for a small pairing that keeps the palate curious.
If you are taking them to a party, pack them in layers with parchment between so they do not squish. If you plan to put a few in lunch boxes, wrap them individually so they travel with a little dignity. They are small, but they give a lot of warmth.
Storing Cherry Bourbon Balls for Tomorrow
These keep well in the fridge for about two weeks if you store them in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper so they stay neat and do not stick together. Let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving so they soften slightly and show their texture.
If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze them for up to three months. Flash freeze on a tray first, then move to a sealed container with layers of parchment between. Thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the texture steady and the flavors bright.
Overnight, the flavors ease and find each other. The cherry note softens into the chocolate, and the whole bite becomes more rounded. I like how little bites can feel more settled after a night of rest.
Amelia’s Kitchen Notes
- Swap the shortening for coconut oil if you prefer a hint of coconut aroma. It will add a mild tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with cherry and chocolate.
- If you want a firmer ball for travel, chill the mixture a little longer before rolling. Cold dough is easier to shape and keeps its edges better.
- To save time, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough before rolling. This gives evenly sized balls and makes the process move along quickly.
- Keep a small bowl of powdered sugar near your hands as you roll. Dust your palms lightly if the dough begins to stick and you will keep the shapes smooth.
- Clean up is easier if you soak your mixing bowl and spoons quickly in warm soapy water. Chocolate that sits can be a pain to scrub.
Family Variations on Cherry Bourbon Balls
We have played with this recipe in many small ways over the years. Sometimes I chop toasted almonds instead of pecans for a brighter crunch. Other times we fold in a touch of orange zest for a citrus lift. Every family has a way of making a recipe their own, and these are no different.
If you like a lighter candy, try rolling half the balls in shredded coconut or crushed graham crackers. For those who love a richer bite, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the tops and set them briefly in the fridge. I have also poured a thin ribbon of caramel across a couple to make them feel extra special.
For a playful kid-friendly swap, use a different bright candy on top or a small piece of toffee. And if you are curious about mixing more fruity gummy textures into your sweets, try a fun recipe I linked to that blends cherry and blueberry flavors in a gummy form called Cherry Blueberry Gelatin Gummy. It is a sweet project that pairs well with a candy-making afternoon.
FAQs About Cherry Bourbon Balls
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and honestly, it might taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled and come together. Store them cold and bring them out a little while before serving for the best mouthfeel.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Pecans are my favorite here, but chopped walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work well. Toast them lightly first to bring out a warm, nutty flavor that plays nicely with chocolate.
Do I need to use shortening?
No. Shortening helps the chocolate set cleanly, but coconut oil is a great swap and gives a light flavor. If you prefer not to use either, reduce the chocolate a bit and be careful with melting so the mixture stays smooth.
How do I make them less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar a bit or use a darker chocolate to balance sweetness. Adding a pinch of salt to the dough can also bring out the deeper flavors and make the sweetness feel more balanced.
Can I add bourbon?
If you want an adult version, a small splash of bourbon will add a warm note. Use sparingly and remember that alcohol may change the texture if you add too much. Always taste as you go.
A Final Thought
I hope this Cherry Bourbon Balls brings a little warmth and inspiration to your kitchen, the same way it does in mine. When you make them, notice the tiny comforts: the smoothness of chocolate, the pop of cherry, the quiet pride when you set the tray down. Those small moments are what turn a recipe into a memory, and that is why I keep making these again and again.
Cherry Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
Method
- In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) until smooth. Stir occasionally and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with 3 cups of the powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the non-alcoholic cherry juice, finely chopped maraschino cherries, and finely chopped pecans until well combined.
- Gradually add the slightly cooled melted chocolate mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until a smooth 'dough' forms.
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to handle.
- Scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon) of the chilled mixture and roll them into smooth, round balls.
- Roll each ball in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar until evenly coated. Top each ball with a candied cherry half.
- Arrange the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
- Place the chilled Cherry Bourbon Balls on a nice plate and serve them with coffee, tea, or milk.
