Cherry Bourbon Balls

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight in the sweet and rich flavors of these Cherry Bourbon Balls, a festive twist on the classic holiday treat. Combining tart cherries, smooth bourbon, and a chocolatey coating, these no-bake confections are perfect for gifting or enjoying at holiday gatherings. Quick to make and absolutely indulgent, they’ll be a crowd favorite during the Christmas season.

Clara Jennings

Created by

Clara Jennings

Last updated on 2025-11-25T14:55:41.743Z

Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. They combine the tartness of cherries with the warm kick of bourbon, all wrapped in a delicious chocolate coating.

A Festive Twist on Tradition

Cherry Bourbon Balls reimagine the classic holiday treat by infusing it with the rich flavors of tart cherries and smooth bourbon. This unique combination elevates the humble cookie ball into a sophisticated sweet, making it an excellent addition to any holiday spread. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth, perfect for cozy gatherings with friends and family.

The combination of dried tart cherries and bourbon also provides a wonderful contrast of flavors that can intrigue the palate. Whether you're a fan of classic holiday recipes or eager to experiment with new flavors, these Cherry Bourbon Balls offer the best of both worlds. They are simple to make, which makes them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

No-Bake Convenience

One of the best things about Cherry Bourbon Balls is their no-bake nature. In a world where time can feel scarce, especially during the holiday season, these indulgent treats come together quickly and easily. With minimal kitchen equipment needed, you can whip up a batch in no time, allowing you more moments to enjoy the festivities without being tied down to the oven.

The no-bake aspect also means that the wonderful flavors of the cherries and bourbon remain intact. This method preserves the integrity of the ingredients while also making the preparation simple and stress-free. Simply mix, roll, dip, and set—it's that easy! Perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or when you want to add a special touch to cookie platters.

Perfect for Gifting

Cherry Bourbon Balls make an excellent gift, especially during the holiday season. Their rich flavors and elegant presentation are sure to impress recipients. Whether packaged in a decorative box, jar, or even in whimsical holiday-themed bags, these treats convey a personal touch that store-bought candies often lack.

Moreover, the versatility of these balls allows you to customize the packaging to match your holiday theme or the preferences of the recipient. Consider adding a personal note or a festive decoration for an extra special touch. Sharing homemade treats is a joyous part of the holiday spirit, and these indulgent confectioneries pair well with many festive occasions.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cherry Bourbon Balls:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried tart cherries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Cherry Bourbon Balls:

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped cherries, bourbon, chocolate cookie crumbs, and powdered sugar. Mix until well combined.

Form Balls

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Coat with Chocolate

Dip each ball in melted dark chocolate and place them back on the baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Set and Serve

Let the chocolate set at room temperature, then enjoy or package them for gifting.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Bourbon Balls!

Storage Tips

To keep your Cherry Bourbon Balls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you're hoping to enjoy them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life for several weeks. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving, as this enhances the flavors and softens the chocolate coating.

For those looking to make them ahead of time, these treats can also be frozen. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their texture and taste.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Bourbon Balls are wonderfully versatile in terms of serving options. They can be enjoyed as a standalone treat with coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for an afternoon snack. Alternatively, they can be served as part of a dessert table alongside other holiday sweets, adding variety and appeal to your spread.

For an extra indulgent experience, pair them with a glass of bourbon or a robust red wine. The flavors will complement each other beautifully and add a sophisticated element to your holiday gatherings. No matter how you serve them, they are sure to be a hit with your guests.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

It's best to use dried cherries for this recipe, as they provide the right texture and sweetness.

→ How should I store these Cherry Bourbon Balls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Cherry Bourbon Balls

Delight in the sweet and rich flavors of these Cherry Bourbon Balls, a festive twist on the classic holiday treat. Combining tart cherries, smooth bourbon, and a chocolatey coating, these no-bake confections are perfect for gifting or enjoying at holiday gatherings. Quick to make and absolutely indulgent, they’ll be a crowd favorite during the Christmas season.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Clara Jennings

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 balls

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup dried tart cherries, chopped
  2. 1/2 cup bourbon
  3. 1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
  4. 1 cup powdered sugar
  5. 1 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
  6. 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the chopped cherries, bourbon, chocolate cookie crumbs, and powdered sugar. Mix until well combined.

Step 02

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 03

Dip each ball in melted dark chocolate and place them back on the baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Step 04

Let the chocolate set at room temperature, then enjoy or package them for gifting.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 1g