KENTUCKY BOURBON BALLS
These elegant chocolate-coated bourbon balls combine Southern charm with decadent flavor. Perfect for gifts, holidays, or any special occasion!
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Servings: 24 balls
Ingredients
For the Centers:
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts finely chopped
- 5 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon
- 16 ounces confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Coating:
- 18 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening optional, helps thin chocolate
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra finely chopped nuts
- Gold sprinkles
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Place chopped nuts in a sealable jar, pour bourbon over them. Seal and let soak 8 hours or overnight.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add confectioners' sugar and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in bourbon-soaked nuts with any remaining bourbon. Mix thoroughly.
- Form mixture into 3/4-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Place on wax paper-lined tray and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
- Melt chocolate (and shortening if using) in double boiler over barely simmering water.
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled ball in melted chocolate.
- Place on wax paper-lined tray. Add garnishes if desired while chocolate is still wet.
- Refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 1 hour.
Notes
Make Ahead: Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead
Storage: Keep refrigerated in airtight container
Freezing: Freeze up to 3 months
Bourbon: Use good quality but not premium
Chocolate: Better quality = better coating
Temperature: Keep balls cold while dipping
Storage: Keep refrigerated in airtight container
Freezing: Freeze up to 3 months
Bourbon: Use good quality but not premium
Chocolate: Better quality = better coating
Temperature: Keep balls cold while dipping