Description
Decadent Cherry Bourbon Balls are irresistibly rich, no-bake treats combining vanilla wafer crumbs, sweet maraschino cherries, and crunchy nuts, all coated in smooth chocolate. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or any time you crave an indulgent dessert that’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (finely ground)
1 cup maraschino cherries (drained, patted dry, and chopped)
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
2 cups chocolate chips (for coating)
2 tablespoons cherry juice (reserved from cherries)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Parchment paper for lining
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, chopped maraschino cherries, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour in sweetened condensed milk and cherry juice gradually, mixing with a sturdy spoon or your hands until mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll between palms to form smooth, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place formed balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) until firm.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
8. Using a fork, dip each chilled ball into melted chocolate, coating completely and allowing excess to drip off.
9. Return coated balls to parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Refrigerate for 15 minutes until chocolate sets completely.
11. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
For smoother texture, ensure vanilla wafer crumbs are finely ground using a food processor.
Thoroughly drain and pat dry maraschino cherries to prevent excess moisture.
If mixture is too dry, add condensed milk one teaspoon at a time. If too wet, add more cookie crumbs.
Wet hands slightly with cold water between rolling to prevent sticking.
For gift-giving, package in decorative tins with parchment paper between layers.
Freeze uncoated balls for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before coating.
Never freeze chocolate-coated balls as coating may develop condensation.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
Keywords: cherry balls, no bake dessert, holiday treats, chocolate covered cherries, easy dessert