It was my grandma’s 80th birthday, and the whole family had gathered at her cozy home to celebrate. As I walked through the door, the sweet aroma of maraschino cherries and the warm, comforting scent of bourbon immediately filled the air. I knew that could only mean one thing – Grandma’s famous Cherry Bourbon Balls were being prepared.
Growing up, these boozy little treats were a holiday staple in our household. Whenever Grandma made a batch, she’d let me and my cousins help roll the mixture into perfect little spheres, then we’d eagerly wait for them to be coated in a dusting of powdered sugar. The contrast of the rich, bourbon-infused centers and the sweet, crunchy exteriors was absolutely divine.
As I grabbed a freshly-made Cherry Bourbon Ball and took a bite, the flavors instantly transported me back to those cherished childhood memories. The smooth bourbon complemented the tart cherries, while the buttery graham cracker crumbs provided the perfect texture. It was like taking a sip of holiday cheer in every single morsel.
Why This Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Bourbon Balls
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are truly a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. The key is finding the perfect balance between the boozy bourbon, the bright maraschino cherries, and the buttery, crumbly graham cracker base. It takes a bit of finesse, but once you nail the technique, you’ll be whipping up batch after batch.
What really sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail. The cherries need to be finely chopped so they seamlessly integrate into the filling, and the graham cracker crumbs have to be the right consistency to hold everything together. And of course, the generous splash of bourbon is what truly elevates these balls from tasty to totally transcendent.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped: These vibrant red cherries are the star of the show, providing a pop of fruity flavor and a delightful texture.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: The graham cracker base gives these balls a satisfying crunch and a buttery, almost cookie-like quality.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The butter helps bind the ingredients together and adds a rich, indulgent mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup bourbon: This is the secret ingredient that really sets these Cherry Bourbon Balls apart. The bourbon lends a warm, boozy note that perfectly complements the cherries.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating: The powdered sugar not only sweetens the filling, but also creates a delightful snowy exterior when the balls are coated.
Step-by-Step Cherry Bourbon Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Cherry Bourbon Balls
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 45 minutes, these Cherry Bourbon Balls come together in a flash. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a spoon or spatula, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
1- Begin by draining the maraschino cherries and finely chopping them into small pieces. This ensures they’ll be evenly distributed throughout the filling.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cherries, graham cracker crumbs, softened butter, bourbon, and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until a cohesive dough forms.
3- Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth, even balls between your palms. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet.
4- Once all the balls are shaped, pop the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the balls firm up and hold their shape.
5- Remove the chilled balls from the fridge and generously coat them in additional powdered sugar, rolling them between your hands to ensure even coverage.
6- Finally, arrange the powdered sugar-coated Cherry Bourbon Balls on a serving platter and get ready to delight your guests!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t skimp on the bourbon – the full 1/4 cup is essential for getting that signature boozy flavor.
- Finely chopping the cherries helps them integrate seamlessly into the filling. Avoid leaving any large chunks.
- Letting the balls chill in the fridge for 30 minutes is a crucial step. It firms up the mixture and makes them much easier to roll and coat.
- Be generous with the powdered sugar coating – it not only looks beautiful, but also adds a nice textural contrast to the rich, soft centers.
Serving and Storing Your Cherry Bourbon Balls
Perfect Pairings for Cherry Bourbon Balls
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are the perfect bite-sized treat to serve at holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or anytime you need a festive dessert. Since this recipe yields 24 balls, it’s easy to scale up for larger crowds.
For the ultimate pairing, serve the Cherry Bourbon Balls alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of smooth bourbon on the rocks. The bold, boozy flavors complement each other beautifully. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert spread, perhaps alongside some gingerbread, peppermint bark, or eggnog cupcakes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great news about these Cherry Bourbon Balls is that they’re incredibly easy to make ahead and store. Once the balls are coated in powdered sugar, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
If you’d like to make them further in advance, you can even freeze the uncoated balls for up to 2 months. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop them in the freezer until firm. Then transfer the frozen balls to a resealable bag or airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then coat in powdered sugar.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Bourbon Balls
Creative Cherry Bourbon Balls Variations
While the classic version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on these Cherry Bourbon Balls:
- Swap out the maraschino cherries for fresh or frozen cherries for a more intense cherry flavor.
- Replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers or crushed ginger snaps for different texture and flavor profiles.
- Roll the balls in toasted coconut, chopped pecans, or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- For a citrusy twist, add a tablespoon of orange zest to the filling.
Making Cherry Bourbon Balls Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Cherry Bourbon Balls a little more diet-friendly, here are some easy substitutions:
- Use low-fat or reduced-fat graham crackers to cut down on the overall fat and calories.
- Swap the regular butter for a plant-based butter alternative to make them dairy-free.
- Replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic bourbon-flavored extract to eliminate the alcohol content.
- Opt for a granulated sugar substitute instead of powdered sugar for the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cherry besides maraschino?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap in fresh, frozen, or even canned cherries if you prefer. Just be sure to finely chop them to the same consistency as the maraschino cherries.
Q: How long does the total prep and assembly time take?
A: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 0 minutes of cook time, these Cherry Bourbon Balls come together in a total of 45 minutes.
Q: Can I make these Cherry Bourbon Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, these balls keep very well! You can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze the uncoated balls for up to 2 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 delightful Cherry Bourbon Balls, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Q: What if my Cherry Bourbon Balls don’t hold their shape when rolled?
A: If the mixture seems too soft, simply pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling. The chilling process will help the balls firm up and hold their shape.
Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 24 balls
Description
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful bite-sized treat that perfectly blends the tart sweetness of cherries with the rich, smooth flavor of bourbon. Coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, these boozy balls make a perfect holiday or party appetizer.
Ingredients
– 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped maraschino cherries, graham cracker crumbs, and softened butter until well mixed.
2. Stir in the bourbon until the mixture is fully incorporated and forms a sticky dough.
3. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Refrigerate the balls for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Roll the chilled balls in powdered sugar to coat them evenly.
6. Serve the Cherry Bourbon Balls immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
For an extra boost of flavor, use high-quality bourbon. You can also roll the balls in crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans instead of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Cookies & Bars
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are the perfect balance of boozy, fruity, and indulgent – a true showstopper of a holiday treat. With their rich, velvety centers and their snowy powdered sugar coatings, they’re guaranteed to delight everyone who tries them.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s both easy to make and incredibly impressive. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a festive gathering or enjoying them as an after-dinner indulgence, these Cherry Bourbon Balls are sure to become a new family favorite. So go ahead, channel your inner mixologist and get ready to wow your guests with this irresistible homemade delight. Cheers!
