Hey, y'all! If you’ve ever been to a Kentucky holiday gathering, you know bourbon balls are a must. These little bites of heaven are rich, boozy, and chocolatey with just the right amount of bourbon. Trust me: you're going to love my Kentucky Bourbon Balls! The secret? Soaking the pecans in bourbon!

Kentucky Bourbon Balls

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A classic Kentucky treat with a boozy twist, and when you make it with Woodford Reserve? Well, you’re talking next-level indulgence. They’re perfect for gift-giving, party trays, or sneaking one from the fridge when nobody’s looking.

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Kentucky Bourbon Balls Ingredients

• 1 c. finely chopped pecans
• ¼ c. Woodford Reserve bourbon
• ½ c. unsalted butter, softened
• 1 box (16 oz.) powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp. vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate coating)
• Extra pecan halves or chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

How to Make Kentucky Bourbon Balls

1. In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans with the Woodford Reserve bourbon. Stir to coat the pecans evenly.
2. Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the pecans to absorb the bourbon.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans, mixing until the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Freeze the balls for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
7. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and vegetable shortening (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
8. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each bourbon ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off.
9. Place the chocolate-covered bourbon balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. While the chocolate is still wet, garnish each bourbon ball with a pecan half or a sprinkle of chopped pecans, if desired.
11. Allow the chocolate coating to set completely at room temperature or speed up the process by placing the bourbon balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

1. Let the pecans soak overnight if you’ve got time; it deepens the flavor.
2. Use good bourbon; this ain’t the time for the cheap stuff.
3. Freeze before dipping so they hold their shape.
4. Add shortening to the chocolate for a smoother, shinier finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Kentucky Bourbon Balls

Kentucky Bourbon Balls

JC Phelps

My Kentucky Bourbon Balls feature bourbon-soaked pecans and are dipped in chocolate. A southern classic for a reason!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Freeze Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Southern

Cuisine American

Servings 30 Balls

Calories 131 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 c. finely chopped pecans
• ¼ c. Woodford Reserve bourbon
• ½ c. unsalted butter softened
• 1 box (16 oz.) powdered sugar sifted
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chopped
• 1 tbsp. vegetable shortening optional, for smoother chocolate coating
• Extra pecan halves or chopped pecans for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans with the Woodford Reserve bourbon. Stir to coat the pecans evenly.
• Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the pecans to absorb the bourbon.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
• Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans, mixing until the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze the balls for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and vegetable shortening (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
• Using a fork or toothpick, dip each bourbon ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off.
• Place the chocolate-covered bourbon balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
• While the chocolate is still wet, garnish each bourbon ball with a pecan half or a sprinkle of chopped pecans, if desired.
• Allow the chocolate coating to set completely at room temperature or speed up the process by placing the bourbon balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Notes

• Let the pecans soak overnight if you’ve got time; it deepens the flavor.
• Use good bourbon; this ain’t the time for the cheap stuff.
• Freeze before dipping so they hold their shape.
• Add shortening to the chocolate for a smoother, shinier finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 17mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 107IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Kentucky Bourbon Balls

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My best,

JC