Indulge in the rich, Southern charm of Kentucky Bourbon Balls—an irresistible, no-bake treat that blends classic flavors with effortless preparation. These bite-sized delights feature finely crushed vanilla wafer cookies, toasted pecans, and a touch of cocoa powder, all bound together with smooth bourbon and a hint of light corn syrup. Rolled to perfection and coated in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, these easy-to-make confections boast a decadent balance of sweetness and warmth. Perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or anytime you crave a taste of Kentucky spirit, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and requires no cooking. Refrigerate for a couple of hours, and let the rich bourbon flavor fully develop—each bite is a sweet, nutty burst of Southern hospitality.
Place the vanilla wafer cookies in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. You should have about 2 1/2 cups of crumbs.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed wafer cookies, chopped pecans, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until evenly mixed.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the bourbon and light corn syrup until well combined.
Pour the bourbon mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until a sticky dough forms.
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Place the additional powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each bourbon ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated.
Arrange the bourbon balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Calories |
147 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.2 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 45 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.5 g | ||
| Protein | 0.9 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 7 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 34 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.