Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe – Easy No-Bake Holiday Candy

I still remember the first time I made cherry bourbon balls for a holiday party—my kitchen smelled like sweet cherries and rich chocolate, and everyone kept sneaking bites before dessert even started. As someone who loves quick, easy, and family-friendly recipes, I designed this cherry bourbon balls recipe to be customizable, balanced, and stress-free. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, these cherry balls candy are a treat everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love sweet, boozy treats, this cherry bourbon balls recipe is an absolute must-try. These cherry balls candy are quick to make, family-friendly, and perfect for any holiday or special occasion. The combination of rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and a splash of bourbon creates a decadent cherry bourbon truffle experience that everyone will adore. You can easily customize them—try bourbon balls with coconut, pecans, or go nut-free for a smoother bite. Old fashioned cherry bourbon balls have never been this easy or delicious, and they’re perfect for gifting, parties, or just a weekend indulgence. With simple ingredients and no complicated steps, this cherry rum balls recipe brings the warmth and comfort of homemade sweets to your kitchen without stress. Easy cherry bourbon balls are perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for celebrations. Once you make these cherry bourbon balls, they’ll become a go-to treat, delivering flavor, fun, and a touch of cherry booze balls magic every time.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The ingredients in this cherry bourbon balls recipe are simple, pantry-friendly, and chosen to create a rich balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor. Juicy maraschino cherries bring moisture and a pop of cherry flavor, while crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies form the soft base of these cherry balls candy. Sweetened condensed milk binds everything together, giving the mixture a creamy, indulgent texture without baking. Bourbon adds warmth and depth, transforming the mixture into classic cherry bourbon balls, while cocoa powder enhances the chocolate notes. Optional nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch, but the recipe is easily adaptable for a nut-free version. The chocolate coating seals everything in and allows for customization with coconut, cocoa, or chopped nuts, making these cherry bourbon balls perfect for any occasion.

🛒 Ingredients (for ~24 balls):

For the Filling:

• 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, drained
• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ¼ cup bourbon or cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Coating:

• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate, melted
• 1 cup shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts for rolling

How to Make This Recipe

Making this cherry bourbon balls recipe is quick, simple, and completely no-bake, making it perfect for busy schedules and stress-free entertaining. The process starts by combining the core ingredients to create a rich, sticky dough packed with cherry flavor and chocolate depth. Mixing the cherries, cookie crumbs, cocoa, and bourbon evenly ensures every bite tastes like classic cherry bourbon balls. Chilling the mixture is key, as it firms the dough and makes shaping easy. Rolling the mixture into uniform balls helps them coat evenly in chocolate, giving these cherry balls candy their signature truffle-like finish. Dipping and rolling allow you to customize flavors with coconut, cocoa, or nuts, creating old fashioned cherry bourbon balls or modern variations with ease. With minimal effort, you’ll have easy cherry bourbon balls ready for gifting, parties, or indulgent snacking.

🛒 Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix chopped maraschino cherries, crushed vanilla wafers, cocoa powder, and sweetened condensed milk until fully combined
• Stir in bourbon to create a smooth cherry bourbon balls mixture
• Fold in pecans or walnuts if using, or skip for cherry bourbon balls no nuts
• Chill mixture for 30 minutes to firm
• Roll into bite-sized cherry bourbon balls
• Dip each ball into melted chocolate
• Roll in coconut, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts
• Chill until set and serve

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering this cherry bourbon balls recipe is all about small details that enhance flavor and texture. Finely chopping the cherries ensures even distribution and prevents excess moisture, which helps the cherry bourbon balls hold their shape. Draining cherries thoroughly is essential for achieving the perfect truffle-like consistency. When mixing, add bourbon gradually so the cherry bourbon balls mixture stays balanced and not overly soft. Chilling before rolling is key for clean, uniform cherry balls candy. Using high-quality chocolate for dipping elevates these cherry bourbon truffles and gives them a smooth, glossy finish. For old fashioned cherry bourbon balls, allow them to rest overnight so flavors deepen. Whether making bourbon balls with coconut, pecan bourbon balls, or cherry bourbon balls no nuts, these tips guarantee consistent, bakery-style results every time.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Drain and pat cherries dry to prevent soggy cherry bourbon balls
• Chill dough thoroughly for easier rolling and shaping
• Use dark or semisweet chocolate for richer cherry bourbon truffle flavor
• Add bourbon slowly to control texture
• Roll evenly sized cherry balls candy for uniform coating
• Rest overnight for enhanced old fashioned cherry bourbon balls flavor

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Cherry bourbon balls are the perfect blend of simplicity, indulgence, and versatility, making them a standout no-bake dessert for any occasion. This cherry bourbon balls recipe delivers rich chocolate flavor, sweet cherries, and just the right touch of bourbon in every bite. Whether you prefer old fashioned cherry bourbon balls, cherry bourbon balls no nuts, or bourbon balls with coconut, this recipe adapts easily to your needs. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these cherry balls candy are ideal for holidays, gifting, and everyday treats. Once you try these easy cherry bourbon balls, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Cherry Bourbon Balls

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet, boozy, and bite-sized, these cherry bourbon balls are a holiday favorite. Made with cherries, chocolate, and a touch of bourbon, they can be coated in cocoa, coconut, or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Perfect for gifting, parties, or just treating yourself!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for ~24 balls):

For the Filling:

• 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained)

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, can omit for no-nut version)

• ¼ cup bourbon (or cherry juice for non-alcoholic version)

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Coating:

• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate, melted

• 1 cup shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts for rolling

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped cherries, crushed cookies, and nuts (if using).

2. Add bourbon (or cherry juice), sweetened condensed milk, and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined into a sticky dough.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls with your hands.

2. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Coat the Balls

1. Melt chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.

2. Dip each chilled ball into melted chocolate using a fork, letting excess drip off.

3. Roll in coconut, cocoa, or nuts if desired.

4. Place back on parchment and let chocolate set.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer.
• Booze-Free Version: Substitute bourbon with cherry juice or rum extract.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts and increase crushed cookies for texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Candy
• Method: No-Bake / Rolled / Dipped
• Cuisine: American