Kentucky Bourbon Balls Recipe – Easy, Chocolatey, and Boozy Treats

I still remember my first trip to Kentucky, walking into a small candy shop and discovering the magic of bourbon balls. That rich, chocolatey flavor combined with a hint of bourbon instantly won me over. Inspired by those moments, I created this Kentucky bourbon balls recipe to be quick, easy, and family-friendly. Perfect for holiday gifts or busy weeknights, these bourbon balls can be customized with your favorite bourbon like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, or Woodford Reserve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love classic Southern treats, this Kentucky bourbon balls recipe is a must-try. These bourbon balls are rich, chocolatey, and infused with smooth bourbon for that signature Kentucky flavor. Unlike other desserts, this recipe is quick, easy, and family-friendly, making it perfect for holidays, gifts, or busy weeknights. You can customize it with your favorite bourbon—Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, or Woodford Reserve—and even try variations like the Pioneer Woman bourbon balls recipe.

Comfortable and versatile, these Kentucky bourbon balls bring together crushed wafers, cocoa, powdered sugar, and cream cheese in a no-bake, one-pot preparation. Coating them in chocolate adds a decadent touch, while chilling ensures a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re making the classic Rebecca Ruth bourbon balls recipe or experimenting with your own twist, this recipe balances flavor, ease, and elegance.

With simple ingredients and flexible steps, this Kentucky bourbon balls recipe is great for special occasions, gift baskets, or everyday indulgence. Once you try it, you’ll understand why bourbon lovers everywhere rave about this easy, customizable, and utterly delicious dessert.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Kentucky bourbon balls recipe relies on simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a rich, chocolatey, and boozy treat. Crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers form the base, giving the bourbon balls a slightly crunchy texture that melts in your mouth. Powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder provide sweetness and chocolate depth, while cream cheese binds everything together for a creamy, smooth consistency. Bourbon adds the signature Kentucky flavor, and vanilla extract enhances the overall richness.

For the finishing touch, semi-sweet or dark chocolate is used to coat the bourbon balls, creating a glossy, decadent exterior. A small amount of coconut oil or butter can be added to the chocolate for a smoother, shinier coating. These ingredients are easy to find, versatile, and customizable, allowing you to try variations like Jim Beam bourbon balls recipe, Maker’s Mark bourbon balls recipe, or even a Pioneer Woman bourbon balls twist. Using this combination ensures your Kentucky bourbon balls are both authentic and indulgent.

🛒 Ingredients (makes ~24 bourbon balls):

For the Bourbon Balls:

2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers

1 cup powdered sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened

½ cup bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, or Woodford Reserve)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or chips

1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smooth coating)

How to Make This Recipe

Making Kentucky bourbon balls is simple, quick, and rewarding. This recipe blends crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder with cream cheese and bourbon to create a smooth, rich mixture. Using your favorite bourbon—whether Jim Beam bourbon, Maker’s Mark bourbon, or Woodford Reserve bourbon—gives these bourbon balls their signature Kentucky flavor. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness, while chilling the mixture ensures the bourbon balls hold their shape perfectly.

Once the mixture is firm, shaping each Kentucky bourbon ball by hand creates uniform, bite-sized treats. Dipping them in melted chocolate adds a glossy, indulgent coating, making them perfect for holidays, gift baskets, or special occasions. Optional coconut oil or butter in the chocolate ensures a smooth, professional-looking finish. This Kentucky bourbon balls recipe is family-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to impress bourbon lovers, whether you follow a classic Rebecca Ruth bourbon balls recipe or create your own twist.

🛒 Steps:

Mix crushed wafers or graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in a large bowl

Add softened cream cheese, bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, or Woodford Reserve), and vanilla extract; stir until smooth

Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls; place on a parchment-lined tray

Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to firm

Melt semi-sweet or dark chocolate with optional coconut oil or butter until smooth

Dip each Kentucky bourbon ball into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off

Return to parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until chocolate is set

Serve chilled or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating perfect Kentucky bourbon balls is all about balancing flavor, texture, and presentation. Using quality ingredients like Jim Beam bourbon, Maker’s Mark bourbon, or Woodford Reserve bourbon ensures that the signature Kentucky flavor shines through. The combination of crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and cream cheese creates a smooth, rich base that’s easy to shape. Melting the chocolate with a touch of coconut oil or butter gives your Kentucky bourbon balls a glossy, professional finish.

To elevate your bourbon balls, chill the mixture before rolling to prevent sticking and achieve uniform shapes. Experiment with different bourbons for unique flavor profiles, or try variations like the Pioneer Woman bourbon balls recipe or Rebecca Ruth bourbon balls recipe for a classic touch. Kentucky bourbon balls are quick, family-friendly, and customizable, making them ideal for gifts, special occasions, or indulgent treats. These expert tips ensure every bite of your bourbon balls is decadent, smooth, and full of authentic Kentucky charm.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use high-quality bourbon like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, or Woodford Reserve for authentic Kentucky flavor

Chill the mixture before rolling to make shaping easier and more uniform

Roll mixture into 1-inch balls for perfect bite-sized treats

Melt chocolate with coconut oil or butter for a smooth, shiny coating

Experiment with different bourbons to create unique Kentucky bourbon balls variations

Try classic recipes like Rebecca Ruth bourbon balls or Pioneer Woman bourbon balls for inspiration

Store finished Kentucky bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

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Kentucky bourbon balls are a timeless Southern treat that combine rich chocolate, smooth cream cheese, and the signature flavor of bourbon for an unforgettable dessert. Whether you make classic Rebecca Ruth bourbon balls, try a Pioneer Woman bourbon balls recipe, or experiment with your favorite Jim Beam bourbon, Maker’s Mark bourbon, or Woodford Reserve bourbon, this recipe is quick, family-friendly, and fully customizable. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or special occasions, these Kentucky bourbon balls are a delicious way to impress friends and family.

With simple ingredients, easy steps, and expert tips, making bourbon balls at home has never been easier. The combination of crunchy wafers, sweet cocoa, and smooth chocolate coating ensures each bite is indulgent and satisfying. Once you try this Kentucky bourbon balls recipe, it will become a go-to treat for celebrations and cozy nights alike, offering authentic Kentucky flavor in every bite.

These bourbon balls are versatile, customizable, and a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey, and boozy desserts.

Kentucky Bourbon Balls

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 bourbon balls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Classic Kentucky bourbon balls are rich, chocolatey treats blended with bourbon and rolled into bite-sized delights. Perfect for holiday gifts, parties, or a sweet after-dinner indulgence, these treats combine crushed cookies or wafers, cocoa, powdered sugar, and cream cheese for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Coat them in chocolate for an extra decadent touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (makes ~24 bourbon balls):

For the Bourbon Balls:

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, or Woodford Reserve)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or chips

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smooth coating)

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine crushed wafers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.

2. Add softened cream cheese, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth, pliable dough forms.

Step 2: Shape the Bourbon Balls

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

2. Place formed balls on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Coat with Chocolate

1. Melt chocolate (and optional coconut oil/butter) in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

2. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each bourbon ball into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Return to parchment-lined tray.

3. Refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Store

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

• Flavor Boost: Try different bourbons for unique flavor profiles—Maker’s Mark for smoothness, Jim Beam for classic notes, or Woodford Reserve for richness.
• Make Ahead: Bourbon balls improve in flavor after a day as the bourbon infuses the mixture.
• Mini Version: Make bite-sized balls for cocktail parties or gift boxes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (no baking required)
• Category: Dessert / Confectionery
• Method: No-bake / Rolled / Dipped in Chocolate
• Cuisine: American / Kentucky