Pecan Bourbon Balls

These irresistible Pecan Bourbon Balls are the boozy sweet treat that comes together in just minutes, perfect for holiday parties, snacks, or gift giving. Chocolate, nuts, sugar, and bourbon make these bite-sized dessert truffles the easiest no-bake effort of the season!

Along with a platter of cookies, these delectable Pecan Bourbon Balls are a great option for your holiday parties. You’ll love how simple they are to make, plus, you can change how you decorate them with delicious ingredients to fit your occasion. Pair them with my Christmas Oreo Truffle Balls for a merry tray of Christmas goodies.

Bite into one of these Pecan Bourbon Balls and immediately taste the bourbon that helps flavor the soft sweet chocolate and nutty inner filling of these truffles. Keep these around for a festive cocktail hour or box them up as a food gift for friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Ingredients Needed

Vanilla Wafers– Use a rolling pin or give them a few pulses in your food processor to finely crush them so that they blend in well with the mixture.
Powdered Sugar – To help sweeten the mixture.
Toasted Pecan – Finely chopped to blend in well with the mixture.
Bourbon – Use your favorite
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – To give the mixture its chocolate flavor.
Corn Syrup – To help hold the mixture together
Coating Decorations – Roll the balls in powdered sugar, chocolate jimmies, and holiday sprinkles.

How To Make Pecan Bourbon Balls

STEP 1: Line a tray with parchment paper and set aside.
STEP 2: In a large mixing bowl, using an eclectic mixer, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, bourbon, cocoa powder, and corn syrup.
STEP 3: Roll the mixture into 1 to 1-½-inch balls.
STEP 4: Roll the balls in either powdered sugar, chocolate jimmies, or holiday sprinkles and set them on the parchment-lined tray.
STEP 5: Chill for 1 hour to set before serving.

Variations

• Nuts: Instead of pecans, try chopped walnuts, almonds, macadamia, or even pistachios to switch up the nutty flavor.
• Cookies: Instead of nilla wafers, try thin and crisp gingersnaps, graham crackers or shortbread cookies. Make sure whatever you choose can be crushed or processed into a dry crumb.
• Alcohol: Try swapping out the bourbon for rum.
• Corn Syrup: You can use honey or maple syrup instead.

Can I Make These In Advance?

Yes, you can make these a few days in advance, or make them the day you need to serve them. They come together quickly and just need an hour of chill time to firm up. Keep them in the fridge until ready to serve.

How To Toast Pecans

• Skillet Method: Add the pecans to a skillet (do not add oil) and heat them on medium-low for 3-4 minutes. Your nose will tell you when they begin to toast, and you should be able to smell the fragrance of the nutty pecan toasting, as well as notice that the pecans are turning a darker shade. Remove from the heat and skillet so they do not burn.
• Oven Method: Add your pecans to a lined baking sheet and slide into a pre-heated 325-degree oven for approximately 8-10 minutes. You may not need the full 10 minutes depending on the size or the pecans. Check often and remove them before they get too brown or burn.

Can I Dip These Pecan Bourbon Balls In Chocolate?

Absolutely. This delicious idea requires that you melt chocolate wafers or almond bark according to the package directions. I’ve found that the easiest way to dip truffle balls is to drop the ball in the melted chocolate and use a spoon to roll it around to make sure it’s fully coated. Then, using a fork, lift the ball out of the chocolate, allowing any to drip back into the bowl before you set it on parchment paper. Once on the paper, feel free to garnish it with crushed pecans or festive sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

More Truffle Ball Recipes

Gingerbread Snowman Truffles
Christmas Oreo Truffle Balls
Pecan Pie Truffles
Brownie Crinkle Bites
Oreo Spider Bites

Nettie is a wife and mother who is passionate about cooking and baking. With 5 children, Nettie insists that all meals, snacks, and desserts come together quickly! You will find a wide variety of easy yet scrumptious recipes on her viral website Moore or Less Cooking

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