Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Kentucky Bourbon Balls are a cherished holiday confection that blends Southern tradition with festive nostalgia. First created in Kentucky in the 1930s, these bite-sized treats combine the finest ingredients for a decadent treat with a punch. They embody the warmth of Christmas gatherings—sweet, spirited, and indulgent—passed down through generations as a symbol of celebration and togetherness.
Ingredients
- vanilla wafers – the essential backbone of the bourbon balls. Their mild vanilla flavor offers the gentle sweetness, and the texture ties everything together.
- cocoa powder – adds depth and a whisper of bittersweet magic, balancing the sweetness.
- powdered sugar – smooths the filling, binding the crushed vanilla wafers, cocoa, and bourbon into a velvety mixture.
- pecans – crunchy and nutty, providing each ball with rustic elegance.
- Kentucky Bourbon – bold yet refined, bringing cheer and a touch of Southern heritage to the recipe. We prefer Old Forester, but any bourbon can be used.
- light karo syrup – keeps the mixture moist, smooth, and perfectly blended.
Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla wafers crushed
- 1 cup pecans toasted and chopped fine
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ cup Kentucky Bourbon
- 2½ tbsp karo syrup
- powdering sugar for coating
Instructions
- Crush vanilla wafers and place in a medium bowl.
- Toast pecans and chop into fine pieces. Add to bowl with crushed wafers.
- Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder to wafer and pecan mixture.
- Measure out ½ cup of Kentucky Bourbon and add Karo syrup. Whisk to blend, then pour into the dry mix. Stir together to combine.
- Pour the powdered sugar for coating into a shallow bowl and set it aside.
- With your hands, scoop out enough of the mixture to form a small ball about one inch in diameter (or smaller). Roll in the powdered sugar and place in a container.
- Continue until mixture is gone. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Store in a tightly sealed container for up to two weeks.
Notes
Pro Tip:
- As hands get sticky when rolling the balls, dip your fingers in water or rinse them off and start again.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of Karo syrup.
- I roll several at a time and then roll them in the powdered sugar instead of rolling one at a time.
- Place parchment paper between layers when stacking balls.
- Rum is an excellent substitute for Bourbon.