These Bourbon Balls are an old-fashioned Southern candy made with bourbon-soaked pecans, powdered sugar, butter, and a rich chocolate coating. They’re sweet, decadent, and packed with bold bourbon flavor, making them a favorite for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, and homemade gifts.

Unlike many bourbon ball recipes that use vanilla wafers, this traditional version starts with pecans soaked in bourbon for several days before being mixed into a creamy candy center and dipped in chocolate. The result is a richer texture and deeper bourbon flavor that’s well worth the wait.

If you love classic holiday candies, be sure to try my Rum Balls, Easy Fudge Recipe, and Crockpot Candy. For even more festive sweets, browse my Christmas Desserts collection.

What Are Bourbon Balls?

Bourbon Balls are a classic Southern candy believed to have originated in Kentucky, where bourbon has long been part of the state’s culinary traditions. These bite-sized treats are especially popular during the holidays and are often found on Christmas cookie trays, dessert platters, and homemade gift boxes.

Traditional bourbon balls combine pecans, bourbon, butter, and powdered sugar into a rich candy center that’s coated in chocolate. While many modern recipes use vanilla wafer crumbs, this old-fashioned version relies on bourbon-soaked pecans for its signature texture and bold bourbon flavor.

One of the best things about bourbon balls is that they’re completely no-bake. Since they don’t require any oven time, they’re perfect for busy holiday baking days when every inch of oven space is already spoken for. They’re easy to make ahead, travel well, and taste even better after a day or two in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to develop.

✨ Before You Begin

✨ Start early for the best flavor. The pecans need to soak in bourbon overnight, but 3 to 5 days produces the richest bourbon flavor and the most tender texture.

✨ Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking. Since bourbon is one of the main flavors in this recipe, you’ll notice the difference if you use a good-quality bourbon.

✨ Chop the pecans very finely. Smaller pieces create a smoother filling that’s easier to roll and helps the bourbon distribute evenly throughout the candy.

✨ Plan for chilling time. The bourbon ball mixture needs time to firm up before dipping, which makes shaping and coating much easier.

✨ These get better with age. Like many holiday candies, bourbon balls develop even deeper flavor after a day or two in the refrigerator.

Ingredients + Key Notes

Pecans: You’ll need 1 cup finely chopped pecans for the filling and 1/3 cup additional chopped pecans for garnish. Finely chopping the pecans creates the smoothest texture and allows them to absorb more of the bourbon flavor while soaking.

Bourbon: Use 1/3 cup bourbon that you enjoy drinking. The bourbon flavor is front and center in this recipe, so choose a quality bourbon with a flavor you like. Kentucky bourbons such as Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Buffalo Trace all work well.

Butter: Softened butter binds the filling together and gives the bourbon balls their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Allow it to come to room temperature before mixing.

Powdered Sugar: A full 16-ounce package of confectioners’ sugar creates the sweet candy center and helps firm the mixture enough to roll into balls.

Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance to the sweet filling. If you prefer a darker chocolate coating, bittersweet chocolate works beautifully as well.

Vegetable Shortening: A small amount of shortening helps create a smoother chocolate coating that’s easier to dip and gives the finished bourbon balls a glossy appearance.

🥣 How To Make Bourbon Balls

Soak the pecans. Add the chopped pecans and bourbon to a small bowl. Cover tightly and allow the pecans to soak overnight, or up to 3 to 5 days for the deepest bourbon flavor. Stir occasionally to make sure all the pecans have a chance to absorb the bourbon. If the pecans absorb all the liquid before you’re ready to make the candy, add a splash more bourbon.

Make the filling. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans until evenly distributed.

Shape and chill. Roll the mixture into 3/4-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate overnight, or until firm enough to handle easily.

Prepare the chocolate coating. Add the chocolate chips and shortening to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.

Dip the bourbon balls. Insert a toothpick into each chilled bourbon ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, using a spoon if needed to coat the entire surface. Return the coated candy to the baking sheet. Remove the toothpick and smooth a little chocolate over the hole.

Garnish and set. Sprinkle the tops with chopped pecans while the chocolate is still wet. Refrigerate until the chocolate is completely set and the bourbon balls are ready to serve. For the best flavor, let them rest overnight before enjoying.

⭐ Pro Tips

⭐ Give the pecans time to soak. Overnight works, but 3 to 5 days produces the deepest bourbon flavor and creates a noticeably richer filling.

⭐ Use a good-quality bourbon. You don’t need an expensive bottle, but since bourbon is one of the main flavors, choose one you’d happily sip on its own.

⭐ Don’t skip the shortening. A small amount of shortening helps the chocolate melt smoothly, coat evenly, and set with a prettier finish.

⭐ Try different chocolate coatings. Semisweet chocolate is my favorite, but milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate all work well with the bourbon-pecan filling.

⭐ For a traditional Kentucky-style finish, skip the chocolate coating and roll the bourbon balls in powdered sugar instead.

⭐ Make them ahead. Bourbon balls taste even better after a day or two in the refrigerator as the flavors have time to develop.

Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead + Shipping

How To Store: Store bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. In fact, many people think they taste even better after a day or two as the flavors continue to develop.

How To Freeze: Bourbon balls freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Make Ahead: This is one of my favorite make-ahead holiday candies. You can prepare the entire recipe several days in advance and keep the finished bourbon balls refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, gift, or ship them.

Are Bourbon Balls Good For Shipping? Bourbon balls can be shipped, though they aren’t quite as sturdy as some holiday candies. If you’re making them specifically for shipping, consider omitting the vegetable shortening from the chocolate coating. The chocolate won’t be quite as glossy, but it will set firmer and hold up better during travel.

Place each bourbon ball in a paper candy cup and pack them in a sturdy airtight tin or container. If you’re stacking multiple layers, separate them with sheets of wax paper. For the best results, use priority shipping and pack the container securely with cushioning material to help prevent cracking during transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

♦ Do bourbon balls contain alcohol?

Yes. Because the bourbon isn’t cooked, these bourbon balls retain some alcohol. The flavor mellows as they sit, but they are still considered an adult treat.

◆ Can kids eat bourbon balls?

No. Bourbon balls contain uncooked bourbon, so the alcohol remains in the finished candy. They are intended for adults. For a non-alcoholic variation, substitute apple juice or apple cider, though the flavor will be different.

♦ Can bourbon balls get you drunk?

A single bourbon ball contains only a small amount of bourbon, so it’s unlikely that eating one or two would have a noticeable effect. However, they do contain alcohol and should be enjoyed responsibly.

♦ What bourbon is best for bourbon balls?

Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking. Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and Four Roses are all excellent choices because their flavors complement the chocolate and pecans beautifully.

♦ Do bourbon balls need vanilla wafers?

No. This old-fashioned bourbon balls recipe uses bourbon-soaked pecans, butter, and powdered sugar instead of vanilla wafers. Many modern bourbon ball recipes include vanilla wafer crumbs, but they’re not required.

♦ Can I freeze bourbon balls?

Absolutely. Bourbon balls freeze very well and can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

♦ How long do bourbon balls last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, bourbon balls will keep for up to 10 days while maintaining their best flavor and texture.

♦ Can I make bourbon balls ahead of time?

Yes! Bourbon balls are one of the best make-ahead holiday candies. In fact, many people prefer them after they’ve had a day or two to rest in the refrigerator because the flavors continue to develop.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments — I love helping you cook with confidence! 💗

More No-Bake Holiday Treats You’ll Love

Haystack Cookies – One of my most popular Christmas treats, these crunchy no-bake cookies are loaded with peanut butter, butterscotch, and chow mein noodles.

Buckeye Recipe – Creamy peanut butter centers dipped in chocolate make these classic holiday candies impossible to resist.

Church Window Cookies – Colorful marshmallows wrapped in rich chocolate create a nostalgic Christmas treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Rocky Road Candy – Chocolate, marshmallows, and crunchy nuts come together in this easy no-bake candy that’s perfect for gifting.

White Trash Recipe – A sweet-and-salty party mix loaded with cereal, pretzels, peanuts, and white chocolate that’s always a holiday favorite.

Scotcharoos – Chewy peanut butter cereal bars topped with a chocolate-butterscotch layer that disappears fast at cookie exchanges.

Tried This Recipe?

I’d love to hear how your Bourbon Balls turned out! Please leave a comment and a star rating below to let me know what you think.

Did you stick with the classic chocolate coating or try the traditional powdered sugar version? Maybe you even experimented with your favorite bourbon. However you make them, I’d love to hear about it!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @gonna_want_seconds so I can see your beautiful holiday treats.

And if you love easy, family-tested recipes, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for new recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen

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Bourbon Balls

These Bourbon Balls are an old-fashioned Southern holiday candy made with bourbon-soaked pecans, powdered sugar, butter, and a rich chocolate coating. This no-bake recipe is perfect for Christmas cookie trays, homemade gifts, and make-ahead holiday entertaining.

Prep Time30

Total Time30

Servings: pieces

Author: Kathleen

Ingredients

Cookies:

▢ 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
▢ 1/3 cup bourbon
▢ 1/2 cup butter, softened
▢ 1 (16-ounce) package confectioners' sugar

Topping:

▢ 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
▢ 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening
▢ 1/3 cup pecans, finely chopped

Instructions

Add the chopped pecans to a small bowl. Pour whiskey over pecans. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to soak for a minimum of overnight, or for best results, 3-5 of days.
Stir the pecans occasionally to make sure they all get a chance to soak up the bourbon. If the bourbon gets soaked up before you're ready to make these, I top them off with extra bourbon.
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside.
Add butter to a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the butter until it is creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, beat until the mixture is dry and crumbly, like coarse sand. Stir in soaked pecans.
Form dough into 3/4 inch balls and set on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate overnight.
Add chocolate chips and vegetable shortening to a microwave safe bowl. Heat in microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir vigorously. Continue as needed, heating for 30-second intervals and stirring until melted.
Poke a toothpick a 1/4 inch into the top of each ball. Dip in melted chocolate and cover the ball completely, in chocolate, using a spoon as needed to cover the top with chocolate.
Return the chocolate covered ball to the tray so the chocolate can set. Remove toothpicks and dab a little melted chocolate on the top to cover the toothpick hole.
Sprinkle top with a few chopped pecans. Continue with the rest of the balls. Place in the fridge overnight to set completely.

Fans Also Made:

Dubai Bar

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