The Memory Behind This Treat
The very first time I made Cherry Bourbon Balls, my kitchen smelled like every holiday party I loved as a kid and every grown-up cocktail hour I didn’t quite understand yet. My grandmother used to make classic rum balls, the kind that practically announced themselves from across the room, and as a child I mostly remember the powdered sugar on my fingers and the way the adults laughed a little louder after “just one more.” Years later, when I started hosting my own December get-togethers, I wanted something with that same nostalgic, slightly “festive” flavor—but softer, creamier, and a little prettier on the plate. That’s how these cherry-studded, chocolate-dipped bites were born: part heirloom memory, part food stylist brain, and part “what do I already have in the pantry?”
One December, I tested an early version of these Cherry Bourbon Balls at 10 p.m. with nothing but cream cheese, dried cherries, some leftover pecans, and a lonely bottle of bourbon on the counter. The filling looked a bit too sticky at first, the way good truffle filling often does, but a quick chill in the fridge turned it into perfect scooping texture. I still remember standing at the stove in my slippers, melting dark chocolate and promising myself I’d just “try one” before bed. Three taste-tests later, I knew I had found my new go-to gifting treat—simple enough to throw together in 15 minutes, special enough to share beside a plate of cut-out cookies or even alongside something cozy like my favorite hot chocolate cake. Now, every holiday season, these little bites are the first thing I make when I want the house to feel festive, even if the tree isn’t up yet and there’s still flour on the floor.
How To Make It (Mix & Ingredients)
You’ll start these Cherry Bourbon Balls by building a rich, truffle-like base. In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and unsalted butter until they’re completely smooth and fluffy—no lumps. I like to use a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as I go. Next, gradually add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, so it doesn’t puff everywhere and so you can control the texture. You’re aiming for a thick, scoopable mixture, similar to soft cookie dough. Once it looks sturdy enough to hold its shape, fold in the dried cherries, pecans, bourbon, and vanilla extract with a spatula until every bite looks well dotted with fruit and nuts.
Instructions Process of Cherry Bourbon Balls
Now the important patience step: chill the mixture so it’s easy to roll. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about 1 hour, or pop it in the freezer for 20–30 minutes if you’re in a hurry. When it’s firm but still pliable, use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or a measuring spoon to portion the filling, then roll each piece quickly between your palms into smooth 1-inch balls. If the mixture starts sticking to your hands, lightly chill your hands under cold water, dry well, and keep going. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and give them another 20 minutes in the fridge to really set. This extra chill time keeps your Cherry Bourbon Balls from slumping or losing their shape once they meet warm, melted chocolate in the next step.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These Cherry Bourbon Balls are one of those rare treats that actually taste better the next day, which makes them perfect for stress-free holiday hosting. You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and roll and dip in chocolate when you’re ready. If you like to work in stages, you can even roll the chilled filling into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag and keep them frozen (undipped) for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to finish, just thaw the centers in the fridge until slightly chilled but firm, then dip in melted chocolate so the coating sets smoothly.
Once your Cherry Bourbon Balls are fully set, store them in a single layer in an airtight container, or separate layers with parchment so the chocolate doesn’t scuff. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 10–12 days, and the flavor of the bourbon and cherries will deepen nicely over time. For gifting, you can box them up straight from the fridge; they’ll stay fresh at cool room temperature (65–70°F) for about 4 hours, which is ideal for parties or dessert boards alongside treats like peppermint bark or classic truffles. If your kitchen runs warm, keep them chilled until serving so the chocolate stays snappy and the centers keep that truffle-like texture rather than going too soft.
Best Ingredients & Party Variations
The secret to unforgettable Cherry Bourbon Balls is choosing ingredients that bring big flavor in tiny bites. Look for dried cherries that are soft and plump, not hard or shriveled—those will give you that juicy, tart pop against the rich chocolate. Use a good-quality bourbon you actually enjoy sipping; its caramel-vanilla notes will come through in every bite. For the base, full-fat cream cheese creates a lush, truffle-like center, and real butter adds warmth and depth (not just richness). I recommend semi-sweet or dark chocolate for dipping so the candy doesn’t become cloyingly sweet, especially since the powdered sugar already brings plenty of sweetness.
Once you’ve mastered the classic Cherry Bourbon Balls, you can spin them into a whole holiday candy tray of variations. For a nutty twist, swap pecans for toasted almonds and add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after dipping. Hosting kids or skipping alcohol? Replace bourbon with milk plus almond extract and roll the finished balls in crushed graham crackers or sprinkles instead of dipping in chocolate. Want a showy party platter? Make a “trio”: classic dark chocolate, a white chocolate-dipped version with crushed pistachios, and a milk chocolate batch with a pinch of cinnamon for a playful, almost hot cocoa vibe. These simple variations turn one easy no-bake batch into a custom candy assortment that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen—even though you definitely did not.
Serving of Cherry Bourbon Balls
Conclusion
If you’re anything like me, you’re already picturing a plate of these glossy little beauties on your holiday table, disappearing faster than you can refill it. There’s something almost magical about how a simple recipe can turn into a tradition—laughing with family as you roll the mixture into uneven little rounds, sneaking a taste here and there, and promising every year that you’ll “make a double batch next time.”
These Cherry Bourbon Balls aren’t just sweets; they’re tiny, indulgent excuses to pause, clink glasses, and linger a little longer in good company. They travel well to office parties, fit perfectly into cookie boxes for neighbors, and spark those, “Wait, who made these?” conversations that turn into recipe requests and shared emails.
I hope you feel confident and excited to roll up your sleeves and give them a try. Start with one batch, taste as you go, and make them your own. And when they show up on your dessert table, I hope they bring as much joy to your people as they do to mine.
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Can I make Cherry Bourbon Balls without alcohol?
Yes, you can absolutely make Cherry Bourbon Balls without alcohol and still keep that cozy, festive flavor. Swap the bourbon for 2 tbsp milk mixed with ¼–½ tsp almond extract, depending on how strong you like the flavor. Almond extract gives a warm, almost boozy depth without any actual alcohol. You can also use cherry juice or apple juice if you want a fruitier, gentler option. Just be sure not to add too much liquid or the mixture can turn soft—if it does, simply add a bit more powdered sugar to bring it back together.
How long do Cherry Bourbon Balls last and how should I store them?
Cherry Bourbon Balls keep well for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper so the chocolate shells don’t stick to each other. For gifting, you can portion them into small treat boxes and remind folks to keep them chilled. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so the centers soften slightly and the flavors bloom. If your kitchen runs warm, avoid leaving them out for more than an hour at a time.
Can I make Cherry Bourbon Balls dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, Cherry Bourbon Balls adapt beautifully to dairy-free or vegan needs. Use vegan cream cheese and swap the butter for refined coconut oil or a neutral-tasting vegan butter. Choose dairy-free dark chocolate and skip any milk chocolate varieties. The texture will be just as creamy, but the centers may firm up a bit more in the fridge—let them warm slightly before serving. If you’re also avoiding alcohol, use the milk-and-almond-extract trick with your favorite plant milk.
Recipe
Cherry Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup dried cherries chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped
- 2 tbsp apple cider + vanilla bean paste
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 24 small dried cherry pieces or whole dried cherries for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until fully incorporated and the mixture is thick and smooth.
- Fold in the chopped dried cherries, chopped pecans, apple cider + vanilla bean paste, and vanilla bean paste until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour, or until firm enough to scoop and roll.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tbsp of the chilled mixture and roll between your hands to form a smooth 1-inch ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining mixture to make 24 balls.
- Refrigerate the rolled balls for 20 minutes to firm up before dipping.
- Place the chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and completely smooth.
- Using a toothpick or dipping fork, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, then place the coated ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Immediately press a small dried cherry piece or whole dried cherry gently onto the top of each ball before the chocolate sets.
- Allow the Cherry apple cider + vanilla bean paste Balls to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Transfer the finished balls to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve or gift.
Notes
- Use finely chopped nuts so the balls hold together smoothly and dip cleanly in chocolate.
- You can chill the formed balls in the freezer for 10 minutes before dipping to help them keep their shape.
- Store the Cherry apple cider + vanilla bean paste Balls in a single layer or with parchment between layers to protect the chocolate coating.