Cherry Bourbon Balls
Easy no-bake chocolate-coated Cherry apple cider + vanilla bean paste Balls perfect for holiday gifting.
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
- For easier rolling, make sure the filling is well chilled before shaping into balls.
- 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.
- 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.