The holiday season has a way of bringing out the creative baker in all of us, doesn’t it? This year, I found myself craving something indulgent yet effortless—something festive that would delight my family and friends without taking hours in the kitchen. Enter these Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls: bite-sized treasures that combine the rich flavors of bourbon and chocolate with the cheery sweetness of dried cherries.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a smooth, creamy filling that bursts with chewy cherry goodness, followed by that satisfying crunch of pecans. What’s even better? These delightful treats come together with minimal fuss, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Whether you’re gifting them in a pretty box or savoring them next to a warm cup of cocoa, these no-bake delights will surely evoke all the warmth and joy of the season. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s create something truly festive!
Why love No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls?
Indulgent flavors: These no-bake treats combine rich bourbon and smooth chocolate with sweet, chewy dried cherries, creating a uniquely festive flavor profile.
Effortless preparation: With no baking required, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Crowd-pleasing appeal: Everyone loves bite-sized desserts, making them ideal for parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights in with loved ones.
Versatile options: Feel free to customize the recipe with different nuts or dried fruits to match your taste preferences.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare these delights in advance and store them for up to two weeks, ensuring you’re always ready for unexpected guests.
No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Ingredients
For the Filling
- Cream Cheese – Provides creaminess and structure to the filling; use a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and smoothness; replace with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the mixture for a smooth texture; for a lower sugar option, consider erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Dried Cherries – Adds sweetness, tartness, and a chewy texture; dried cranberries can be used for a tarter flavor.
- Chopped Pecans – Offers crunch and a nutty flavor; substitute with almonds or walnuts if desired.
- Bourbon – Infuses warm, festive flavors into the filling; for a non-alcoholic version, use milk and almond extract.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
For the Coating
- Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate – Coats the bourbon balls, providing a rich layer; white chocolate can be used for a sweeter coating.
- Coconut Oil (optional) – Creates a smoother chocolate coating; shortening can also be used for similar results.
For Garnish
- Whole or Dried Cherries – Adds a decorative touch and complements the flavors of the no-bake cherry bourbon balls.
How to Make No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
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Beat Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Sweetness: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until the texture becomes thick and velvety, indicating it’s ready for the next ingredient.
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Stir in Flavor: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, pecans, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is evenly distributed, creating a colorful and festive filling.
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Chill Mixture: Cover the mixture and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or if you’re in a hurry, pop it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. This step allows the mixture to firm up for easy rolling.
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Form Balls: Using a small cookie scoop, take out tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into balls using your hands. It’s okay if they aren’t perfectly round—homemade is always charming!
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Chill Again: Place the formed balls on a baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for another 20 minutes. This helps them maintain their shape during the chocolate coating process.
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Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate (and optional coconut oil) until smooth, stirring frequently to prevent overheating.
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Dip Each Ball: Carefully dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them on parchment paper.
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Garnish: Before the chocolate sets, top each ball with a whole or dried cherry for a lovely finishing touch that adds flavor and elegance.
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Let It Set: Allow the chocolate coating to harden at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or speed up the process by placing them in the fridge. Enjoy these delights once they’re ready!
Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls?
Indulging in these sweet delights offers a perfect opportunity to create a complete festive experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Rich Coffee: Bring out the flavors with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The warmth of the coffee complements the chocolate and bourbon beautifully.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: For a dreamy pairing, serve these bourbon balls alongside a velvety hot chocolate, laced with marshmallows and whipped cream for extra indulgence.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream adds contrasting creaminess and temperature, balancing the rich flavors of the bourbon balls perfectly.
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Cheese Platter: Include a selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese on your dessert table. The tanginess pairs well with the sweetness of the bourbon balls.
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Sparkling Wine: Elevate your dessert experience with a glass of bubbly or prosecco, adding a festive sparkle to your gathering.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For a fruity and additional chocolate hit, chocolate-covered strawberries create a delightful presentation and fresh flavor contrast.
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Nuts and Dried Fruits: A platter of mixed nuts and dried fruits complements the texture and sweetness of the bourbon balls, enhancing the overall taste experience.
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Holiday Cocktails: Get adventurous with spiced holiday cocktails, which can echo the flavors of your bourbon treats and add a festive atmosphere.
No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Variations
Feel free to personalize these delightful treats; a little creativity can elevate their charm and flavor!
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Crunchy Cookies: Mix in crushed chocolate wafers or graham crackers into the filling for added texture for a delightful surprise in every bite.
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Nutty Twist: Swap pecans for pistachios or hazelnuts to give a unique nutty flavor profile that complements the richness of the cherry and bourbon.
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Fruit Swap: Use dried apricots or figs instead of cherries for a sweeter, softer filling that still brings the festive spirit.
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Almond Joy: Incorporate almond extract along with bourbon for a warm, nutty flavor that’s reminiscent of chocolate-covered almonds.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness perfectly.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and butter with cashew cream for a creamy texture that suits vegan diets without losing flavor.
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Drizzle of Joy: Top each ball with a drizzle of caramel sauce or melted white chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
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Festive Colors: Roll the finished balls in crushed dried cranberries or colored sprinkles to enhance their visual appeal for holiday gatherings.
Expert Tips for No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
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Perfectly Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened for an easy mix. If it’s too cold, microwave it for a few seconds to soften quickly.
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Chill at Every Step: Chilling the mixture between rolling and dipping helps maintain the balls’ shape and prevents a messy coating process—trust me!
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Watch Your Chocolate Temperature: If your chocolate appears dull or thick, it may be overheated. Adding a bit of coconut oil during melting can restore that beautiful sheen.
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Garnish with Care: When adding cherries on top, do it before the chocolate sets. This ensures they adhere properly and look fabulous!
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Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits for a personalized twist on these No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls; the possibilities are endless!
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Storage Know-How: Store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them perfect for pre-holiday prep!
Storage Tips for No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
Room Temperature: Keep these treats in a cool area, but they are best stored in the fridge to maintain their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Fridge: Store the no-bake cherry bourbon balls in an airtight container for up to two weeks. This keeps them fresh and helps retain their delightful creaminess.
Freezer: Want to make them ahead of time? Freeze the formed chocolate-coated balls for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: No need to reheat these treats; simply enjoy them chilled as they are, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors with less stress! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix everything together and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, roll the filling into balls and chill for another 20 minutes before dipping in melted chocolate. To maintain their quality, ensure the mixture is well-chilled before rolling, as this helps keep it firm. After dipping, allow the chocolate to set and store the finished cherry bourbon balls in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, savoring the same delicious taste throughout!
No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe FAQs
What type of cherries should I use?
I recommend using dried cherries for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, which complements the bourbon beautifully. If you want a tarter flavor, you can also use dried cranberries—just chop them finely for an even distribution in the filling.
How long can I store the no-bake cherry bourbon balls?
You can store these delightful treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I often prepare them a few days in advance for holidays, ensuring they are ready for family and friends without any last-minute stress!
Can I freeze the bourbon balls?
Absolutely! To freeze, simply place the chocolate-coated bourbon balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then put them in the freezer until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
What should I do if my chocolate coating isn’t smooth?
If your chocolate appears dull or thick, it may have overheated. To fix this, gently fold in a teaspoon of coconut oil into the melted chocolate. This will not only help restore its smoothness but also give your chocolate a beautiful sheen when it hardens!
Are cherry bourbon balls safe for pets?
It’s best to keep these treats away from pets, as chocolate and certain nuts can be harmful to them. If you’re sharing these delicious treats with friends and family, consider making a pet-friendly version using carob instead of chocolate and nuts that are safe for pets, like pumpkin seeds!
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of these balls?
Definitely! For a non-alcoholic alternative, substitute the bourbon with a combination of milk and a few drops of almond extract to mimic the flavor. This way, you can still enjoy the festive taste of these no-bake cherry bourbon balls without the alcohol.
Decadent No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls for Holiday Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until the texture becomes thick and velvety.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, pecans, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Cover the mixture and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
- Using a small cookie scoop, take out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
- Place the formed balls on a baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for another 20 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate (and optional coconut oil) until smooth.
- Carefully dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
- Before the chocolate sets, top each ball with a whole or dried cherry.
- Allow the chocolate coating to harden at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.