Easy Cherry Bourbon Balls – Perfect for Holiday Treats

If you’re searching for a holiday treat that’s elegant, nostalgic, incredibly delicious, and unbelievably easy to prepare, these Cherry Bourbon Balls are about to become your new seasonal favorite. With no baking required and only a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes—with the rich, warm flavor of bourbon and bursts of tart-sweet cherry in every decadent bite.

Bourbon balls are a classic Southern holiday confection, known for their boozy kick and bite-sized charm. This version takes things a step further by adding chopped maraschino cherries, which bring festive color, moisture, and a pop of fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the caramel notes of bourbon. They’re indulgent, elegant, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at parties.

Whether you’re preparing trays of cookies, assembling DIY edible gifts, or looking for a grown-up treat for your holiday gatherings, cherry bourbon balls check every box. They store well, get even better after a day or two, and feel like a luxurious bite of holiday cheer.

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What Makes These Cherry Bourbon Balls So Special?

1. No-Bake, No Hassle

Just mix, roll, coat, and chill. That’s it.

2. Holiday Flavor Perfection

Bourbon + cherries + cocoa = pure festive magic.

3. Make-Ahead Friendly

They actually improve after chilling because the flavors deepen and the texture becomes fudgier.

4. Perfect for Parties & Gift Boxes

They look fancy without requiring complicated work.

5. Customizable

You can adjust the bourbon strength, sweetness, and coatings to your liking.

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The Best Bourbon to Use

The bourbon flavor is noticeable, so choose one you enjoy drinking. Popular options:

• Maker’s Mark
• Woodford Reserve
• Bulleit
• Four Roses

For stronger bourbon heat, use full-strength bourbon. For a milder flavor, use slightly less bourbon or mix in a tablespoon of cherry juice.

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Ingredients

Main Mixture

• 3 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (or crushed chocolate cookies)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• ¼ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Coating

• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Melted chocolate for drizzling (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Crush the cookies.
   Pulse chocolate wafers or cookies in a food processor until crumbs form. You can also crush them in a sealed bag using a rolling pin.
2. Mix dry ingredients.
   In a large bowl, combine cookie crumbs, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.
3. Add cherries.
   Stir in finely chopped maraschino cherries, mixing until evenly distributed.
4. Add wet ingredients.
   Pour in bourbon, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla. Mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.
5. Chill briefly.
   Refrigerate dough for 20–30 minutes so it firms up and becomes easier to roll.
6. Roll into balls.
   Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll between your palms. Repeat until all the dough is used.
7. Coat the balls.
   Roll in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or drizzle with melted chocolate.
8. Rest for best flavor.
   Place finished bourbon balls in an airtight container and refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

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Tips for the Best Cherry Bourbon Balls

Chop cherries finely.
Large pieces make rolling harder.

If mixture is too dry:
Add 1 tablespoon extra condensed milk.

If mixture is too sticky:
Add 2–4 tablespoons cookie crumbs.

Chill before rolling.
This prevents messy hands and helps the balls keep their shape.

Let them rest overnight.
Flavors deepen and the bourbon mellows beautifully.

Use gloves for clean rolling.
Especially with melted chocolate drizzles.

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Flavor Variations

White Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls

Roll balls in shredded coconut or dip in white chocolate.

Chocolate-Covered Bourbon Truffles

Dip fully in melted dark chocolate for rich truffle-style treats.

Cherry Almond Bourbon Balls

Add ½ tsp almond extract; roll in crushed almonds.

Extra Boozy Version

Add 2–3 extra tablespoons bourbon OR reduce condensed milk slightly.

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Serving Suggestions

These treats shine at:

• Christmas parties
• Holiday dessert tables
• New Year’s gatherings
• Winter gift boxes
• Adult cookie swaps

Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

Refrigerator: up to 2 weeks
Freezer: up to 3 months

Store in an airtight container to keep the coating from getting sticky.

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Fun Fact

Bourbon balls were invented in Kentucky in the 1930s by Ruth Booe of Rebecca Ruth Candies—a woman who wanted to blend chocolate with Kentucky’s most iconic spirit. Today, they remain one of the most beloved holiday treats in the American South.