I have a deep love for Southern cuisine, especially when it comes to desserts. One of my absolute favorites is the classic Bourbon Ball. These little morsels of sweetness are a staple in Southern homes, especially around the holidays. They are made with just a handful of ingredients, but they pack a punch of flavor that leaves you coming back for more. The combination of the sugary sweetness, the rich chocolate, and the kick of bourbon is just irresistible. Bourbon Balls originated in the South, where bourbon is a beloved ingredient in many dishes. They are traditionally served during the holiday season, but honestly, I think they’re perfect for any time of the year. What I love about this recipe is that it’s pretty straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated cooking techniques. Plus, they’re great for gifting! Before we dive into the recipe, I want to share a few tips that will ensure your Bourbon Balls come out perfect every time. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start beating it. This will make it easier to blend with the sugar. Second, after you form the balls, let them chill in the fridge for a bit before dipping them in chocolate. This will help them keep their shape. And finally, use a good quality bourbon – it makes a difference in the taste. Now, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. (1 stick) butter
- 1 lb. (1 box) 10x confectioners sugar
- 4 1/2 tsp. 100 proof bourbon
- 8 sq. (1 oz. each) semi-sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
- 36 pecan halves
Baking Instructions
- Beat butter in medium-size bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in gradually 10x confectioners sugar.
- Slowly beat in bourbon. Chill 1 hour or until mixture is stiff enough to shape.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Arrange in single layer on wax paper-lined tray. Chill 1 hour.
- Melt chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water.
- Remove chocolate from heat; cool until a good dipping consistency.
- Dip bourbon balls with 3-pronged fork halfway into chocolate.
- Return to wax paper-lined tray.
- Place pecan half on top of each ball.
- When all the bourbon balls have been dipped, return tray to refrigerator.
- Chill about 30 minutes or until firm. Makes about 3 dozen.
Calorie: 150
Total cooking time: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
When Bourbon Met Chocolate: A Tale of Boozy Balls
Ah, there’s nothing quite like the symphony of butter, confectioners sugar, bourbon, semi-sweet chocolate and pecans. Throw these ingredients together and you’ve got yourself a decadent treat known as Bourbon Balls. Now, don’t let the name scare you off. Yes, bourbon is involved, but no, you won’t be stumbling around the kitchen after a taste… well, not unless you take a swig or two during the process. No judgment here!
The Prelude to a Butter Beating
We start off with our star player, butter. Half a cup of it, to be exact. You’re going to beat this bad boy in a medium-sized bowl until it’s light and fluffy. Imagine you’re a masseuse and the butter is your client. Work it good until it’s nice, relaxed and fluffy.
Sweeten the Deal with Confectioners Sugar
Next, we gradually add in the 1 lb. box of 10x confectioners sugar. This gets a bit messy, so prepare for a mini snowstorm in your kitchen. You’re going to want to beat it gradually, but let’s be honest, we all get a little overzealous sometimes. If you find yourself in a sugar blizzard, just laugh it off and keep going.
Enter the Bourbon: Cue Dramatic Music
Now, for the main event. The bourbon. We’re talking 4 1/2 teaspoons of 100 proof goodness. Slowly beat this into your mixture. Remember, folks, we’re making dessert, not cocktails. Restrain yourself from adding a splash or two extra.
Chill Out Time
Once everything’s mixed up nicely, it’s time to chill. The mixture, not you. This stuff needs to stiffen up for an hour, so find something to occupy your time. Like cleaning the sugar off your counters, walls, floor, cat…
Let’s Get Rolling
Now that your mixture is firm and ready, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Roll that stuff into 1-inch balls. This part is sort of therapeutic, like making mud pies as a kid, but less mud, more bourbon.
Bath Time for Bourbon Balls
After another hour of chilling, it’s time for a chocolate bath. Melt 8 squares of semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler. Then, using a three-pronged fork (because two-pronged is so last season), dip those bourbon balls halfway into the chocolate.
The Final Touch: Pecan Glory
Before the chocolate sets, stick a pecan half on top of each ball. It’s like a little hat! A delicious little hat. Once all the bourbon balls are dressed up with their pecan hats, they go back to the fridge to firm up for about 30 minutes.
And voila! You’ve made Bourbon Balls. These little guys are a hit at parties, especially with my Uncle Jerry who always seems to find his way to the dessert table. But, can you blame him? Butter, confectioners sugar, bourbon, semi-sweet chocolate, and pecans. It’s a party in your mouth!
Cooking may be a labor of love, but in the end, you have a delicious treat to share (or hoard for yourself). And if you end up with a kitchen that looks like a sweet war zone, well, that’s just part of the fun. Happy cooking, my friends!
