Cherry Bourbon Balls
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a small, boozy bite that sneaks up on you with flavor: the warm, roasted cocoa notes, the bright cherry pop, the faint caramel-bright scent of bourbon, and the satisfying snap of chocolate sprinkles on the outside. These Cherry Bourbon Balls are small pleasures — velvet-smooth on the tongue with a chewy cherry center and a whisper of boozy warmth that lingers just long enough to make you smile.
Perfect for holiday cookie trays, cocktail parties, or a cozy evening with a cup of coffee, these little confections are as versatile as they are festive. They’re also an easy show-stopper: make a batch in an hour and serve a crowd, or tuck them into gift boxes for friends and neighbors. If you adore seasonal, bite-sized sweets, you might also enjoy a festive savory-to-sweet pairing like Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for your holiday spread.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes 1 hour chill)
- Servings: about 24 balls
- Difficulty Level: Easy — no baking required
Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (1 ball). These are approximations calculated using ingredient nutrient values from USDA FoodData Central and rounded for clarity. Values assume the recipe uses fresh cherries and includes the optional chopped nuts. If you omit nuts or use dried cherries, totals will change (see notes below).
- Calories: ~74 kcal
- Protein: ~1 g
- Total Carbohydrates: ~12 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~1 g
- Sugars: majority of carbs (from powdered sugar, cherries, sprinkles)
- Total Fat: ~2 g
- Saturated Fat: ~0.3–0.5 g
- Alcohol: present — bourbon is not cooked out in this no-bake recipe
Sources and notes:
- Nutrient values were estimated by aggregating USDA FoodData Central values for common ingredient weights (graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, sweet cherries, bourbon, walnuts/pecans, chocolate sprinkles). For personal diet tracking or medically precise needs, use a nutrition calculator with your exact brands and portion sizes. If serving to children, pregnant people, or anyone avoiding alcohol, omit bourbon or substitute with a bourbon extract and adjust liquid quantities.
Perfect For…
These Cherry Bourbon Balls shine in social and seasonal contexts:
- Holiday platters and cookie exchanges — small, festive, and giftable.
- Cocktail parties — they pair beautifully with brown spirits and rich reds.
- Quick dessert prep when you want something impressive without the oven.
- Memory-making — they’re a nostalgic, grown-up twist on classic no-bake truffles that invites conversation and sharing.
- If you need a non-alcohol version for family gatherings, you can swap bourbon for a non-alcoholic bourbon flavoring or brewed strong black tea for mild warmth.
Preparation Guide
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup chopped cherries (fresh recommended; if using dried, rehydrate briefly in warm water)
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans suggested)
- 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles (for coating)
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Non-alcoholic: substitute 1/2 cup strong brewed black tea or 1/2 cup non-alcoholic bourbon flavor + 2–3 tbsp cream to adjust texture.
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or finely ground gluten-free cookies.
- Vegan: use plant-based powdered sugar (some are processed with bone char), replace sprinkles with dairy-free versions, and substitute bourbon with non-alcoholic flavoring if needed.
- Dried cherries: If using, reduce powdered sugar slightly (dried fruit adds sweetness) or soak dried cherries in warm water or extra bourbon for 10–15 minutes to plump.
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until well blended.
- Add the chopped cherries and bourbon, mixing until the ingredients are well incorporated. If using nuts, add them in at this stage.
- Practical tip: If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of extra graham crumbs or powdered sugar. If too dry, add a teaspoon of bourbon at a time.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls.
- Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles to coat.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Practical tips
- Avoid overmixing once you add bourbon — you want the mixture just combined to keep the texture tender.
- If your cherries are very juicy, pat them dry before chopping to avoid a soggy mixture.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform balls and quicker rolling.
- If you want a firmer texture, chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes before scooping.
Best Pairings
- Beverage matches: Serve with espresso or a milder coffee, a smoky bourbon neat, or a dessert wine like tawny port.
- Platter mates: combine with salted nuts, candied orange peel, and shortbread for a holiday board.
- For a kid-friendly spread, pair with plain cookies and fruit skewers while offering an alcohol-free version of the balls for younger guests.
- Sweet-salty contrast: sit them beside a few crisp cheese wafers for textural balance.
- If you’re assembling a themed dessert table, these pair delightfully with playful, chocolate-coated treats like a festive batch of Grinch Oreo Balls.
Shelf Life & Storage
- Room temperature: Not recommended more than a few hours; refrigeration is preferred because of the bourbon/moisture content and the sprinkles coating.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Chef’s Advice
- Texture is everything: aim for a mixture that holds together when pressed but isn’t greasy or overly wet. If it sticks to your hands, chill for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
- Choose bold cocoa: unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa gives deep color and a smooth flavor that contrasts well with bourbon and cherries.
- Nuts add crunch and richness: finely chop so they distribute evenly; toast them briefly to deepen flavor.
- Alcohol safety: because this is no-bake, bourbon preserves its alcohol content. Label batches if serving to children or guests avoiding alcohol.
Switch It Up!
Try these variations to suit different tastes or diets:
- Chocolate-Covered Bourbon Balls: Dip chilled balls in melted dark chocolate instead of sprinkles for a sleek finish.
- Gluten-Free / Vegan: Use gluten-free graham crumbs and maple syrup instead of bourbon (or a bourbon extract) and dairy-free sprinkles.
- Citrus-Bourbon Twist: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the mixture and swap half the cherries for finely chopped candied orange peel for a bright, festive flavor.
- Spiced Cherry: Stir a pinch of cinnamon and 1/8 tsp ground ginger into the dry mix for warming spice notes.
All Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes — they store well in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks or in the freezer up to 3 months.
Q: My mixture is crumbly and won’t form balls. What do I do?
A: Add bourbon or a splash of cream or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together. Chill briefly and try again.
Q: How do I remove the alcohol for kids and pregnant guests?
A: Replace bourbon with a non-alcoholic bourbon flavoring or strong brewed tea, and adjust moisture with a little extra powdered sugar or cookie crumbs.
Q: Can I use dried cherries?
A: Yes — if using dried cherries, chop them finely and consider soaking them in warm water or a little bourbon for 10–15 minutes to plump, then drain well. Reduce powdered sugar slightly if desired.
Q: Are these nut-free?
A: They can be — simply omit the optional chopped nuts and add an extra tablespoon of graham crumbs or powdered sugar if needed for texture.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a no-bake, festive treat that blends chocolate, tart cherries, and the warming note of bourbon, these Cherry Bourbon Balls are a must-try. They’re quick to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and easy to customize for different diets or occasions. For additional inspiration and another take on cherry-bourbon confections, see Spicy Southern Kitchen’s Cherry Bourbon Balls, and for a classic, well-loved version of this treat, check out the traditional Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe on Allrecipes. Share your results, swap your favorite mix-ins, and join the conversation — these little bites are made for sharing.
Print
Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious no-bake treats with a chewy cherry center, a hint of bourbon, and a chocolate sprinkle coating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup chopped cherries (fresh recommended)
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans suggested)
- 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until well blended.
- Add the chopped cherries and bourbon, mixing until well incorporated. If using nuts, add them in at this stage.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
- Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles to coat.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of extra graham crumbs or powdered sugar. If too dry, add a teaspoon of bourbon at a time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 74
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
