Best 11 Aunt Vernas Bourbon Balls Recipes

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Aunt Verna's Bourbon Balls are a classic Southern treat that has been enjoyed for generations. These bite-sized balls of goodness are made with simple ingredients like bourbon, butter, powdered sugar, and pecans. They are easy to make and always a hit at parties and gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

BOURBON BALLS



Bourbon Balls image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 40m

Yield 3 dozen, about 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup pecans
8 ounces vanilla wafers, enough to make 2 cups
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa, divided
1 cup confectioners' sugar, divided
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup bourbon

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Spread the pecans on a cookie sheet, and place in the oven for 3 minutes. For even toasting, turn the tray, front to back. Toss the nuts with a metal spatula and bake for another 3 minutes. You'll know they're done when they give off their fragrant aroma, and be sure to check them so they don't become overbaked or charred.
  • In a food processor, chop the vanilla wafers into crumbs. Add the pecans and process just until they are finely chopped. In a medium bowl, mix together the crumb-pecan mixture, 1/4 cup of the cocoa, and 1/4 cup of the confectioners' sugar. Add the corn syrup and bourbon. Mix thoroughly. Sift the remaining 1/4 cup cocoa and 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar onto a large plate. Form the crumb mixture into 3/4-inch balls and roll them through the cocoa-sugar to coat. Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days. If necessary, touch them up with a light dusting of the remaining confectioners' sugar.

BOURBON BALLS



Bourbon Balls image

Bourbon Balls offer up a powerful punch while packaged in a small bite. These no-bake treats are a favored gift and a perfect nibble for parties.

Provided by Southern Living Editors

Time 53m

Yield Makes about 3 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (11-oz.) package vanilla wafers, finely crushed
1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
½ cup bourbon
2 ½ tablespoons light corn syrup
Powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl until well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, stir together bourbon and corn syrup until well blended. Stir bourbon mixture into the wafer mixture. Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in powdered sugar. Place finished bourbon balls in a lidded container, cover, and chill at least 30 minutes. Store chilled in a container up to 2 weeks.

BOURBON BALLS



Bourbon Balls image

The sweet kick of bourbon in these confections will transport you straight to Kentucky. We dipped the pieces in a bittersweet chocolate coating and topped them off with crunchy pecan. The result is a Derby-worthy treat you can make and enjoy all year round.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 45m

Yield 25 bourbon balls

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookies (about 8 ounces), such as Nilla Wafers
1 1/4 cups pecan halves
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch kosher salt
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
25 pecan halves

Steps:

  • For the bourbon balls: Pulse the vanilla wafer cookies and pecan halves in a food processor until the mixture turns to fine crumbs. Add the cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar, bourbon, corn syrup, vanilla and salt, then pulse until the mixture is thoroughly combined and holds together when squeezed.
  • Scoop the mixture into 1-inch balls (each about 1 tablespoon; about 25 total) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll each ball between the palms of your hands so they're smooth and compact. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill and firm up slightly, about 10 minutes.
  • For the coating: Meanwhile, put the chocolate and oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring halfway through, until completely melted and smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes.
  • Working one a time, use 2 forks to gently lower each bourbon ball into the chocolate mixture, turning to make sure the entire ball is coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off, then return to the baking sheet. Top with a pecan half. Return to the refrigerator until the chocolate is just set, about 5 minutes.

BOURBON BALLS



Bourbon Balls image

Our traditional Southern recipe for Bourbon Balls is so deliciously festive, once you try them, you're sure to make them a part of your holiday traditions!

Provided by Kathleen

Categories     Dessert

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup pecans, (finely chopped)
1/3 cup bourbon
1/2 cup butter, (softened)
1 (16-ounce) package confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable shortening
1/3 cup pecans, (finely chopped)

Steps:

  • Add the chopped pecans to a small bowl. Pour whiskey over pecans. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to soak for a minimum of overnight, or for best results, 3-5 of days.
  • Stir the pecans occasionally to make sure they all get a chance to soak up the bourbon. If the bourbon gets soaked up before you're ready to make these, I top them off with extra bourbon.
  • Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside.
  • Add butter to a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the butter until it is creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, beat until the mixture is dry and crumbly, like coarse sand. Stir in soaked pecans.
  • Form dough into 3/4 inch balls and set on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate overnight.
  • Add chocolate chips and vegetable shortening to a microwave safe bowl. Heat in microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir vigorously. Continue as needed, heating for 30-second intervals and stirring until melted.
  • Poke a toothpick a 1/4 inch into the top of each ball. Dip in melted chocolate and cover the ball completely, in chocolate, using a spoon as needed to cover the top with chocolate.
  • Return the chocolate covered ball to the tray so the chocolate can set. Remove toothpicks and dab a little melted chocolate on the top to cover the toothpick hole.
  • Sprinkle top with a few chopped pecans. Continue with the rest of the balls. Place in the fridge overnight to set completely.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /24 of the recipe, Calories 224 kcal, Carbohydrate 25 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 35 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 23 g

BOURBON BALLS



Bourbon Balls image

How to make easy Old Fashioned Bourbon Balls. Boozy pecans and chocolate make this Southern no bake dessert taste spectacular! Perfect for holidays, gifting, and cocktail parties.

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Dessert

Time 28m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 cups raw pecans
2 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup bourbon
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tablespoons molasses (honey, or pure maple syrup (I like molasses for the intense flavor))
For rolling: Crushed cookie crumbs

Steps:

  • Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pecans in a single layer. Bake until the pecans are toasted and crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Immediate transfer to a cutting board to cool.
  • In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse together the cookie crumbs (if you are starting with whole cookies, make the crumbs now then double-check to make sure you have 2 1/2 cups).
  • Add the cooled nuts and salt. Continue to pulse, until the nuts are finely ground but not completely pulverized (you want them in small bits but for them to still have a little bit of texture).
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and molasses until smooth.
  • Add to the food processor bowl and pulse until just combined.
  • Scoop the mixture into a bowl and give it a few stirs if the ingredients are not evenly combined. Press it into a mass. Let rest at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the crumbs to absorb some of the liquid.
  • Arrange anything you'd like to roll the balls in a shallow dish (a low bowl both works well).
  • Portion the dough by tablespoonfuls (I like to use a tablespoon scoop like this) and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in toppings of your choice, then transfer to a storage container (or enjoy IMMEDIATELY!).

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (of 42); without rolling ingredients, Calories 73 kcal, Carbohydrate 9 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 5 g

FUDGY BOURBON BALLS



Fudgy Bourbon Balls image

This twist on a classic rum ball recipe substitutes chocolate cookies for the usual vanilla wafers, and features bourbon rather than rum. The flavors will mellow and integrate after sitting for a few days, so the cookies will be all the better if you can plan ahead and let them ripen for three or four days. They'll keep for up to two weeks stored at room temperature.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     cookies and bars, dessert

Time 8h15m

Yield 4 dozen balls

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/2 cups/280 grams chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers or chocolate graham crackers)
1 1/4 cups/125 grams pecans, whole, halved or pieces
1/2 cup/120 milliliters good bourbon
1 cup/120 grams confectioners' sugar, plus more for rolling
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon honey

Steps:

  • In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the cookie crumbs and pecans until the nuts are finely ground. (The crumbs keep the nuts from turning into nut butter.)
  • In a separate bowl, stir together the bourbon, 1 cup confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder and honey. Add the mixture to food processor and pulse until just combined. Let the dough rest overnight, uncovered and at room temperature. This allows the mixture to dry out a little.
  • Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter, then toss the balls in confectioners' sugar. Store them in an airtight container if you want them moist, or uncovered if you like them to develop a crunchy sugar crust on the outside. Sprinkle with more confectioners' sugar just before serving.

STEPH'S BOURBON BALLS



Steph's Bourbon Balls image

These bourbon balls are my signature Christmas candy. You'll get requests to make these every year!

Provided by Steph T.

Categories     Desserts     Specialty Dessert Recipes     Liqueur Dessert Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 7

½ cup white sugar
2 ½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs
½ cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
¼ cup bourbon whiskey

Steps:

  • Place the sugar in a shallow bowl, and set aside. Combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, confectioners' sugar, and pecans in a bowl, and mix well.
  • Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes to melt the chips. Stir the melted chips until smooth, and beat in the corn syrup and whiskey. Scrape the chocolate mixture into the crumb mixture, and stir well to mix.
  • Form the dough into 1-inch balls, and roll each ball in sugar. Place the finished bourbon balls on a cooling rack to finish setting up.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271.9 calories, Carbohydrate 37.8 g, Fat 13.3 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 72.7 mg, Sugar 18.3 g

MEEMAW'S BOURBON BALLS



Meemaw's Bourbon Balls image

I've tried several recipes I found online, and the mixture always comes out too wet to form balls. My grandmother used to make these, and I finally figured out my own recipe that's as close to hers as I could get.

Provided by themistycat

Categories     Desserts     Specialty Dessert Recipes     Liqueur Dessert Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 45

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafer cookies
8 ounces pecans
1 cup confectioners' sugar
½ cup bourbon whiskey
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
½ cup flaked coconut, or to taste
¼ cup confectioners' sugar, or to taste, for rolling

Steps:

  • Grind cookies in a food processor into fine crumbs; transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  • Grind pecans in the food processor; add to cookie crumbs. Stir 1 cup confectioners' sugar, bourbon whiskey, cocoa powder, and corn syrup with the cookies and pecans until the mixture holds together; roll into 3/4-inch balls.
  • Spread coconut onto a plate and 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar onto a separate plate. Roll balls in coconut and sugar to coat. Arrange balls onto a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until hardened, at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 99.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10.5 g, Fat 5.8 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 23.9 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

BOURBON BALLS



Bourbon Balls image

This recipes comes from my aunt. These are wonderful cookies for the adults during the holidays! You can substitute other liqueurs for the bourbon, such as brandy, rum, or Kahlua (Kahlua balls are scrumptious)! You can also substitute walnuts for the pecans if you'd like.

Provided by Gaia22

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 8 dozen balls, 48 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers
1 cup whole pecans, finely chopped
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup Bourbon
1/4 cup light corn syrup
powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Finely crush vanilla sugar wafers in a food processor and measure out 3 cups worth.
  • Finely crush 1 cup of whole pecans in a food processor.
  • Mix wafers, nuts, powdered sugar, and cocoa.
  • Stir in bourbon and corn syrup.
  • Using a teaspoon to help gather mixture for each ball, shape mixture into 3/4" to 1" balls.
  • Rolls balls in powdered sugar. I do this by dropping batches of the balls into a ziplock bag with a bit of powdered sugar in it. Refill some sugar into ziplock bag as needed.
  • Refrigerate in tightly covered containers several days before serving (though they are very yummy right away!).
  • Makes about 5 to 8 dozen balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 46.6, Fat 1.6, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 1.3, Carbohydrate 6.9, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 5.5, Protein 0.3

AUNT HELEN'S RUM BALLS



Aunt Helen's Rum Balls image

These were in my Aunt Helen's recipe box - she kept this recipe closely guarded as her special rum ball recipe. My mom always looked forward to these every Christmas!

Provided by Gatorbek

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Yield 7 dozen, 21 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/2 cups vanilla wafers, finely crushed
3 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
1 cup confectioners' sugar, 10x
1 cup nuts, finely chopped
3 tablespoons white corn syrup
1/4 cup rum

Steps:

  • Mix dry ingredients.
  • Add syrup and rum.
  • Shape into 3/4 inch balls and roll in additional powdered sugar.

AUNT VERNA'S BOURBON BALLS



AUNT VERNA'S BOURBON BALLS image

Categories     Candy     Chocolate

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 lbs of powdered sugar
1 stick of butter
Approx 3/4 cake of Paraffin(maybe little less)
1/2 cup of bourbon
( i use a little less because i do not like them strong.)
6 chunks of semi sweet chocolate squares.
pecan halves

Steps:

  • In one bowl use a Mixer to mix 1lb of sugar with a stick of butter. (Softened) In another bowl pour the other lb. of powdered sugar. Stir in the bourbon Combine both bowls together using your hands to mix together. Roll into balls and place on tray lined with wax paper. Put in fridge overnite. Next day melt parafin in double boiler then add chocolate. Just heat it to warm if you get it to hot it will be thin on the balls. Using a toothepick dip the balls into the chocolate and place them back on wax paper. Place pecan on top and refrigerate overnite.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor. A good quality bourbon will have a smooth, mellow taste that will not overpower the other ingredients in the bourbon balls.
  • Chill the cookie crumbs before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help to keep the bourbon balls from becoming too sticky.
  • Roll the bourbon balls in powdered sugar while they are still warm. This will help the powdered sugar to adhere to the bourbon balls and give them a nice, even coating.
  • Store the bourbon balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Conclusion:

Aunt Verna's Bourbon Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are made with just a few simple ingredients, and they can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for parties and gatherings. Whether you are a fan of bourbon or not, you are sure to enjoy these delicious little treats.

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