Absolutely — they’re optional. If you skip them, add a bit more chopped cherries or crushed wafers for texture.

My mixture won’t hold together. What now?

Add a splash more bourbon or a teaspoon of water, mix, then chill — chilling often saves a crumbly mix.

How boozy will these taste?

That depends on the bourbon. Use good-quality bourbon for true warmth; reduce amount for a milder profile or use extract for alcohol-free. These count as Boozy Desserts when you use real bourbon.

Can I roll them in cocoa instead of powdered sugar?

Yes — cocoa gives a less sweet, more intense chocolate finish.

Easy Cherry Bourbon Balls — Top Christmas Candy Recipes Pick

Description

Treat yourself to fudgy, no-oven Cherry Bourbon Balls — a simple confection that pairs chocolate and cherries with a nutty crunch. This booze-free take uses cherry juice and maraschino cherries to give that classic flavor without any alcohol, and it’s ready to enjoy after a short chill.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
¼ cup cherry juice (use non-alcoholic cherry juice)
¼ cup maraschino cherries, finely diced
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, divided
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
30 candied cherry halves (for topping)

Instructions

Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and the shortening (or coconut oil) in a heatproof bowl and warm gently — either in short bursts in the microwave (stirring between bursts) or over a simmering pan of water — until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Set aside to cool a little.
Beat the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, whip the softened butter with 3 cups of the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and somewhat airy.
Add cherries and nuts: Stir the cherry juice, the finely chopped maraschino cherries, and the chopped pecans into the butter-sugar mixture until evenly distributed.
Incorporate the chocolate: Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate into the bowl and fold it in until the mixture comes together into a thick, cohesive mass — like a soft, chocolatey dough.
Chill until firm: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours so the mixture firms up enough to shape.
Shape the balls: Using a small spoon or a cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), portion out the chilled mixture. Roll each portion between your palms into a smooth sphere.
Coat with sugar and top: Put the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the sugar to coat, then press a candied cherry half onto the top of each coated ball.
Final set: Arrange the finished candies on a tray lined with parchment and chill for another 30 minutes so they set completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

Storage
- Keep these in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage. If freezing, flash-freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag; thaw in the fridge before serving.