Best Best Bourbon Balls Recipes

BEST BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• By hand mix the sugar, butter, pecans and bourbon. Start off with a good splash of bourbon then add tiny bits if too dry. I've never once measured the bourbon and I've been making these since I was about 5, helping mom.
• Work mixture until smooth. The mixture should be stiff, not soggy, pliable but not crumbly. I hope that makes sense.
• Pinch a tiny bit of mix and roll it in the palm of your hand into a ball. The perfect size ball is a two-biter (a little less than an inch.)
• Place on cookie sheets and set aside to air dry. You should not freeze these to firm them quickly, just let them air dry a couple of hours.
• Melt chocolates, paraffin and shortening in the microwave 30 seconds at a time.
• Stir at end of each 30 seconds.
• It will take about 4-5 minutes to melt everything.
• Using a salad or cocktail fork place the ball on the end of the fork and dip into chocolate.
• Don't prick the end with the fork or a toothpick to dip as some recommend.
• Let drain and put back on the cookie sheet.
• You may top with a half or whole pecan at this point. This will make about 120 pieces at this size.
• When chocolate has set, take a knife and slide under the balls. This makes them come out smooth compared to just picking them up.
• Place each piece in a foil or paper fluted candy cup and place in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve or give as gifts.

KENTUCKY BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• Place the nuts in a sealable jar. Pour the bourbon over the nuts. Seal and allow to soak overnight.
• Mix the butter and sugar; fold in the soaked nuts. Form into 3/4" balls and refrigerate overnight.
• Line a tray with waxed paper. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Roll the balls in the melted chocolate to coat; arrange on the prepared tray. Store in refrigerator until serving.

BOURBON BALLS

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.

DARK CHOCOLATE BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• Combine 1 cup pecans and bourbon; let stand, covered, for 8 hours or overnight., Cream butter and confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until crumbly; stir in pecan mixture. Refrigerate, covered, until firm enough to shape, about 45 minutes. Shape into 1-in. balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour., Dip in chocolate coating; allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup pecans. Let stand until set.