Kentucky Bourbon Balls

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/7/23
Kentucky bourbon balls

The Spruce

 

Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Chill Time: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 25 mins
Servings: 36 servings

Kentucky Bourbon Balls are a no-bake treat that dates back to the 1930s, when the candy factory Rebecca Ruth Candies of Frankfort, KY commercialized them and saw how they quickly became a crowd favorite. Although the original recipe is still a secret, there are many versions that capture the beauty and flavor of these candies.

Commonly enjoyed during the holidays, these Kentucky Bourban balls make a great gift! Presented in decorative tins, they're sure to be a hit with anyone that loves a sweet treat.

Make Ahead

This recipe is easy to double or even triple to yield bigger batches. For best flavor, make these candies a few days in advance and roll them in confectioners sugar again before serving.

What You'll Need to Make Kentucky Bourbon Balls
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Mixing Bowl Set
Mixing Bowls
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set
A Spatula
Bellemain Stainless Steel 3 Cup Flour Sifter
A Sifter
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fine vanilla wafer crumbs, about 20 to 25 cookies crushed

  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted or raw

  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided

  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/4 cup bourbon

  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Thoroughly combine 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs, 1 cup finely chopped pecans, 1 cup confectioners' sugar, and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder.

    Kentucky bourbon ball flour mix.
     The Spruce

  3. In a separate bowl, blend 1/4 cup bourbon and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup.

    Bourbon and corn syrup.
    The Spruce 

  4. Stir the bourbon mixture into the dry mixture.

    Kentucky Bourbon Balls
     The Spruce

  5. Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours.

    Kentucky bourbon ball mixture.
     The Spruce

  6. Once the mixture is chilled and ready to be shaped, sift about 1/2 to 1 cup of confectioners' sugar into a wide, shallow bowl.

    Confectioner's sugar
     The Spruce

  7. Place a bowl of cold water next to your working area. Wet your hands with cold water and shape small bits of the dough into balls. Roll them in the confectioners' sugar.

    Shaping Kentucky bourbon balls.
     The Spruce

  8. Serve right away, or store in the refrigerator in tightly covered containers for up to 2 weeks.

    Kentucky Bourbon Balls
     The Spruce

  9. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

Store-

Freeze- for longer storage, the bourbon balls can also be frozen. Leave in the fridge overnight to thaw, and then at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours before rolling in the confectioners' sugar and serving. Alternatively, roll in a mixture of 50/50 semi-sweet cocoa powder and confectioners' sugar.

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

Even if bourbon and pecans are the classic flavor to use for these treats, other flavors can be added to the basic mixture:

  • Different Spirits- replace the bourbon with a good quality rum or tequila. Or use flavored liqueurs like Frangelico, Baileys, Kahlúa, or any flavored alcohol of your liking.
  • Toasted Pecans- for an even nuttier flavor, spread pecan halves out in a dry skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When lightly browned and fragrant, transer them to a plate to cool completely before chopping.
  • Other Nuts- use toasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts in place of the pecans to experiment with other nutty flavors.
  • 50/50- for a little less sweetness and more cocoa goodness, try rolling in a mixture of 50/50 semi-sweet cocoa powder and confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
70 Calories
3g Fat
12g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 36
Amount per serving
Calories 70
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 12mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 3mg 0%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 14mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)