Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
Rich, decadent, and decidedly grown-up, these Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls prove that four simple ingredients can create an unforgettable holiday treat.
The recipe calls for 60% cacao chocolate, which is naturally sweeter because it contains more sugar. However, we could only find 72% Ghirardelli cacao at the store—so we added a couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar to balance the deeper, more intense cocoa flavor. (In general, 60% offers a smoother, sweeter profile, while 70–72% cacao delivers bolder, more complex notes of cocoa, fruit, or warm spice.)
With just 30 minutes of hands-on time, these no-bake bourbon balls are as convenient as they are indulgent. They freeze beautifully, keep well in the fridge for up to a week, and make charming gifts for neighbors, co-workers, and party hosts. Tuck each one into a mini baking cup and package them in small jewelry boxes wrapped in festive paper for the sweetest homemade present.
Make a few batches—some to share, some to keep—and enjoy these fudgy, truffle-like bites that always disappear fast.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. 60% cacao dark chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (2 oz.) bourbon
- 3/4 cup Better Halves Pecans, finely chopped
Directions:
- Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring heavy cream and bourbon just to a simmer in a saucepan over medium. Remove from heat, and pour cream mixture over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute; stir vigorously until cream and chocolate are thoroughly blended (we used an electric mixer to make it extra smooth). Let mixture cool 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 2 hours. (If you cannot make the truffles immediately, the mixture will keep, covered, in the fridge up to 1 week.)
- Place chopped pecans on a shallow plate. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Working quickly and using a small warmed teaspoon (dipped into hot water and then dried), scoop chilled chocolate mixture by 2-teaspoon portions, and shape each into a ball. Place each ball on chopped pecans. Once the plate is filled, wash hands and roll balls in pecans to completely cover. Transfer balls to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chocolate mixture and pecans.
- Chill balls until firm, about 1 hour. (Or freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.) Enjoy them now, gift them, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
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- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
