Maple Bourbon Balls

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Maple bourbon balls are a must-have for the holidays! This adult treat is easy to make and perfect for gifting.

Bourbon balls have been a part of my holidays for years now, thanks to all our years in Texas.

Now that I am back in the Midwest, however, I was surprised to find out that not everyone is familiar with this treat. Which means I’ve definitely been making lots of this bourbon ball recipe to share with everyone I know!

Whether you are an old fan or new to the tradition, you’ll love how easy it is to put together these sweet bites. Plus, there’s no oven required!

What are bourbon balls?

Invented in Kentucky in the 1930s, bourbon balls are bite-size snacks or candies featuring bourbon for the main flavoring.

There are many different varieties of bourbon balls, with some coated in chocolate, some with a more creamy filling, and some with a cookie base.

Bourbon balls can have any flavor variety of bourbon and may or may not have chocolate. Pecans are a common addition.

For cookie-based balls, graham crackers, vanilla wafer cookies, or even chocolate sandwich cookies can be used. 

Once formed, the balls are rolled in powdered sugar or a mix of powdered sugar and cocoa powder, or dipped in melted chocolate.

Sweet and boozy, these are the perfect celebratory bite.

Ingredients for making bourbon balls

Bourbon balls only require a few ingredients to make. 

Vanilla wafer cookies – Crushed cookies make up the base for the balls. For a different flavor, swap in graham crackers.

Pecans – Pecans bring warm nutty flavor to the balls. If you like, you can toast them prior to using for even more flavor, but it’s not necessary.

Powdered sugar – To sweeten the balls as well for coating.

Ground cinnamon – Optional, but I like to add some cinnamon for flavor.

Maple syrup – Bourbon balls commonly use corn syrup, but I prefer the flavor maple syrup brings. Be sure to use pure maple syrup, not imitation.

Bourbon – Use any variety of bourbon for your balls. Only ? cup is needed, so you’ll have plenty left over for drinking.

Popular brands include Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, and Buffalo Trace. Nonalcoholic bourbon will work as well!

You can also add cocoa powder. I’ve left it out in this batch.

How to make bourbon balls

First, you’ll need to crush the cookies and chop the nuts (if you didn’t buy pre-chopped nuts).

A small food processor works great for this task. You can also place all the cookies into a Ziploc bag, seal it, and crush using a rolling pin.

Make sure you don’t crush the cookies completely into tiny crumbs; I leave a few larger pieces for texture.

To chop the nuts, use the food processor again or chop finely with a knife.

In a large bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, nuts, and 1 cup of the powdered sugar. Stir in the cinnamon, if using.

Whisk together the bourbon and maple syrup, then add to the mixture.

Mix together until it is evenly moistened. It should easily clump together without being soggy.

If it seems too wet, add a little more powdered sugar. If it is too dry, add a small amount of maple syrup.

Pour some powdered sugar into a bowl.

Take a small amount of the mixture and roll into a ball between your hands. The balls can be whatever size you like, but 1 inch is a good rule of thumb.

Roll the ball in the powdered sugar, then set on a tray. Repeat until all the filling is used.

Chill the balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Storage tips

Bourbon balls can be kept at room temperature, but will keep longer in the refrigerator. 

Store bourbon balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container, bourbon balls will last for about 2 weeks. 

You can eat them straight from the fridge, or let them come to room temperature for a softer bite.

What to serve with bourbon balls

Add bourbon balls to your holiday cookie spread with some of these favorites:

• Iced Gingerbread Spritz
• Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
• Ginger Molasses Cookies
• Almond Biscotti
• Raspberry White Chocolate Cookies

Bourbon balls might just become your new family classic!