Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
Double Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls
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These little chocolate balls have a little kick of Bourbon while satisfying your sweet tooth.
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
4 reviews
ingredients
6 ounces chocolate chips
3 tablespoons corn syrup
1/2 cup bourbon
8 1/2 ounces chocolate wafers, crushed
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup finely chopped nuts
1/4 cup finely chopped candied cherries
granulated sugar
directions
Place the chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Cook, stirring the chocolate constantly, until the chips are melted and smooth.
Carefully remove the top of the double boiler and place it on a heat-proof surface. Stir in the corn syrup and bourbon and mix until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the crushed chocolate wafers, powdered sugar, nuts, and chopped cherries. Stir the chocolate bourbon mixture into the wafers and mix until well blended.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the granulated sugar in a shallow dish.
Form the chocolate cherry mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll the chocolate cherry bourbon balls in the sugar and place on the baking sheet. Let the balls set for 30 minutes before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
recipe tips
Chill the mixture thoroughly before shaping it into balls, as this makes the process easier and less messy.
Roll the balls in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes for variation.
Wear gloves while rolling the bourbon balls to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
If the mixture becomes too soft while rolling, put it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Dipping the balls in melted chocolate can add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Experiment with the size of the bourbon balls, but keep them bite-sized for easy eating.
Let the formed balls set completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
For a festive touch, decorate the balls with drizzles of white chocolate or festive sprinkles.
Make sure the candied cherries are finely chopped so they distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
common recipe questions
What type of chocolate chips work best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for this recipe as they provide a good balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor. However, you can use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
Yes, you can substitute bourbon with other types of alcohol like rum, brandy, or whiskey. Each will impart a different flavor.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute I can use?
For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a mixture of apple juice and a little bit of rum extract.
What can I use if I don’t have a double boiler to melt the chocolate?
If you don’t have a double boiler, you can melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. You can also melt the chocolate in a microwave. Simply microwave on high heat in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
What type of nuts works best in this recipe?
Finely chopped pecans or walnuts are commonly used and pair well with the chocolate and bourbon flavors. However, you can use any nuts you prefer.
How fine should the chocolate wafers be crushed?
The wafers should be crushed to a fine consistency, similar to breadcrumbs, to make sure they blend well with the other ingredients and create a smooth texture.
How do I know when the mixture is ready to be formed into balls?
The mixture is ready when it's firm enough to hold its shape. If it's too soft, refrigerate it a bit longer until it's easier to handle.
Can I make these bourbon balls in advance?
Yes, these bourbon balls can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How can I store the bourbon balls and how long will they last?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
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reviews & comments
December 24, 2017
I have been making these for years based on a recipe from my mother and they are always a hit. My recipes calls for marachino cherries instead of candied ones. I sometimes pour a little extra cherry syrup into the mix and cut back on the corn syrup.
January 4, 2016
These are wonderful...I do them every year at the holidays. I find it better to mix the candied cherries in the chocolate mixture than with the dry mix. Mixes better.
December 10, 2011
I've been making these since the early 1980s, and they're always a hit! For a change, substitute chocolate-mint chips for the plain chocolate. I call them Mint Julep Bourbon Balls in honor of my late father-in-law, julep maker extraordinaire!
December 21, 2010
I have been looking all over for this recipe! We always made these for our Christmas cookie collection every year and they are just incredible...thank you so much for posting this!