Chirstmas Classic: Pecan Bourbon Balls Recipe

It’s hard to beat a classic! Bourbon balls are traditional Christmas treats that make wonderful homemade gifts. This version is made with ground pecans, but ground walnuts can be substituted in equal amounts. For a festive finishing touch, display and serve them in paper cones made from decorative card stock.

Photo by: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

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Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cups digestive biscuits, finely ground
  • 3 cups pecans, coarsely ground
  • 6 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
  • Yield: 36 bourbon balls

Photo by: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Instructions

Pour 1/2 cup of the ground pecans in a bowl and set aside.

Mix chocolate chips and honey in a medium sized microwaveable bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave at full power for 1-2 minutes until all the chips are melted and the mixture can be stirred smooth with no lumps remaining. Note: If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate and honey in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop.

Immediately stir ground digestive biscuits, pecans and whiskey into the melted mixture. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly blended. The mixture will be thick, but loose and grainy. Scoop out mixture with a teaspoon, then gently squeeze into a ball shape with your hands. If the mixture becomes too dry and loose, it can be reheated for 30 seconds in the microwave to make shaping easier.

Photo by: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Roll the balls in the reserved ground pecans, and lay each bourbon ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover well with plastic wrap and refrigerate; the flavor will develop fully in four days.

Photo by: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

For pretty presentation as either a homemade food gift or holiday party favor, place the bourbon balls in colorful card stock cones (Images 1 and 2). Note: These bourbon balls will last up to four weeks if kept refrigerated in a covered container.

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