Meemaw’s Bourbon Balls: A Classic Recipe for Holiday Cheer
Bourbon balls. The name alone conjures images of cozy holiday gatherings, the warm glow of a fireplace, and the comforting aroma of chocolate and bourbon swirling in the air. These decadent little treats are a staple in many Southern homes, and for good reason. They are incredibly delicious, surprisingly easy to make, and pack a boozy punch that is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
But not just any bourbon ball recipe will do. We’re talking about *Meemaw’s* bourbon balls. This recipe, passed down through generations, is the gold standard. It’s the one that makes you close your eyes and sigh with contentment after each bite. It’s the one that everyone begs you to make year after year. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition.
This post is dedicated to sharing this cherished family recipe with you. Get ready to experience the magic of Meemaw’s bourbon balls and create your own holiday tradition.
## The Story Behind the Bourbon Balls
Every great recipe has a story, and these bourbon balls are no exception. Meemaw, a woman whose love language was definitely food, perfected this recipe over decades. She tweaked and tested until she achieved the perfect balance of sweetness, chocolate richness, and bourbon warmth. Her bourbon balls were legendary. They were always the first thing to disappear at family gatherings, and she always made sure to have extra on hand for unexpected guests.
She never wrote down her recipe, of course. That’s just how Meemaws operate. It was all in her head, a pinch of this, a dash of that, guided by instinct and experience. Fortunately, her children and grandchildren carefully observed her in action, and through a collective effort, they managed to recreate the recipe and keep her legacy alive. This version is as close to the original as possible, and we’re thrilled to share it with you.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Meemaw’s famous bourbon balls:
* **1 box (12 oz) vanilla wafers, finely crushed:** The vanilla wafers provide the base for the bourbon balls. Make sure they are finely crushed for a smooth texture.
* **1 cup confectioners’ sugar:** Also known as powdered sugar, this adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
* **1 cup finely chopped pecans:** The pecans add a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Walnuts can be substituted if desired.
* **6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder:** This gives the bourbon balls their rich chocolate flavor. Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best results.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened:** The butter adds richness and moisture to the bourbon balls. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
* **1/4 cup bourbon (plus extra for soaking):** The star of the show! Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking. The quality of the bourbon will affect the flavor of the bourbon balls. See notes below for bourbon suggestions.
* **Additional confectioners’ sugar, for rolling:** This creates a beautiful coating and prevents the bourbon balls from sticking together.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Food processor (optional):** To crush the vanilla wafers quickly and easily.
* **Large mixing bowl:** For combining all the ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Cookie sheet or baking sheet:** For chilling the bourbon balls.
* **Parchment paper or wax paper:** To line the cookie sheet.
* **Small bowl:** For rolling the bourbon balls in confectioners’ sugar.
* **Plastic wrap:** For chilling the mixture.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Meemaw’s bourbon balls:
**Step 1: Crush the Vanilla Wafers**
* If you have a food processor, add the vanilla wafers and pulse until they are finely crushed. Be careful not to over-process them into a powder.
* If you don’t have a food processor, place the vanilla wafers in a large zip-top bag. Seal the bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush the wafers into fine crumbs. Ensure there are no large chunks remaining.
**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, confectioners’ sugar, chopped pecans, and cocoa powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. This ensures that each bourbon ball has a consistent flavor profile.
**Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients**
* Add the softened butter and bourbon to the dry ingredients. Mix well with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be moist and crumbly. Don’t overmix, as this can make the bourbon balls tough.
**Step 4: Chill the Mixture**
* Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls. The chilling process is crucial for the texture of the final product.
**Step 5: Shape the Bourbon Balls**
* Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using a small spoon or a cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. The size is up to you, but 1-inch balls are a good size for a single bite. If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly dust your hands with confectioners’ sugar.
**Step 6: Roll in Confectioners’ Sugar**
* Place the additional confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Roll each bourbon ball in the confectioners’ sugar, ensuring it is completely coated. The sugar coating adds sweetness and prevents the bourbon balls from sticking together.
**Step 7: Chill Again**
* Place the coated bourbon balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the sugar coating to set. This prevents the sugar from melting and creating a sticky mess.
**Step 8: Soak (Optional)**
* For extra boozy bourbon balls, after the initial 30 minute chill, lightly brush each ball with a little extra bourbon. Return to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes before serving.
**Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Remove the bourbon balls from the refrigerator and serve. These are best enjoyed chilled. Store any leftover bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, they are so delicious, they probably won’t last that long!
## Tips for Perfect Bourbon Balls
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the bourbon balls will taste. Use good quality cocoa powder, butter, and bourbon.
* **Don’t skimp on the bourbon:** The bourbon is what gives these balls their signature flavor. Use a generous amount, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the mixture too wet.
* **Chill the mixture thoroughly:** Chilling the mixture is crucial for the texture of the bourbon balls. Don’t skip this step!
* **Adjust the sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer a less sweet bourbon ball, you can reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar. However, keep in mind that the sugar also helps bind the ingredients together.
* **Get creative with coatings:** While confectioners’ sugar is the traditional coating, you can experiment with other options, such as melted chocolate, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
* **Make them ahead of time:** Bourbon balls can be made several days in advance, making them perfect for holiday entertaining. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Bourbon selection:** I like to use Maker’s Mark for these. It’s a good quality, readily available bourbon with a smooth, mellow flavor that complements the chocolate and nuts. Other good options include Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, or Woodford Reserve. Feel free to experiment with different bourbons to find your favorite.
* **For a non-alcoholic version:** You can substitute the bourbon with bourbon extract. Start with a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) and add more to taste. You can also use apple cider or grape juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Storage:** Store bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month. If freezing, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
## Variations and Substitutions
While Meemaw’s original recipe is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these variations and substitutions:
* **Chocolate-covered bourbon balls:** Dip the bourbon balls in melted chocolate after rolling them in confectioners’ sugar. Use your favorite type of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
* **Nut-coated bourbon balls:** Roll the bourbon balls in chopped nuts after shaping them. Use your favorite type of nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
* **Espresso bourbon balls:** Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a coffee-flavored twist.
* **Spiced bourbon balls:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Gluten-free bourbon balls:** Use gluten-free vanilla wafers in place of regular vanilla wafers.
* **Dairy-free bourbon balls:** Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative.
## Serving Suggestions
Bourbon balls are the perfect treat for any occasion, but they are especially popular during the holidays. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Serve them as a dessert:** Bourbon balls are a delicious and decadent dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
* **Give them as gifts:** Package the bourbon balls in a decorative tin or box and give them as gifts to friends and family.
* **Bring them to a potluck:** Bourbon balls are always a hit at potlucks and parties.
* **Enjoy them with coffee or tea:** Bourbon balls pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Pair them with bourbon:** For a truly indulgent experience, pair the bourbon balls with a glass of your favorite bourbon.
## Conclusion
Meemaw’s bourbon balls are more than just a recipe; they are a symbol of family, tradition, and holiday cheer. This recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to become a staple in your household for years to come. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience the magic of Meemaw’s bourbon balls. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy these little bites of boozy heaven, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of bourbon balls!
## Recipe Card
**Recipe Name:** Meemaw’s Bourbon Balls
**Yields:** Approximately 36 bourbon balls
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Chill Time:** 2 hours (minimum)
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box (12 oz) vanilla wafers, finely crushed
* 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
* 1 cup finely chopped pecans
* 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup bourbon (plus extra for soaking)
* Additional confectioners’ sugar, for rolling
**Instructions:**
1. Crush the vanilla wafers until they are finely crushed.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, confectioners’ sugar, chopped pecans, and cocoa powder.
3. Add the softened butter and bourbon to the dry ingredients. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using a small spoon or a cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
6. Place the additional confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Roll each bourbon ball in the confectioners’ sugar, ensuring it is completely coated.
7. Place the coated bourbon balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the sugar coating to set.
8. For extra boozy bourbon balls, after the initial 30 minute chill, lightly brush each ball with a little extra bourbon. Return to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes before serving.
9. Remove the bourbon balls from the refrigerator and serve. Store any leftover bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
**Notes:**
* Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
* Adjust the sweetness to your liking by reducing the amount of confectioners’ sugar.
* Experiment with different coatings, such as melted chocolate or chopped nuts.
* Bourbon balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Enjoy!