This year my Christmas candy wishlist is bigger than ever! It’s making a real mess of things in my kitchen, but in the end those dirty dishes are usually worth it. Of course, if I had my preference every candy recipe would be just like this one – easy, delicious, and my kitchen didn’t suffer any turmoil. And it’s a seasonal favorite to boot!
I mixed these up in five minutes flat, and in about five more I had them all rolled out and stored in a tin. You can eat them immediately, but they improve upon standing. In about three days’ time the boozy edge will mellow and the bourbon flavor will be more developed. I plan to make several batches ahead of time to give as Christmas gifts.
Since these only have five ingredients, I’d urge you to use best of each. I used quality chocolate, local honey and a fine Kentucky bourbon. Keep these guys tightly closed in a tin for longevity and they’ll keep for up to four weeks!
Edit 12/22/17 – This year I made these with shortbread crumbs (Walker’s brand) and black walnuts – they were Ah-Mazing! Black walnuts are a southern favorite, and if you haven’t ever tasted them be sure to do so before adding them to this recipe. They can be an acquired taste.
Five Minute Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup/ 4 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons/ 43 g honey
- 1 1/2 cups finely ground vanilla wafers such as Nilla Wafers
- 1 1/2 cups/ 155g ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons/ 45 ml bourbon whiskey I used Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon
Instructions
- Pour 1/2 cup of the ground walnuts in a small bowl and set aside for later use.
- Mix chocolate chips and honey in a 1 1/2 quart microwaveable bowl. Heat in the microwave at full power 1-2 minutes, until the mixture can be stirred smooth with no lumps remaining.
- Stir in ground vanilla wafers, walnuts and whiskey. Stir; mixture should be quite thick. Scoop out mixture by the level tablespoons and roll into balls. Roll in reserved 1/2 cup of ground walnuts. Store tightly in a covered container. Flavor will fully develop over four days. Stored properly, these will keep up to 4 weeks.
Oh these are Awesome!! I love holiday baking or un-baking!!
I wonder would these work with a ginger snap, those wonderful Anna's thin ginger cookies or Biscoff? I am thinking the flavor might be really good with the bourbon. What do you think?
sounds heavenly to me!
I am knee deep in Christmas baking too. Nothing better than scent of ginger bread to perfume the house and bring warmth into the kitchen.
Such a cute idea! I really love the coating on the outside. I am sucker for the texture
These looks scrumptious! I will be making these for Christmas!
So delicious! Love them!
These look perfect! And 5 minute desserts are always a good idea!
I agree – bourbon balls are better after sitting for a while – but who can wait? We love them for breakfast or anytime! Your recipe sounds great and they are beautiful!
I have half the ingredients. Looks like I'll be going to the store to get what I need today!
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Anyone tried these with a different nut? I hate walnuts but was thinking maybe almonds?
Try them with pecans. They came out prefect. But I soaked the pecans for an hour before adding them.
Walnuts are good with bourbon balls!
@Christine – gingersnaps would be great in these!
@EMily – most any other nut would work, pecans, almonds, cashews. Yesterday I recommended ground sunflower seeds to a reader who had concerns about serving these to allergy sensitive friends.
I love fast, easy treats! Especially if they have bourbon inside! It's time to start holiday baking!
These look so delicious! I'd love it if you would link them up to my Recipe Writers link up!
http://www.sewmuch2say.com/2013/12/recipe-writers-christmas-cookie-link-up.html
Amanda Rose
I have made these using ground pecans and Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. They're delicious!
Will these work with rum, Heather? Or will it go "bad"?
Nila
Hi Nila! Yes, please feel free to use rum. They should keep just the same as the bourbon version.
-h
Just made these as a part of my christmas cookie batch, even though they're not a cookie, but it involved whiskey so these were a must.
They are fantastic and I'm making another batch! There is just the right amount of every ingredient.
These are really good! I toasted the walnuts first and used graham cracker crumbs (because that's all I had).
These look good! I am not overly fond of whiskey or bourbon, so I will try a variation using Sailor Jerry rum and a splash of Chambord on dehydrated cherries for centers and finish / roll in chopped almonds…
Yep, it is official. I need to make these for Christmas this year. My grandfather would devour (err….savor!) them.
Can't wait to try them! I think I'm gonna make them for Christmas 😉
These look delicious, and Bourbon Balls are a good choice as the Kentucky treat…..BUT, as a native Kentuckian, I have never seen a Bourbon Ball that has not been dipped in semi-sweet chocolate. More trouble to make, I know, but there is something special about the combination of chocolate and bourbon (especially when you use Maker's Mark!)
Maybe you should try these for something different! 😉
I’m in California and I’ve never heard of a bourbon ball dipped in chocolate, but it does sound delightful!
I am a native Kentuckian also. My Grandmother made bourbon balls at Christmas. She used cocoa instead of melted chocolate and sugar instead of honey. She rolled them in powdered sugar. My husband and I love this version. I have also made chocolate covered bourbon balls but with a cream center.
Thank you for this yummy recipe!
Can these be stored in the freezer?
Yes!