Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Balls (Print-Friendly Format)
Toasted pecans, chocolate and bourbon blended for a rich, festive Southern confection in every bite.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
150 g roughly chopped pecans, toasted
02 -
2 packages (320 g total) pecan shortbread cookies, such as Pecan Sandies
03 -
120 g powdered sugar
04 -
120 ml bourbon
05 -
115 g salted butter, melted
06 -
60 ml light corn syrup
07 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Chocolate Coating
08 -
340 g semi-sweet or milk chocolate baking chips
09 -
1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening
→ Decoration and Finishing
10 -
18–20 pecan halves, toasted, for garnish
11 -
50 g toffee bits, for garnish
12 -
120 g powdered sugar, for rolling
# How to Make It:
01 -
Arrange chopped pecans and pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in a preheated oven at 175°C for 6–8 minutes, or until fragrant. Allow to cool completely.
02 -
Crush pecan shortbread cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Combine cookie crumbs, cooled chopped pecans, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well distributed.
03 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together bourbon, melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until fully blended. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until fully moistened.
04 -
Transfer the combined mixture to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the mixture to set and become firm.
05 -
Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator. Portion and roll into 2.5 cm balls. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and keep chilled, or freeze briefly if necessary for ease of handling.
06 -
Melt chocolate chips and vegetable shortening together in a double boiler over gently simmering water, stirring frequently until smooth.
07 -
Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each ball into melted chocolate to fully coat. Transfer to a parchment- or wax paper-lined tray. Immediately top half the balls with a pecan half, and sprinkle the remainder with toffee bits. Chill until set.
08 -
For a classic finish, roll a third of the formed balls in powdered sugar until evenly coated on all sides. Place back on the tray.
09 -
Store the finished confections in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days before serving, or refrigerate for up to 4 weeks for longer shelf life.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Due to the high moisture content, the filling must be thoroughly chilled before shaping into balls; allow adequate chilling time for ease of rolling.
02 -
Divide the finished balls into thirds for variety: one third rolled in powdered sugar, one third garnished with toffee bits, and the remainder topped with a single pecan half.
03 -
Bourbon balls retain the alcohol content, making them suitable only for adult consumption.
04 -
Keep chilled bourbon balls refrigerated until just before coating or serving for optimal texture.