During the holidays, we make countless batches of chocolate bourbon truffles. These bourbon balls deliver the nostalgia and memories of Christmas at grandma's house.
recipe originally published November 26, 2012
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Why you'll love these chocolate bourbon balls
Chocolate bourbon truffles are always included in our holiday cookie trays and boxes. One of the most requested from our friends, too - holiday party invites may as well be addressed to us and a bourbon ball...
- Flavor: Chocolate bourbon balls have a caramel like center and a rich chocolate coating.
- Texture: A perfect melt in your mouth, chewy bite.
- Method: A truly easy recipe with a simple ingredient list! 7 minutes or less of active prep, with some waiting time.
See the simple ingredient list, you may already have everything to make these:
How to make this recipe
Bourbon truffle balls are a simple no bake dessert. You make the bourbon-caramel base on the stovetop. The longest time required is waiting for the bourbon ball mixture to cool and set, then you roll into balls. Dust the truffles with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or even coat in melted chocolate!
This easy recipe method gives all the ingredient substitutions and ways to customize your bourbon ball.
Variations to the bourbon balls recipe
I prefer this chocolate bourbon truffle recipe as is. The warm flavors taste exactly as they always have with the family recipe I grew up with.
- Rum: If you are not a bourbon fan, this recipe can be made as a rum ball instead.
- Coating: For a different look, roll the bourbon ball or rum ball in powdered sugar instead of cocoa powder.
- Chocolate: For even more chocolate, dip these bourbon truffles in melted chocolate.
Zero Proof option for bourbon balls
To make bourbon balls without bourbon, you can use several ingredient alternatives. Add one tablespoon of whiskey flavoring, or vanilla extract in place of the bourbon. Add an tablespoon or two of the water as needed.
There are several zero proof spirits that would work very well in this recipe. Apple cider makes a delicious truffle as well, or you can simply add more water in place of the bourbon.
Should bourbon balls be refrigerated?
Yes! I keep these refrigerated in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.
My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy chocolate bourbon truffles within a week.
Did you make these bourbon balls?
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Chocolate Bourbon Truffles
These bourbon balls are a rich and impressive, party ready dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 ounces dark chocolate pieces or bar, chopped
- unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- In saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted Medjool dates with bourbon.
- As the dates warm, continually stir with bourbon and mash into a paste, adding water by the tablespoon as needed until a smooth paste forms.
- Reduce heat to low, add vanilla and chopped chocolate and stir until chocolate melts to a smooth consistency.
- Remove bourbon ball mixture from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to covered container and refrigerate several hours to overnight.
- Once bourbon ball mixture is set from refrigeration, add cocoa powder to a shallow bowl or dish.
- Spoon small amounts of bourbon ball mixture and roll into balls, just under one inch in size.
- Roll through cocoa powder to coat completely.
- Return to refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Why you'll love these chocolate bourbon balls
Chocolate bourbon truffles are always included in our holiday cookie trays and boxes. One of the most requested from our friends, too - holiday party invites may as well be addressed to us and a bourbon ball...
- Flavor: Chocolate bourbon balls have a caramel like center and a rich chocolate coating.
- Texture: A perfect melt in your mouth, chewy bite.
- Method: A truly easy recipe with a simple ingredient list! 7 minutes or less of active prep, with some waiting time.
Variations to the bourbon balls recipe
I prefer this chocolate bourbon truffle recipe as is. The warm flavors taste exactly as they always have with the family recipe I grew up with.Â
- Rum: If you are not a bourbon fan, this recipe can be made as a rum ball instead.Â
- Coating: For a different look, roll the bourbon ball or rum ball in powdered sugar instead of cocoa powder.
- Chocolate: For even more chocolate, dip these bourbon truffles in melted chocolate.
Zero Proof option for bourbon balls
To make bourbon balls without bourbon, you can use several ingredient alternatives. Add one tablespoon of whiskey flavoring, or vanilla extract in place of the bourbon. Add an tablespoon or two of the water as needed.
There are several zero proof spirits that would work very well in this recipe. Apple cider makes a delicious truffle as well, or you can simply add more water in place of the bourbon.
Should bourbon balls be refrigerated?
Yes! I keep these refrigerated in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.Â
My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy chocolate bourbon truffles within a week.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
2 trufflesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 80
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Shirley @ gfe says
I want to see Lincoln! These truffles look totatlly amazing, Kristina, and much healthier than the alcohol-infused ones I make. 😉
xo,
Shirley
Kristina Sloggett says
I am SO excited about these - they really taste amazing and are a bit healthier, right? they don't taste any different...
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says
I can't wait to see Lincoln!! I was loving the previews when we saw Argo a couple of weeks ago. I NEED these truffles tucked into my "sneak-healthy-food-in-the-movies-bag" along with popcorn with earth balance, sea salt and nutritional yeast. yum
Kristina Sloggett says
these would pair perfectly with that popcorn... do you sneak treats into movies too? 😉
Allie says
These sound like something my dad would absolutely love (he's a fan of the boozy desserts), bookmarking these to make when I head home again around Christmas time!
Lincoln is definitely on my to-watch list. Last movie I watched in theaters was the new Bond--it was fun. And good looking. Mmm, Daniel Craig...
Kristina Sloggett says
he will definitely love these, then! I am excited that you will make these for him, they are very easy and oh so good...
the movie "was good looking" hee hee, love that.
Eileen says
Lincoln does sound pretty amazing. And James Spader is in it?? How did I not know this? Maybe because I don't really watch movies--the last one I saw in the theatre was The Avengers. But the history nerd--that part definitely fits. These truffles sound great! Who doesn't want chocolate, bourbon, and caramel in one convenient package?
Kristina Sloggett says
I did not know it either, I was happily surprised! his role is a good one. and chocolate bourbon and caramel in one? yes, please, I do, I DO!!
Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty says
You kill me with your recipes - you are such a creative chick - these sound incredible!!
Kristina Sloggett says
thank you, Jessica - I am extremely happy with these, I cannot wait to give them to people!
hima says
1. Love Lincoln (and DDL)! Can't wait to see the film.
2. I have been looking for unusual boozy truffle recipes for holiday gifts. Thank you so much for sharing this one. The date-chocolate combination sounds amazing.
Kristina Sloggett says
the date + bourbon part? so good. 🙂 then you add the chocolate? you must practice restraint to get any of this into the fridge to cool... 😉 ENJOY!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I don't really like movies, but I do want to see Lincoln. Glad to hear it's worth it!
Chocolate and bourbon are two of my favorite things (next to raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens). Next time you have to come to Colorado too and make some vegan Thanksgiving dessert. 🙂
Kristina Sloggett says
I so wish I could have been there with you all - I would make SO MANY truffles! 😉
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I really want to see Lincoln! I love history and presidential history is my favorite! I'm not great at geography, but I love learning about people! I can't wait to see it! The boys want to go too! Jay LOVES history and Max has the same birthday as Lincoln, so he feels like they have a bond. 😉
Those truffles look so good! Treat season has arrived! I'm so excited!
Kristina Sloggett says
that will be fun for you to see it with the boys, then. I want to see it again, it was so good!
"treat season has arrived" <-- I think I said those exact words earlier today! #GreatMinds 😉
lindsay says
i know, sally field seems weird as that character, but i do want to see it! and eat these balls...bites!
Kristina Sloggett says
I thought so too, actually, about Sally Field... and she was one of those characters that I went back and forth with, not really liking... everyone else was exceptional, though!
CC says
oh yum!!