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
TABLE OF CONTENTS - Jump to any section:
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?
Follow spabettie on Instagram and tag us with #spabettie
We love seeing your recipe photos and remakes - thank you!
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.
- 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.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
Kate@Diethood says
I'm a history nerd, too! I want to see that movie... thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. Now my thoughts on these truffles... oh.my.yumminess. Lord, I could eat that entire batch in one sitting.
Kristina Sloggett says
you will love this movie, Kate!! I want to see it again!
...and yes, these truffles go fast. 😉
Alason says
I cannot wait to make these, thank you!
Kristina Sloggett says
you are so welcome, Alason - enjoy!
Mama B says
Oooh, thanks for sharing. I have a few gluten free, vegan friends who will appreciate these.
Kristina Sloggett says
you are welcome, Mama B! I do believe these are one of my new favorite desserts...
tree says
these sound so good and are beautiful! I cant wait to see Lincoln, thanks for the review but not giving away 😉
Kristina Sloggett says
well, you can probably guess what happens 😉 but no, I won't talk details, you need to see it for yourself!
purelytwins says
drool 😉
we are so excited to see that movie, as Lincoln was one of our favorites to read and learn about growing up, so happy to hear that you liked it!!!
Kristina Sloggett says
it was SO good I want to see it again!
Fran says
droooolzzzzz
Barb says
these look lovely too much better than sugared
sippitysup says
Yeah, Yeah. Truffles. Lovely. Go to http://www.sippitysup.com/savory-pies-contest-video-results and watch the video. There's just 1 day left. GREG
Kristina Sloggett says
oh my GOSH, Greg!! thanks SO MUCH for letting me know - you KNOW I was there today, just reading posts backwards, apparently... I have emailed my info, so SO excited for your all of this, especially your book! Cheers!
Candy says
I make somethign similar to this one, I use truffles as gifts all the time. Mine have toffee caramel in them and sometimes a cream and cream cheese everyone loves them
Anna says
Vanilla paste? Whazthat?
I'm betting it's not something you buy that is full of sugar, so I'm wondering how I make it?
Kristina Sloggett says
it actually is something I buy, I talk about it more here : vanilla paste vs. vanilla extract - it is just a thicker form of vanilla, and can be used in the same amounts in any recipe (so you could sub vanilla extract in this recipe, same amounts).