Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls – A Festive, Boozy Holiday Treat

There’s a kind of recipe that whispers holiday magic the moment you see it—a glossy chocolate shell, a peek of ruby-red cherries, and a creamy, speckled center packed with festive flavor. These Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls are exactly that kind of treat. Every year, when the colder months arrive and the kitchen shifts from fresh summer fruit to cozy winter indulgences, these decadent little candies make their grand entrance. They’re nostalgic, a bit luxurious, and absolutely irresistible. Just one bite brings together creamy filling, bursts of dried cherries, crunchy pecans, warm vanilla, and a smooth bourbon note that tastes like celebration. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a holiday party, or sneaking one with your evening coffee, these no-bake truffles capture the very spirit of the season.

What Is Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls

Cherry Bourbon Balls are bite-sized confections made with a creamy, cookie-like filling that includes chopped dried cherries, crunchy pecans, and a splash of bourbon. Instead of being baked, the mixture is rolled into balls, chilled until firm, then dipped in melted chocolate to form a shiny outer shell. Traditionally, bourbon balls are made with crushed cookies and nuts, but this version leans creamier and more decadent—almost like a cherry-studded cheesecake truffle wrapped in dark chocolate. The whole cherry on top adds a nostalgic touch that makes these candies feel extra special.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

There are so many reasons this no-bake dessert becomes a holiday classic in every kitchen it enters:

• No baking, no fuss, easy cleanup. Everything comes together in one bowl—perfect for busy holiday seasons.
• Festive flavor in every bite. The cherries bring sweetness, the bourbon brings warmth, the nuts bring crunch.
• Incredibly giftable. They look gorgeous and sophisticated, exactly like something from an artisan chocolate shop.
• Make-ahead friendly. These actually taste better after resting a day or two.
• Flexible for holidays, parties, or as freezer treats. One batch goes a long way for gatherings.
• Beginner-friendly. If you can melt chocolate and roll dough, you can absolutely make these.

How Does It Taste?

These Cherry Bourbon Balls offer a symphony of flavors and textures:

• The chocolate shell: smooth, snappy, and rich.
• The creamy interior: soft and velvety, slightly sweet but balanced with the tang of cherries.
• A hint of bourbon warmth: not overpowering—just enough to feel festive.
• Crunchy bits of pecans: adding earthy contrast.
• Bright cherry pops: sweet, fruity bursts that elevate the entire bite.

Together, these create a truffle that is decadent but not too heavy, festive without being overly sweet, and elegant enough to serve as a holiday showstopper.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

While this is clearly a dessert meant for indulgence, several ingredients offer pleasant nutritional perks:

• Dried cherries contain antioxidants, fiber, and natural sweetness.
• Pecans add healthy fats, vitamin E, and plant-based protein.
• Dark chocolate brings antioxidants and depth of flavor.
• Bourbon—well, that one is here for flavor and cheer, but in moderation adds a beautiful aromatic quality.

These aren’t health food, but they are joy food—and sometimes that’s exactly what we need.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ¾ cup finely chopped dried cherries
• ½ cup finely chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating

• 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or in melting wafers
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother coating)

For Garnish

• Whole cherries or pieces of dried cherries (as shown in the photo)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
• Toothpicks or dipping fork
• Small cookie scoop

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• No-alcohol version: Swap bourbon with 1 tbsp milk + ½ tsp almond extract.
• Use almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.
• Swap dried cherries for dried cranberries for a tarter candy.
• White chocolate coating for a sweeter, more delicate version.
• Add crushed cookies for a firmer textured center.
• Boost the bourbon to 3 tbsp for stronger flavor (but chill longer before dipping).

Why They’re Perfect for Gifting

This is a special added section because these candies are truly gift-ready:

• They hold their shape beautifully.
• They stay delicious for days.
• They pack well into tins or treat boxes.
• They look impressive with minimal effort.

Your friends will think they came from a gourmet chocolatier.

How to Make

These steps mirror exactly how the truffles in your images would be produced, from creamy centers to smooth chocolate shells:

Step 1: Make the Filling

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually until thick and well combined.
3. Stir in dried cherries, pecans, bourbon, and vanilla extract.
4. Mix until evenly distributed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or freeze for 20–30 minutes, until firm enough to shape.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

1. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled mixture.
2. Roll into smooth balls with your hands.
3. Place onto a parchment-lined tray.
4. Chill again for 20 minutes to prevent melting when dipped.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

1. Melt chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals or over a double boiler.
2. Add coconut oil if you want a shinier, smoother coating.
3. Stir until glossy and completely melted.

Step 4: Dip Each Ball

1. Insert a toothpick into each chilled ball.
2. Dip into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.
3. Place onto parchment.
4. Add a cherry piece on top before the chocolate sets.

Step 5: Let Set and Serve

• Allow chocolate to harden fully (15–20 minutes).
• Store in fridge or serve at room temperature.

What to Serve With

Pair these with:

• Espresso or strong coffee
• Hot chocolate
• A holiday bourbon cocktail
• Vanilla ice cream
• A charcuterie dessert board with nuts, dried fruit, and cheeses

They also make the perfect finish to a holiday dinner party.

Tips for Success

• Chill the mixture thoroughly before rolling to avoid sticking.
• Do not overheat chocolate, or it may seize.
• Use dried—not fresh—cherries, which would add too much moisture.
• Keep the balls cold before dipping for a beautiful finish.
• Tap off excess chocolate for clean edges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the chill time → mixture becomes too soft to shape.
• Using watery cherries → leads to sticky, unstable centers.
• Adding too much bourbon → delicious but can prevent firming.
• Handling while warm → fingerprints and smudges on chocolate.
• Using chocolate chips alone → they don’t melt as smoothly as quality bars or wafers.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing

• Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 10 days.
• Freeze up to 3 months (best if chocolate-coated).

Reheating

• These do NOT require reheating.
• To soften the centers, simply let sit at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes—use milk and almond or vanilla extract.

Can I use milk chocolate instead?
Absolutely! It will taste sweeter and creamier.

How strong is the bourbon flavor?
Moderate—enough to taste warm and festive, not overpowering.

Why does my chocolate coating look dull?
Your chocolate may have overheated; add a little coconut oil next time.

Do I have to refrigerate them?
Yes, because of the cream cheese base.

Nutritional Info (approximate per ball)

Protein: 1.5g to be a hit. They offer a wonderfully rich, boozy, and sweet experience that’s hard to beat!

Calories: 145

Fat: 9g

Carbs: 14g

Sugar: 12g

Conclusion

These Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls are everything holiday treats should be—creamy, chocolatey, festive, and just a little bit boozy. They’re simple to make, stunning to present, and so delicious that they’ll disappear from the dessert table long before the party ends. Whether you’re making them as gifts, for a cookie exchange, or simply because you deserve a moment of indulgence, these candies bring joy, flavor, and cozy holiday charm in every bite.

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October 16, 2025 by Melissa