Aunt Jane's Kentucky Bourbon Balls Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Make Ahead

by: JohnBirdsall

November29,2016

4.4

7 Ratings

  • Makes Just under 4 dozen
  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 8 ouncesNilla Wafers cookies
  • 4 ouncesshelled pecans
  • 6 ouncessemisweet chocolate (64% cacao)
  • 1/3 cupgranulated sugar, plus more for coating
  • 2 tablespoonslight corn syrup
  • 6 tablespoonsbourbon
Directions
  1. In a food processor, reduce the Nilla wafers to fine crumbs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Chop the pecans fine and add them to the bowl. Set aside.
  2. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of over hot, but not boiling water. Stir in the sugar, corn syrup, and bourbon. Add this mixture to the crumb mixture. Blend by hand until well combined.
  3. Form tablespoon-sized lumps of the mixture unto balls, rolling between the palms of your hands. Drop the balls in a bowl of sugar and toss to coat. Transfer to an airtight container, arranging the balls in single layers separated by parchment. Store the bourbon balls tightly sealed at room temperature. They get better (mellower, and with a smoother texture) as they age.

Tags:

  • Cookie
  • American
  • Bourbon
  • Pecan
  • Make Ahead
  • Serves a Crowd
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Christmas
  • Thanksgiving
  • Dessert

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Erica Gill

  • Jennifer Colleen

  • Vicki Roberts Lefebvre

  • Pisanella

  • stinkycheese

Popular on Food52

32 Reviews

kara December 13, 2021

I make xmas cookies every year with a friend and we added these to the list 5 or 6 years ago and they are my favorite every year- perfection! (I use Eagle Rare bourbon.)

Kathy April 7, 2020

This has become a holiday tradition in our family, a great addition to our cookie tray. Made as recipe directs, and they were perfect. A little fussy to shape, but worth it for the bourbon deliciousness.

Kathy April 7, 2020

This has become a holiday tradition in our family, a great addition to our cookie tray. Made as recipe directs, and they were perfect. A little fussy to shape, but worth it for the bourbon deliciousness.

Erica G. December 5, 2018

This is similar to my grandmother's recipe - except she used cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate. Thinking I had the recipe memorized one year, o had a lapse at the store when getting supplies. I accidentally bought Graham crackers instead of the Nilla wafers. I made it anyway, and the result was surprising delicious. The honey kn the graham crackers was a good pair with the bourbon.

Jennifer C. December 4, 2018

The bourbon flavor was great but the balls were really dry. I followed the recipe exactly and measured everything by weight. I would add more chocolate next time and fewer wafers.

Vicki R. September 11, 2017

I'm Southern, we still say Can I have some sugar.

TinaSMay December 23, 2016

I love the story, so well written and engaging.
This recipe sounds great...am wondering something on the Nilla Wafers.
Could I use Trader Joe's Ultimate Vanilla wafers? They are delish and have specks of vanilla bean in them. Or would they be too overpowering? Thanks.

Sandy December 22, 2016

Love the recipe, but the story!! Oh my! Everyone should have an "Aunt Jane" in their life!!

Pisanella December 14, 2016

Where's the story about Aunt Jane? Been scrolling...can't find it...

drbabs December 14, 2016

https://food52.com/blog/18549-a-bourbon-ball-that-shows-up-everything-at-the-neighbor-s-cookie-swap?utm_campaign=Social&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_source=Facebook

Alyson December 11, 2016

These were delicious even though very crumbly and time consuming to roll into balls. (Add a little bit of water if that happens.) Also, simply use Back To Nature brand Madagascar vanilla wafers to make this vegan. They arrived overnight from Soap.com. Easy. https://www.soap.com/p/back-to-nature-cookies-madagascar-vanilla-9-oz-200887?

stinkycheese December 8, 2016

I made a batch of these last weekend and they are curing in a tin. I'm trying to let them sit until I go to visit my family for Christmas. I am happy to honor Aunt Jane by sharing these with my family.

cookinalong December 4, 2016

Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I spent 3 very happy years in Kentucky when I was much younger, and a dear friend there gave me a wonderful bourbon ball recipe that called for Maker's Mark. I lost the recipe many years ago, and my friend as well. So thanks for giving me back a piece of the past, as well as a great story & a delicious holiday treat! And, btw, you're never too old to give some sugar...or get some!

Katileigh December 4, 2016

Joanie, I searched for the Penzeys Vanilla wafer recipe but it's no longer posted on their site. Can you share?

Jennifer A. December 5, 2018

https://www.penzeys.com/shop/recipes/orange-blossoms/

Joanie December 4, 2016

Oh, and my recipe using sifted confectioners sugar instead of regular sugar.

Joanie December 4, 2016

I've been making a version of these from a handwritten index card given to me by family friend when I went off to college back in the 70's. My recipe is the same as listed here except for 1/2 cup of bourbon and 1 Tbls. of corn syrup. The past few years, I've started making my own vanilla wafers to use instead of store bought, using a recipe from a Penzeys spice catalog. Makes exactly enough to sample one wafer and make the rest into 2 1/2 cups of crumbs. Way better than store bought wafers. Enjoy!

Kristine December 4, 2016

I loved your story, looking forward to making these for my family.
Happy Holidays!

Mary F. December 4, 2016

Ahhhh, I fondly remember discovering bourbon balls in adolescence as well. What would you think about lightly toasting the pecans? Would that detract from the authenticity, or maybe add richness? Getting ready to make these, and almost hoping that I need to use extra bourbon to get it to hold together, just like DessertByCandy!

DessertByCandy December 3, 2016

I needed almost double the amount of bourbon for the crumbs to come together. Not complaining though. Thank you for a wonderful read and delicious recipe.

Darilyn S. December 3, 2016

What a great 50s recipe

Lauren B. December 2, 2016

Hey, look:

Vanilla Wafers
foodnetwork.com

I made this

ADD IMAGE
Add tag

Servings: Yield: approximately 70 cookies
Ingredients
7 ounces all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
3 1/2 ounces vanilla sugar
1 large egg
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon whole milk
Steps
Position 1 oven rack in the top third of the oven and another in the bottom third. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl and set aside. Cream the butter and vanilla sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl after 1 minute. Add the egg and incorporate on medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl. Add the vanilla extract and milk and blend on low speed for 15 seconds. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed just to incorporate. Chill the batter in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before scooping.
Scoop the batter in teaspoon-sized balls and arrange them on 2 parchment paper-lined half sheet pans, approximately 35 cookies per pan. Use the heel of your hand to slightly flatten each ball. Bake, 2 pans at a time, rotating the pans halfway through the baking, until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pans to a cooling rack to cool completely before removing the cookies from the pan.

Vanilla Wafers
foodnetwork.com

I made this

ADD IMAGE
Add tag

Servings: Yield: approximately 70 cookies
Ingredients
7 ounces all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
3 1/2 ounces vanilla sugar
1 large egg
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon whole milk
Steps
Position 1 oven rack in the top third of the oven and another in the bottom third. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl and set aside. Cream the butter and vanilla sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl after 1 minute. Add the egg and incorporate on medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl. Add the vanilla extract and milk and blend on low speed for 15 seconds. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed just to incorporate. Chill the batter in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before scooping.
Scoop the batter in teaspoon-sized balls and arrange them on 2 parchment paper-lined half sheet pans, approximately 35 cookies per pan. Use the heel of your hand to slightly flatten each ball. Bake, 2 pans at a time, rotating the pans halfway through the baking, until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pans to a cooling rack to cool completely before removing the cookies from the pan.

Jack63 why do you say no Nilla Wafers? Oh yes, is the 8 oz by volume or weight? 😋

Aunt Jane's Kentucky Bourbon Balls Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What does bourbon ball taste like? ›

For the most part it tastes like a cookie, or a cake. But, that's not the case with these Bourbon Balls. I can truly say that once you bite into one of these, you will feel as if though you took a shot of bourbon instead of a bite of a cookie.

Are bourbon balls alcoholic? ›

* All our balls contain nuts and some type of alcohol (liqueur).

Where were bourbon balls invented? ›

WHAT: Rebecca Ruth Candy is a chocolate company founded in Frankfort, Kentucky in 1919 by two women, Ruth Hanly Booe and Rebecca Gooch. The shop famously invented bourbon balls in 1938 and is now owned by Ruth Booe's grandson, Charles.

What are the three ingredients of bourbon? ›

The process is much like that of starting a sourdough bread. The Recipe - Bourbon is distilled from a fermented mash of grain, yeast and water.

Can you get buzzed from bourbon balls? ›

While there's technically alcohol in bourbon balls, the amount is usually so small per ball that you're unlikely to actually get drunk from them. They're more about savoring that delicious hint of bourbon flavor than anything else.

What flavor is Kentucky bourbon? ›

The perfectly balanced taste of our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is comprised of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes.

Should bourbon be refrigerated? ›

You should keep your bourbon at room temperature, which is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're going to drink it within a few days, you can place your container in the fridge. However, leaving bourbon in the cold for a long period of time can alter the flavors.

How do you imitate bourbon flavor? ›

Vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar have often been used to mimic the taste of bourbon in recipes, but you can clearly tell when they are used as substitutes.

How long can you store bourbon balls? ›

Bourbon balls will last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Storing them uncovered will result in a more defined “crust”, and storing them covered will keep them moist. To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.

Who invented bourbon balls? ›

Bourbon balls were invented in 1938 by Ruth Hanly Booe, who operated a shop called Rebecca Ruth Candy. The history behind this candy shop is actually pretty notable. Initially, Booe founded the shop with her friend, Rebecca Gooch.

Is Jack Daniel's a bourbon? ›

So, Jack Daniel's is a bourbon in the eyes of the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits. In response to this, Jack Daniel's choose to define their liquid as a 'Tennessee whisky' instead of a bourbon because it is better than bourbon.

Why is bourbon only made in Kentucky? ›

The Myth about Kentucky Bourbon Debunked. One of the most pervasive myths about Bourbon is that it has to be made in Kentucky. While Kentucky produces 95% of the world's Bourbon, there are no regulations that prevent it from being made anywhere else in the United States.

Why is it called bourbon in Kentucky? ›

Another proposed origin of the name is the association with the geographic area known as Old Bourbon, consisting of the original Bourbon County in Virginia organized in 1785. This region included much of today's Eastern Kentucky, including 34 of the modern counties.

Why is bourbon a Kentucky thing? ›

Because Kentucky sits on top of a massive limestone shelf, the water flowing through our Commonwealth is naturally filtered and packed with the minerals yeast need to thrive. Many believe our pure limestone water is the secret to making the world's best Bourbon.

What is bourbon ball liquor? ›

Ingredients. 1 1/2 parts. Maker's Mark® Bourbon. DeKuyper® Creme de Cocoa White Liqueur. DeKuyper® Hazelnut Schnapps Liqueur.

Is bourbon made from sweet corn or field corn? ›

With sweet corn season behind us, you'd be forgiven for thinking these stalks are finished too. But look more closely and you'll see mature ears of drying field corn, each dented kernel cradling a nascent drop of Kentucky's native spirit. Because this is where bourbon begins.

What is the alcohol balls? ›

BuzzBallz are mixed drinks made from 100% Juices, and Vodka, Rum, or Tequila! We only want the best! Buzzballz adds 8 X distilled vodka to its co*cktails, Virgin Islands rum is used for our rum drinks, and real tequila from Mexico is used for our Tequila Rita! They are 15% ABV, best served chilled.

What is the history of bourbon balls? ›

A bourbon ball is a Southern delicacy invented by Ruth Hanly Booe of Rebecca Ruth Candy in 1938. Bourbon balls come in many different shapes, sizes, and flavors but are usually bite-sized confections incorporating bourbon and dark chocolate as the main ingredients.

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