Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls 

If you’ve been looking for a sweet treat that feels a little nostalgic, a little grown-up, and a lot delicious, these Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls might just become the dessert you hide from your kids and share only with your favorite adults. Don’t worry — your secret is safe with me.

As someone who loves bringing big flavors to simple recipes, I can promise you this: Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls are the dessert you make when you want something impressive without heating up the oven or spending all afternoon elbow-deep in batter. They’re cozy, fun, and packed with cherry-chocolate goodness that pairs beautifully with bourbon. They’re also perfect for busy weeknights, holiday tables, cookie swaps, or those “I deserve something sweet right now” moments we all have.

Let’s dive into the magic.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls

You know how some recipes just feel right the moment you start them? That’s this one. These Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls bring the best of everything together:

• No-bake convenience (yes, really!)
• A deep chocolate flavor from rich cocoa
• Sweet-tart dried cherries
• Warm bourbon notes that make every bite feel like a hug
• A soft texture with a little crunch if you add nuts

This is the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell wonderful, even though you never turn on the stove. And if you’re juggling work, errands, kids, or just life in general, having a no-stress dessert like this in your back pocket is a game-changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups crushed vanilla wafer cookies (about 24 oz)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup finely chopped dried cherries
• ½ cup bourbon
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• Pinch of salt
• Extra powdered sugar or optional coatings like coconut, nuts, or melted chocolate

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls

These steps are written for real-life home cooks — kids running through the kitchen, phone buzzing, dinner simmering on the stove — so they’re simple, clear, and forgiving.

1. Crush Your Vanilla Wafers

The wafers are your base and help give Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls their signature texture.

• If you have a food processor, pulse until they look like soft sand.
• No processor? A Ziploc bag + rolling pin works beautifully and doubles as stress relief.

This crumb needs to be fine so everything binds together later.

2. Mix All Your Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Crushed wafers
• Cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• Optional chopped nuts
• Chopped dried cherries

Make sure everything looks uniform so the cherries and nuts distribute evenly.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

This part is almost therapeutic.

• In another bowl, cream softened butter with powdered sugar until light and smooth.
• No gritty bits — just a soft, fluffy mixture.

This smooth base helps the Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls form a rich, velvety texture.

4. Add the Bourbon and Extracts

Slow and steady wins this race.

• Add the bourbon a little at a time, stirring well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Your bowl will smell incredible. That’s your sign you’re doing it right.

5. Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir.
At first, it might look too dry — don’t panic! As you mix, it becomes a thick dough that presses together easily.

Pro tip: If your arms get tired, switch to mixing with clean hands. It’s faster, fun, and gives you that “I’m really doing this” feeling.

6. Chill Like a Pro

Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1–2 hours.
This helps:

• Firm the dough
• Deepen the flavors
• Make rolling easier

Don’t skip this step — chilling is what transforms the mixture from “sticky” to “roll-ready.”

7. Roll Into Balls

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll between your palms.
Aim for smooth, round balls about the size of a walnut.

If the mixture sticks to your hands, dust your palms with a little powdered sugar or chill the dough again.

8. Coat and Finish

Drop each ball into powdered sugar and roll until fully coated.
You can also try:

• Coconut flakes
• Crushed nuts
• Melted chocolate dips or drizzles

This is where you can get creative — or keep things classic and simple.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls

• Use good bourbon. If you wouldn’t sip it, don’t put it in your dessert.
• Chill twice if you need to. Warm hands can soften the dough — refrigerate again for 10 minutes if rolling becomes messy.
• Finely chop the cherries. Large chunks can stop the dough from sticking together smoothly.
• Don’t rush the process. Especially the chilling step. Your future self will thank you.

And if your powdered sugar coating looks uneven? Give them a second toss right before serving. They’ll look bakery-perfect.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made these Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls, I brought them to a family gathering. I thought they’d be cute on the dessert table — you know, something people nibble between conversations. But by the time dinner was done, my cousins were sneaking them from the fridge like teenagers hiding snacks at midnight.

That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. It’s fun, a little mischievous, and always makes people smile — and honestly, that’s what I love most about cooking.

FAQs About Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls

Bring a Little Sweet Magic to Your Table

These Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls are more than just a dessert — they’re a moment of joy waiting to happen. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, gifting them around the holidays, or sneaking one after the kids go to bed (no judgment here!), they bring so much delight for so little work.

If you’re craving something cozy, chocolatey, cherry-studded, and wonderfully grown-up, this recipe is calling your name. So go ahead — make a batch of Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls and let your kitchen fill with sweetness and just a hint of bourbon magic.

More Treats to Make Your Kitchen Even Sweeter

If these Cherry Bourbon Extract Balls made you smile, you’re going to love a few of my other cozy dessert favorites. They’re fun, festive, and perfect for sharing… or keeping all for yourself (no judgment here!).

• Dive into pure chocolate bliss with this dreamy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake — it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, but in dessert form.
• If you’re craving something light and fruity, these Cranberry Mousse Cups are little clouds of holiday happiness.
• Want a treat the whole family can decorate together? These colorful Christmas Pretzel Rods are always a hit at parties and movie nights.
• And if you love a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a cozy bakery, try this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie — it’s sweet, tart, and absolutely irresistible.

Enjoy exploring these goodies… and don’t be surprised if your dessert plate becomes everyone’s favorite place to gather!

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