Chocolate Bourbon Balls with Dates and Pecans
These chocolate bourbon balls are rich, chocolatey, and full of holiday flavor. Naturally sweet dates add a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with bold bourbon and dark cocoa powder, while vanilla wafers give them that classic, familiar taste. Rolled in finely chopped pecans, these no-bake treats are easy to make ahead and perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Servings: 14 balls
Calories: 180kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- ½ cup bourbon or whiskey
- 2 cups vanilla wafers about 1/2 a box
- 1 cup pecan halves
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
- ¼ cup confectioners sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a medium glass bowl, soak the dates in the bourbon for at least 30 minutes. The dates should plump up and soften before using.
- Place the vanilla wafers and 1 cup of pecan halves in the bowl of a food processor. Process until crumbs form.
- Add the cocoa powder and confectioners' sugar to the cookie and pecan crumbs. Pulse until combined.
- Drain the dates, reserving the bourbon. Add the soaked dates to the cookie mixture and process to further chop the dates and combine with the mixture. With the processor running, pour the bourbon into the cookie mixture and continue to process until a cohesive mass forms and the dates are well chopped.
- Roll the mixture into 14 - 20 balls, placing them on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Then roll each ball in the chopped pecans (or coconut, confectioners' sugar, jimmies or other ingredient).
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ball | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1.2mg