John Morton'S Bourbon Balls

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Creamy, flavorful bourbon balls combine vanilla wafers, walnuts, cocoa, and whiskey for a rich, sweet treat perfect for holidays or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 4 c. ground walnuts
  • 1/2 lb. powdered sugar
  • 1/3 c. light corn syrup
  • 3 Tbsp. cocoa
  • 3/4 c. whiskey or rum

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Shape the mixture into small balls.
  3. Roll the balls in additional powdered sugar.
  4. Chill the bourbon balls in the refrigerator.
  5. Store in a tightly covered container.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you want to reduce sweetness, use less powdered sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like agave syrup. For a nut-free version, you can replace ground walnuts with finely crushed oats or graham cracker crumbs. Ensure the mixture is well blended for even flavor distribution.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bourbon balls as a delightful after-dinner treat or at festive gatherings. They pair beautifully with a glass of whiskey or a rich dessert wine. For an added touch, consider serving alongside a platter of cheese and crackers, or with a side of Jasper'S Barbecue Sauce Recipe for a unique flavor contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store the bourbon balls in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. There's no need to thaw before serving, as they taste great chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of John Morton'S Bourbon Balls contains roughly 1030 calories, with 10g protein, 218g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1030 kcal 51% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.5g 19% DV
Total Fat 18.3g 23% DV
Carbs 218g 79% DV
Fiber 16g 57% DV
Sugar 142.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 91.8mg 4% DV
Potassium 1196.6mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.5mcg
Vitamin C 6.6mg 7% DV
Calcium 71.3mg 5% DV
Iron 7.2mg 40% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of alcohol in this recipe?

Absolutely! While whiskey is traditional, rum or even a flavored liqueur can be used to suit your taste. Each will impart a unique flavor to the bourbon balls, so feel free to experiment with your favorite spirits for a personalized touch.

How do I make these bourbon balls less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of powdered sugar or opt for a sugar substitute like stevia. Additionally, using unsweetened cocoa powder can help balance the flavors. Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly to maintain the right consistency.

Can I make these bourbon balls vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan! Use a plant-based whiskey or rum and substitute the light corn syrup with maple syrup or agave nectar. Ensure that the powdered sugar is vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious treat that fits a vegan diet.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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