Tipsies

Prep: 15 min Serves: 54 Cuisine: American

A rich, indulgent treat featuring semi-sweet chocolate, bourbon, vanilla wafers, and nuts, shaped into balls and coated with sugar—perfect for celebrations or gifting.

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Ingredients

  • 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
  • 3 Tbsp. light corn syrup
  • 1/2 c. bourbon
  • 2 1/2 c. crushed vanilla wafers
  • 1/2 c. powdered sugar
  • 1 c. nuts, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Melt semi-sweet chocolate over hot, not boiling, water.
  2. Add corn syrup and bourbon to the melted chocolate.
  3. Combine crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, and nuts in a bowl.
  4. Add the dry mixture to the chocolate mixture and mix well.
  5. Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes.
  6. Form 1-inch balls from the mixture.
  7. Roll the balls in granulated sugar.
  8. Let the coated balls crisp in a covered container for at least several days.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure the chocolate is fully melted before adding the corn syrup and bourbon. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or a flavored syrup. You can also use crushed graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile. Consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tipsies as a delightful dessert during gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. For an extra touch, consider serving them alongside Ellie'S Brown Sugar Coffee Cake for a delightful dessert platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store the Tipsies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to maintain their crispiness, avoid refrigerating them, as moisture can make them soggy. To refresh the texture, leave them uncovered for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tipsies contains roughly 960 calories, with 10g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 583mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

960 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.8g 20% DV
Total Fat 31.9g 41% DV
Carbs 165.3g 60% DV
Fiber 2.9g 10% DV
Sugar 94.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 582.8mg 25% DV
Potassium 359.7mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 76.5mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.9mcg 1% DV
Calcium 85.2mg 7% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

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 dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate; however, the overall sweetness will be reduced. If you prefer a sweeter treat, consider adding a little extra powdered sugar to balance the flavors.

How long should I let the mixture stand?

Letting the mixture stand for 30 minutes allows it to firm up, making it easier to form into balls. If the mixture is too soft, you can refrigerate it for a short time to help it set before forming the balls.

Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely! Tipsies can be made several days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just remember to store them in a covered container to keep them fresh and crisp until you're ready to serve.

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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