It’s safe to say, we’re very traditional at our house. On the day after Thanksgiving, the Christmas tree is heaved and hauled out of the attic. Not a day before. Each branch is unfolded, fluffed and adorned with decorations from days gone by.
Childhood stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Bruce and Mom’s homemade sock reindeer, plus beloved toys, are scattered here and there.
Sock snowmen, gifts from a former student, stand watch over our holiday chaos and kitchen confusion.
When all of these mementos arrive, it’s time for The Hubby to work his Christmas magic by making Bourbon Pecan Balls! Over 20 years ago, he combined two bourbon ball recipes into one and it’s the one we’ve sampled since. Family, friends and coworkers throughout the years have enjoyed them as well. One of The Hubby’s former duty C.O.s even told everyone at work to make sure the lid on the container was tightly sealed…a bourbon aroma perfumed the office that day!
There’s really nothing complicated about The Hubby’s Bourbon Pecan Balls. No cooking is required. Everything gets mixed up in a bowl and hand-rolled out. The Hubby uses both crushed chocolate and honey Teddy Graham snack crackers in his recipe. If you can’t find chocolate Teddy Grahams, you can substitute with equal amounts of chocolate graham crackers. Vanilla or “Nilla” wafers can also be used entirely. The overall final flavor won’t be as chocolately though.
Overall your final finished product should be firm enough to roll into a firm ball, but not crumbly. If too moist, add more powdered sugar. Too dry, add a touch more bourbon. These definitely are Mom-approved! Be sure to enjoy and share responsibly!
Bourbon Pecan Balls
Cocoa, graham, pecans and bourbon oh my, my! Each powdered sugar confection has a powerful punch. Enjoy responsibly!
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 40–50 Balls 1x
Ingredients
10 cups Teddy Graham brand crackers–use equal parts chocolate and honey flavors, ground into crumbs*
2–1/2 cups pecans, finely chopped
5 Tbsp. cocoa powder
5 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 to 1-1/4 cups bourbon whiskey (The Hubby likes Makers Mark brand in these!)
5–6 cups powdered sugar, plus about 1–2 cups more to roll balls in
Instructions
In a large bowl, stir together Teddy Graham crumbs, pecans, cocoa powder, corn syrup, 1 cup of bourbon, and 5 cups of powdered sugar. Add additional bourbon based on how strong you want the bourbon flavor to be. More powdered sugar may need to be added to firm up the finished treat. (A Bourbon Pecan Ball should be firm and not crumbly. When rolled and set aside, it shouldn’t form into a bourbony puddle.).
Roll about a tablespoon sized amount into balls. Coat in the additional powdered sugar. Set on parchment or wax paper to set. Store in a tightly sealed, air-tight container. Bourbon Pecan Balls will keep unrefrigerated for 7-10 days.
Notes
*If you can’t find Teddy Graham crackers in chocolate flavor, you can use chocolate flavored graham crackers. In a pinch, you can use either all graham cracker crumbs or Nilla Wafer crumbs too. The chocolate flavor won’t be as rich with all graham or Nilla Wafer crumbs.
IMNPB
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