Friends Drift Inn Recipes
Cookie Crumbs and Pecans
Do you like your balls dipped in chocolate or rolled in sugar?
Yep, I thought that might get your attention. There are two schools of thoughts for bourbon balls. One is an elegant confection with a smooth sweet creamy middle enrobed in chocolate; and one is a cookie crumbled with pecans and rolled in powdered sugar.
I featured the fancy version, Kentucky Colonel Bourbon Balls Recipe in February. The truth is, I have never seen Colonels served in homes except during winter holidays. However, they are popular at restaurants even in summer.
The cookie crumb version is what I grew up with. There was often a coffee can full of woodsy smelling Cookie Crumb Bourbon Balls tucked up high on a shelf out of kid’s reach.
Mom and Dad carefully measured out the Heaven Hill bourbon from a pint bottle that only came out when it when it was time to make a batch of Cookie Crumb Bourbon Balls. I was in charge of smashing the Vanilla Wafers…something I was very good at!
Nowadays, Momma says my taste buds are snobby. When it comes to this recipe I like Woodford Reserve or Makers Mark bourbon. I don’t use corn syrup, which was the way Mom did it…I use honey.
And for goodness sakes, do not use Vanilla Wafers! (There goes my chance for a brand endorsement)
Try Donahue’s Dandy Cookie Recipe for Cookie Crumb Bourbon Balls. We keep a batch of the cookies in storage….not just for bourbon balls, but cheesecake crusts, banana pudding and so much more.
Cookie Crumb Bourbon Balls, I consider a Signature Sweet from Friends Drift Inn Recipes. Make these today, and let them mellow. At your Kentucky Derby Party, you will have a winner!
More Kentucky Derby Party Recipes
Friends Drift Inn
Cookie Crumb Bourbon Balls Recipe
Inspired by generations of Kentuckians
Dessert Recipe, Holiday Entertaining Recipe, Cookie Recipe, Kentucky Derby Party Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cookie crumbles very fine we suggest Donahue’s Dandy Cookie Recipe
- 1 cup of Pecans, chopped fine
- 1 cup of Confectionary Sugar plus additional for rolling
- 2 ½ tablespoons unsweetened powdered Cocoa
- ¼ cup of Kentucky Bourbon (Woodford or Makers Mark good choices)
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Honey
Method
1. In a medium sized bowl, combine cookie crumbles, pecans, confectionary sugar, and cocoa. Stir to get an even mix. (You could use a food processor)
2. Pour bourbon into a glass measuring cup, and whisk in honey.
3. Make a “well” in the cookie mixture and gradually stir in bourbon combination until evenly moistened.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and let chill for several hours or overnight.
5. Spread out a generous sheet of waxed paper, and dump about ½ cup of powdered sugar in a heap.
6. With a teaspoon, scoop out the “candy” mixture….and roll a ball with your hands. This is a little sticky, so you may wish to wear food handler gloves.
7. Roll the ball in confectionary sugar to coat and set aside. Repeat until all mixture is used.
8. Roll the balls a second time in sugar. If you are energetic, roll them a third time.
Store in airtight container, using waxed paper between the layers.
Depending on humidity, you may wish to roll these one more time in confectionary sugar just before serving.
Makes 33 – 36 balls
Will keep two weeks refrigerated in airtight container. These can also be frozen and will last indefinitely.
These improve with age, so make them NOW. I like to present them in a little fluted paper cup.
Disclosure At the time of this post I am not compensated for the links and mention of products above
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I live in a barn and cook up a storm. I am not a debutante. I have hot flashes. I garden in red high heels. I like fat rascals, tea, and bourbon. Welcome to Friends Drift Inn!
Those look yummy! How long do you suggest letting them mellow?
Jennie, these keep indefintely. I like them “aged” at least a week in the refrigerator…but they are good to go the next day. The longer bourbon balls rest…the more mellow they become.
If you freeze bourbon balls what could you expect the chocolate to look like when they are defrosted…
I have never frozen them. Mom used to keep them at room temp in a coffee can. I store them in a plastic box with layers of waxed paper between them in the fridge.