This delightful no-bake Bourbon Balls by Julia Child dessert combines rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a hint of bourbon for a flavorful treat. It’s a quick and simple recipe that uses common pantry ingredients, making it both convenient and delicious. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at gatherings, these bourbon balls offer a sweet indulgence with a spirited twist.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (4 oz / 115g) powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon
- 2 tbsp (30ml) light corn syrup / golden syrup
- 2 cups (8 oz / 225g) crushed vanilla wafers (about 40 wafers)
- 1 cup (4 oz / 115g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts
How To Make Bourbon Balls
- Mix the dry ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder and 1 cup of powdered sugar into a medium bowl.
- Add liquids: Stir in the bourbon and corn syrup until well combined.
- Incorporate the base: Mix in the crushed vanilla wafers and chopped nuts, stirring until evenly blended.
- Shape the balls: Roll the mixture into 3/4-inch balls, then coat them in powdered sugar.
- Chill and set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving. Store for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Tips
- Use fresh vanilla wafers: Stale wafers can make the texture dry. Crush them finely for a smoother mixture.
- Toast the nuts before chopping: This brings out a richer, deeper flavor. Let them cool before mixing.
- Let the mixture sit before rolling: Resting for 5-10 minutes helps the flavors blend and makes rolling easier.
- Roll in powdered sugar twice: First right after shaping, then again before serving for a better coating.
- Store properly for the best taste: Keep them in an airtight container so they don’t dry out or absorb fridge odors.
How To Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Place leftover bourbon balls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be stored this way for up to two weeks.
- Freeze: Place leftover bourbon balls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to three months. To serve, thaw them in the refrigerator until they reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition Fact
Serving Size: 3 pieces (45g)
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 15mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 2g
Try More Recipes:

Julia Child Bourbon Balls
Description
This delightful no-bake Bourbon Balls by Julia Child dessert combines rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a hint of bourbon for a flavorful treat. It’s a quick and simple recipe that uses common pantry ingredients, making it both convenient and delicious. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at gatherings, these bourbon balls offer a sweet indulgence with a spirited twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder and 1 cup of powdered sugar into a medium bowl.
- Add liquids: Stir in the bourbon and corn syrup until well combined.
- Incorporate the base: Mix in the crushed vanilla wafers and chopped nuts, stirring until evenly blended.
- Shape the balls: Roll the mixture into 3/4-inch balls, then coat them in powdered sugar.
- Chill and set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving. Store for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use fresh vanilla wafers: Stale wafers can make the texture dry. Crush them finely for a smoother mixture.
- Toast the nuts before chopping: This brings out a richer, deeper flavor. Let them cool before mixing.
- Let the mixture sit before rolling: Resting for 5-10 minutes helps the flavors blend and makes rolling easier.
- Roll in powdered sugar twice: First right after shaping, then again before serving for a better coating.
- Store properly for the best taste: Keep them in an airtight container so they don’t dry out or absorb fridge odors.