Whip up a batch of these boozy chocolate candies for your Kentucky Derby party, as a thoughtful Father's Day gift, or just because. Each bite is the perfect combination of rich chocolate, smooth bourbon, and crisp cookie crumbles. We'll walk you through how to make homemade bourbon balls, including tips for properly storing them.

What Are Bourbon Balls?

Part cookie, part candy, bourbon balls have been a favorite Southern treat for decades. The original bourbon ball recipe was developed in 1938 by Kentucky-based Rebecca Ruth Candy Company. The confection is the perfect blend of crispy cookie crumbs and smooth chocolate while the deep flavor of bourbon shines through.

Bourbon Ball Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this bourbon ball recipe.

• Chocolate: Our recipe developers preferred the balance of sweetness and bitterness that semisweet chocolate lends to this candy recipe. You can use chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.
• Sugar: This candy recipe calls for granulated sugar. You'll need some for the filling and some for rolling the finished balls.
• Corn Syrup: Just three tablespoons of corn syrup helps achieve the ideal soft and chewy texture.
• Bourbon: You'll need 1/3 of a cup of bourbon. Wondering what bourbon is best for bourbon balls? We recommend choosing your favorite brand to drink. Choosing one you would drink helps ensure the finished treats have the best flavor.
• Cookies: Crushed vanilla wafer cookies help give the finished bourbon balls texture, sweetness, and a subtle vanilla flavor.
• Walnuts: Ensure your walnuts are finely chopped for the best texture. For deeper flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the mixture.

How to Make Bourbon Balls

Follow these steps to make a batch of homemade bourbon balls.

1. Make the Chocolate Mixture: Melt the chocolate and stir in the sugar and corn syrup. Once combined, stir in bourbon.
2. Add Texture: Mix in the crushed cookies and walnuts.
3. Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar.
4. Chill: Chill the balls and store for up to a week to mellow the flavor.

How to Store Bourbon Balls

Store the finished bourbon balls in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. The boozy flavor of the chocolate candy will mellow the longer they are stored.