Mint Julep Bourbon Balls Recipe Easy Homemade Dark Chocolate Treats
These mint julep bourbon balls combine crushed mint cookies, bourbon, and a dark chocolate coating for a quick, easy, and delicious homemade treat perfect for parties and gifts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 bourbon balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (200g) crushed mint-flavored sandwich cookies (e.g., Thin Mints)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) bourbon
- 8 ounces (225g) dark chocolate chips or bars (60-70% cocoa recommended)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) peppermint extract (optional)
- ½ cup (60g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Crush the mint cookies finely using a food processor or a rolling pin inside a zip-top bag (about 5 minutes).
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed cookies, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts if using; stir until evenly distributed.
- Add softened butter, bourbon, and peppermint extract if desired. Mix until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms (3-5 minutes). Add more bourbon if dough is too dry.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Portion dough using a small cookie scoop or spoon and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet (yields about 20-24 balls).
- Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
- Dip each bourbon ball into melted chocolate, coating fully. Let excess chocolate drip off and place back on parchment paper. Optionally sprinkle crushed mint cookie crumbs or nuts on top.
- Refrigerate coated balls for at least 1 hour until chocolate is firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until serving.
Notes
Use softened butter for best mixing; avoid overheating chocolate to prevent seizing; chill dough and coated balls thoroughly for easier handling and better texture; bourbon amount can be adjusted to taste; gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions available; store refrigerated up to two weeks or freeze uncoated balls up to one month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball
- Calories: 100120
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 30
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
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