Bourbon balls are a classic holiday treat made with crushed cookies, bourbon, and chocolate. While there are many variations on the traditional recipe, Buffalo Trace bourbon balls stand out for their rich bourbon flavor. Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky produces this well-known bourbon whiskey, which gives the bourbon balls their distinctive taste. If you want to make delicious homemade bourbon balls with that familiar Buffalo Trace flavor, understanding the key ingredients is important.
Traditional Bourbon Balls vs. Buffalo Trace Bourbon Balls
Most bourbon ball recipes call for crushed vanilla wafers or gingersnaps, powdered sugar, bourbon, and chocolate. However, the specific amounts of each ingredient and the type of bourbon used can vary. Traditional bourbon balls may use any type of bourbon, while Buffalo Trace bourbon balls specifically use Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Using this particular bourbon whiskey is what gives Buffalo Trace bourbon balls their signature flavor. Buffalo Trace Distillery dates back over 200 years and produces bourbon using a higher percentage of rye than many competitors. This gives Buffalo Trace bourbon a bolder, spicier taste that carries through to bourbon balls made with this whiskey.
Key Ingredients
While the basic ingredients of bourbon balls stay the same, the specific amounts differ between recipes. Here is an overview of the key ingredients that go into making delicious Buffalo Trace bourbon balls:
Cookies
Bourbon balls start with a cookie crumb base. Traditional recipes call for crushed vanilla wafers or gingersnaps. The cookie crumbs provide texture and absorb the bourbon and other liquid ingredients. About 2 cups of finely crushed cookies are needed for a standard batch of bourbon balls.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered or confectioners’ sugar helps bind the ingredients together and provides sweetness to balance the bourbon. Around 1 cup of powdered sugar is used in most bourbon ball recipes.
Bourbon
No bourbon ball would be complete without bourbon! For Buffalo Trace bourbon balls, you must use Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The amount varies between recipes, but 1/4 to 1/2 cup is standard. The higher proportion of rye used by Buffalo Trace provides a robust, spicy flavor.
Chocolate
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks or cocoa powder provide richness and extra flavor. About 1-2 ounces of chocolate or 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder is needed for a batch of bourbon balls. Finely chopped chocolate or cocoa also helps bind the ingredients together.
Other Flavorings
Many recipes add supplemental flavorings like vanilla, spices, coffee, or nuts. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness, while spices like cinnamon complement the bourbon flavor. Finely chopped nuts can provide crunch, while coffee powder adds another layer of richness. These extras are optional but can provide extra depth.
Steps to Make Buffalo Trace Bourbon Balls
Making bourbon balls is a fairly simple process, though some advance preparation is required. Here are the basic steps for making Buffalo Trace bourbon balls:
Step 1: Crush the Cookies
Use a food processor or plastic bag to crush vanilla wafers or gingersnaps into fine crumbs. You need about 2 cups of crushed cookies for a standard batch. Set aside in a large bowl.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the Buffalo Trace bourbon, powdered sugar, chocolate/cocoa, and any other wet ingredients like vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl of cookie crumbs and stir until fully incorporated. The mixture should stick together when pinched.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the bourbon balls to firm up.
Step 5: Shape Balls
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out portions of the chilled mixture. Roll each portion into a 1-inch ball between your palms and set on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Coat (Optional)
You can roll the shaped balls in more powdered sugar or cocoa powder for coating. This helps prevent sticking and makes them look pretty.
Step 7: Chill Again
Cover the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 more hours to firm up again before serving.
Ingredient Ratios
While amounts vary between recipes, most bourbon balls stick to certain ratios of the main ingredients. Here are some standard ingredient ratios you can follow:
| Ingredient | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Crushed Cookies | 2 cups |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup |
| Bourbon | 1/4 – 1/2 cup |
| Chocolate/Cocoa | 1-2 ounces or 2-3 tablespoons |
You can adjust these amounts depending on how sweet, boozy, or chocolatey you want your bourbon balls to be. But this gives you a baseline to work from.
Storage and Serving
Properly storing and serving your Buffalo Trace bourbon balls helps preserve texture and flavor.
Storage
Bourbon balls can be stored for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chilled temperature helps them maintain their shape. If storing longer, freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Temperature
Bourbon balls should be served chilled. Remove them from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Cold bourbon balls hold their shape and have a nice fudgy texture when you bite into them.
Yield
A standard batch of bourbon balls makes around 36 to 48 balls. Make more or less depending on how many you want to serve. Mini bourbon balls with a 1/2-inch diameter yield more per batch.
Presentation
For serving, arrange bourbon balls in mini paper baking cups inside a serving dish or platter. You can also sprinkle more powdered sugar or cocoa over the tops before serving for decoration.
Making Them “Buffalo Trace”
The key to making authentic Buffalo Trace bourbon balls is using Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. No other ingredients can exactly replicate that distinctive flavor profile. The higher percentage of rye gives this bourbon a bold, spicy taste that comes through clearly in the bourbon balls.
You can certainly experiment with adding other flavors like spices, coffee, or nuts to complement the bourbon. But don’t substitute with another, inferior bourbon – that’s what makes them Buffalo Trace! Follow a tried and true recipe using the specific ingredients called for, including Buffalo Trace bourbon.
FAQs
Can I make bourbon balls without bourbon?
Technically yes, but they won’t have quite the same flavor. The bourbon provides much of the flavor and also helps give bourbon balls their signature soft, fudgy texture. Non-alcoholic substitutes like bourbon extract, rum extract, or vanilla will still provide flavor.
How long do bourbon balls last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, bourbon balls will last 5-7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Let thaw before serving.
Do you have to refrigerate bourbon balls?
Yes, it’s best to refrigerate bourbon balls to help them maintain their shape and texture. The chilled temperature also prevents the butter and chocolate from melting.
Can you mail bourbon balls?
Bourbon balls ship well for mailing or gifting. Pack them carefully in layers separated by wax paper in an airtight container. Ship in insulated packaging with frozen gel packs to keep cool in transit.
Are bourbon balls gluten free?
Bourbon balls are typically not gluten free due to the vanilla wafers or gingersnaps used. For gluten free bourbon balls, substitute cookies like shortbread or almond flour cookies.
Conclusion
With their sweet, chocolatey, and boozy flavors, it’s no wonder Buffalo Trace bourbon balls are such a beloved holiday treat. Whipping up a batch using the signature bourbon whiskey is sure satisfy crowds this season. Just be sure to use real Buffalo Trace and the right ratios of cookies, sugar, and chocolate to achieve that authentic taste. Follow the steps for shaping, coating, and chilling, and your bourbon balls will have the perfect texture and flavor. Store properly in the fridge or freezer and serve chilled for bourbon balls that look and taste just like the originals.