Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Gradually add vanilla wafer crumbs to the cream cheese, mixing well after each addition to ensure smooth consistency.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and dried cherries until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Drizzle bourbon over the mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is well combined and holds together when pressed.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll between your palms to form smooth balls.
- Place formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Remove chilled balls from refrigerator. Using a fork, dip each ball into melted chocolate, coating completely. Tap fork gently on bowl edge to remove excess chocolate.
- Place chocolate-coated balls back on parchment-lined sheet. Immediately press a whole maraschino cherry on top of each ball while chocolate is still wet.
- Allow chocolate coating to set at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate until serving. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Keep the mixture well chilled between rolling batches for easier handling. The bourbon flavor mellows slightly after a day of storage. For alcohol-free version, substitute bourbon with cherry juice mixed with vanilla extract. These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
