1/2cupapprox Bourbon (I recommend Maker's Mark brand), separated
1/4cuppecansfinely ground
1/3cupapprox24 pecan halves
12ozbag semi sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Using a mixer, combine butter and sugar until smooth.
Add 1/4 cup Bourbon and vanilla and mix in.
Finally, mix in the ground pecans.
Roll into 1-inch balls and place in rows on a parchment lined baking sheet. The filling is very sticky. Add more powdered sugar if needed.
Set in refrigerator until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag and place in the freezer for a few hours or overnight.
Meanwhile place pecan halves in a small bowl, cover with remaining 1/4 cup of Bourbon and let soak overnight.
Once balls are hardened/frozen melt chocolate in the microwave (30 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth). I do this in batches (1/3 of the chocolate at a time) and 6 or so balls at a time so they don't get too soft with the warm chocolate.
Place a toothpick in each bourbon ball, sticking the toothpick into the center.
Working quickly, dip the bourbon ball centers into the chocolate one at a time. Tap the toothpick against the side of the bowl to shake off excess chocolate.
Set the coated bourbon balls on a waxed or parchment paper lined baking sheet.
With another toothpick push the bourbon ball gently from the toothpick and cover the spot where it was with a bourbon soaked pecan half.
Place coated bourbon balls in the fridge and let them set and harden.
Store in a sealed container and give as gifts or serve at your next holiday party!