Booze Balls
What happens when Amaretto meets no-bake dessert bites? Booze balls are born. Made with Nilla wafers, Nutella, cocoa powder, and nuts, this 10-minute dessert makes for a seriously decadent treat.
When you make and serve these boozeballs at a party, they are going to be the star of the show. I like to think my witty conversation is what people remember when they look back on my parties. But alas, these booze balls upstage me whenever they’re served.
What’s so great about them?
They are almost like truffles; they’re soft, rich and scrumptious. They’re flavored with just enough Amaretto, slightly sweet and such a treat to eat. But remember to keep them away from the kiddos as they’re strong.
I usually serve these around the holidays. They also make the perfect Christmas gift.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.
Helpful tips
- Using a food processor to pulverize the Vanilla wafers is easiest and gives you a uniform texture.
- If you don’t have a food processor, put the Nilla wafers in a gallon Ziploc bag and use your rolling pin to crush them into a “meal”. You may have to do this in batches.
- I’ve made this recipe the same way for years and sometimes the booze balls come out on the dry side, other times they are moist. Either way, they will taste the same.
- While I am rolling the booze balls, I wash my hands when my fingers get goopy, then resume rolling.
- I usually package the balls in a gallon bag to store them. They freeze well and can be eaten within a few minutes of taking them out of the freezer.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Nilla wafers – or a non-brand vanilla wafer.
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Confectioner’s sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Nutella – or another hazelnut spread
- Amaretto – or another almond flavored liqueur.
- Flaked coconut – to roll the booze balls in.
How to make amaretto booze balls
Get out a food processor and large bowl.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – Nilla wafers, Amaretto (or some other almond flavored liquor), Nutella and unsweetened cocoa powder.
Step two
Open the package of Nilla wafers and transfer them into the bowl of a food processor. (A)
Step three
Pulse until the wafers are finely textured. Place the Nilla cookie crumbs in the mixing bowl. (B)
Step four
Gather the rest of the ingredients – chopped walnuts, chopped almonds, cocoa powder, Amaretto, and a heaping cup confectioners’ sugar.
Step five
Add the ingredients to the mixing bowl to join with the Nilla meal. (C)
Step six
Use a spatula to stir the ingredients until they are combined. (D)
As you can see in the above photo, the booze balls batter is moist. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before trying to roll them into balls.
Step seven
Take a small amount of the mixture in your hand and roll it into a ball. Don’t worry if the balls are different sizes.
Step eight
For garnish, put either flaked or finely shredded coconut in a little bowl and roll the booze balls in it to coat them with the coconut. Place the balls on a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least one hour.
That’s it. So easy and a big hit with the grownups.
Let’s see them piled on a plate.
Yum.
I hope you enjoyed this Amaretto booze balls recipe.
What’s your favorite flavor booze ball? I also love rum balls, myself. Please comment as I’d love to know!
Other popular boozy food recipes
And as always, may all your dishes be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Amaretto Booze Balls
Ingredients
- 1 box Nilla Wafers (processed fine)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 1/2 cup almonds (chopped – or pecans)
- 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 3/4 cup Nutella
- 3/4 cup Amaretto
- 1/4 cup coconut (or more to roll the balls in)
Instructions
- Empty the box of Nilla Wafers into a food processor, pulse until the wafers become finely processed.1 box Nilla Wafers
- Place Nilla meal in a big bowl and add nuts, confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder Nutella and Amaretto.1/2 cup walnuts, 1/2 cup almonds, 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar, 3/4 cup Nutella, 3/4 cup Amaretto, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- Stir with rubber spatula until all is incorporated. If moist, refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Take small amount of dough in hand and roll into 1 inch balls – it’s okay to have different sizes
- Roll in coconut and place on jelly roll pan and refrigerate for 1 – 2 hours1/4 cup coconut
- Serve
- Smile
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- Using a food processor to pulverize the Nilla wafers is easiest and gives you a uniform texture.
- If you don’t have a food processor, put the Nilla wafers in a gallon Ziploc bag and use your rolling pin to crush them into a “meal”. You may have to do this in batches.
- I’ve made this recipe the same way for years and sometimes the booze balls come out on the dry side, other times they are moist. Either way, they will taste the same.
- While I am rolling the booze balls, I wash my hands when my fingers get goopy, then resume rolling.
- I usually package the balls in a gallon bag to store them. They freeze well and can be eaten within a few minutes of taking them out of the freezer.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Hey! Where’s that spatula?!? I pored over the pictures for hours, blew them up to scrutinize every inch, but no spatula!
What gives? Lemme see it!
(I’ve had these, as you well know, Elaine, and the are great!)
You have to click the link to SEE it :). Though I have pictured it before in various posts 🙂 I took a photo on my phone, so When I see you today I will show you.
Elaine 🙂
I have to tell you that I made these and one of my grandchildren asked for a bite, so I gave it to her and her eyes lit up and said, “More.” Her mother was not amused.
Hehe Joyce! 🙂
These sound quite scrumptious, however, could I replace the Nutella with some regular chocolate melted or something like that as we don’t care for Nutella.
Hi Mk, yes you could substitute it with melted chocolate. Just keep your eye on how wet the ‘dough’ is, but I think it will work out great!
These remind me so much of the Bourbon or Rum Balls from so long ago. Can’t wait to try out this amaretto version. They look and sound so good!
Thanks Marisa! They are quite tasty!
Those look fabulous. They would be fun for a party.
They are so fun at a party! Everyone gathers around eating them.
These look yummy and delicious. Fun to make them for my Kitty Party. Friends to love it.
Thanks Veena! I hope your friends like it!!
Can you clarify if this sweetened coconut or unsweetened coconut? Thanks!
I always use unsweetened coconut. I hope that helps, Michelle.
These had my attention at booze! I can’t wait to make these for New Years!
Thanks Jacque! 🙂 I hope you enjoy them!
Didn’t know booze balls were a thing but apparently I’ve been missing out!
Oooo, Matt, they are so a thing! 🙂
These truly are soft and fudgy little treats. And yes, they’re potent! You can taste and feel the amaretto.
Hehe. So true!
I’ve made the bourbon balls for a party last year. They were a hit. Going to make these amaretto balls, but not using the coconut, not a fan. Thinking about rolling them in crushed almonds. What’s your thought?
I think it’s a great alternative. Now, I’m wondering why I haven’t thought of it. 😉 Thanks, Linda!
I think that adding a “bourbon cherry” to the ball would be a great addition. If the cherry was to boozy though…how could you reduce the alcohol content in it? Just wondering
Would you roll the bourbon cherry in the middle? That sounds lovely. If the bourbon cherries are pre-made, there isn’t a way to reduce the alcohol content. But that would be delicious either way. I hope that helps, Jim.
In volume how much is the Nilla crumbs- 2 cups – 3 cups?
I can’t find Nilla so am using shortbread cookies but how much, in volume, do I need??
It’s an 11 ounce box of Nilla Wafers which I pulse in the food processor. I don’t know the exact amount once processed – but I’d say closer to 2 cups. Sorry, Gloria, that’s my best guess.
can you substitute different nuts
Yes, indeed, Mary! Any nut will do.
I added whiskey soaked cherries to mine. worked out great
Oooo. That is a great addition! I need to soak some cherries in whiskey too. I usually use bourbon but I think Whiskey is probably a better combo!! I’m glad you enjoyed it.