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    Home » Recipes » Sweets

    By Amy · Published: Dec 17, 2014 · Updated: Aug 8, 2020 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy 6 Comments

    Bourbon Coconut Date Balls

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    Crispy, chewy and sweet… these Bourbon Coconut Date Balls are a delicious holiday treat!

    Date balls in a white bowl on a wooden trivet.

    One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to prepare Christmas goodies for friends and family.  The most requested treats are chocolate peanut butter balls, cranberry apple bread and these delicious date balls!

    Date balls with coconut on a baking sheet.

     

    What Can I Substitute for Bourbon in these Coconut Date Balls?

    If you don’t want to use bourbon, replace the 1 tablespoon of bourbon with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

    How Many Does This Recipe Yield?

    I use a level tablespoon for each ball and this recipe yields approximately 50 balls.

    Bourbon Coconut Date Balls in a white bowl.  A checked towel is in the background.

    Enjoy!

    Date balls in a white bowl on a wooden trivet

    Bourbon Coconut Date Balls

    An easy and delicious no-bake holiday treat!
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: coconut date balls, date nut balls recipe
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes
    Refrigeration Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
    Servings: 50 date balls
    Author: Amy

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup unsalted butter
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 8 ounce package pitted dates chopped into about ¼ inch pieces
    • 1 large egg well beaten
    • 1 cup chopped pecans
    • 1 tablespoon bourbon*
    • ½ cup shredded or flaked coconut
    • 2 ½ cups toasted rice cereal Rice Krispies
    • ⅓ cup powdered sugar

    Instructions

    • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add granulated sugar, dates and egg. Cook, stirring constantly until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture is thickened, about 7 minutes.
    • Add pecans, bourbon and coconut. Stir well to combine.
    • Add cereal and stir well to combine. Remove from heat.
    • When mixture has cooled enough to be handled, form into balls (1 level tablespoon each).
    • Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.  Roll each date ball in powdered sugar.
    • Refrigerate (stored in an airtight container) for at least 1 hour before serving.  Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

    Notes

    *Substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for bourbon, if desired
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1date ball | Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

    If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheBlondCook or tag #theblondcook!

    Adapted from Food.com

    Updated December 9, 2019 with new photographs and recipe slightly revised.

    ""

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kate says

      December 06, 2015 at 9:10 am

      These look amazing! I may have to make these for my holiday party this weekend! Between the dates, almonds, and bourbon I’m sure they’d be a crowd pleaser.

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        December 06, 2015 at 10:43 am

        Thanks so much, hope you enjoy them! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Mike Mcqueen says

      December 18, 2014 at 10:41 am

      Recipe for rum balls please.

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        December 20, 2014 at 10:38 am

        Hey Mike! Can you believe I’ve never made rum balls either? I will try to get to work on that… Merry Christmas!

        Reply
    3. Irene dimaggio says

      December 18, 2014 at 9:56 am

      Looks delicious..I MIGHT TRY THEM we will see..Thanks for your receipes! Keep them coming! I hope your best friend is doing well! Woof woof!

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        December 20, 2014 at 10:37 am

        Hey Irene! Thank you so much & I hope you enjoy if you make them. Chance is still hangin’ in there & has had a great week. Thank you so much for asking about him. xoxo

        Reply

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