Brandy is not one of my favorite drinks, but it is one of my favorite holiday treats – that is when it is the famous Brandy Balls. This recipe has been in the family for years! I could be mistaken, but these might have been served to me before I even riding a bike – definitely before the legal drinking age. Ha! Nonetheless, these have always been some of my favorite treats to make for giving.
This amazing Christmas treat is best is made ahead of time and stored in an airtight jar for 3 – 6 months. This allows for the cookie to marinate in the brandy, giving it a much better tang and allows it to really live up to its name.
Ingredients for Brandy Balls
- Vanilla Wafers: 2 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (1-16 ounce box)
- Confectioners Sugar: 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons cocoa
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Brandy: 1/4 cup brandy
- Light Corn Syrup: 1/4 cup light corn syrup
Directions
Step One: Chop
Make it easy on yourself! Use the food processor when creating the chopped walnuts and the vanilla wafer cookies into crumbs.
In a food processor, process the vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs. One 16 ounce box of vanilla wafers should yield approximately 2 1/2 cups of crumbs
In a food processor, chop the walnuts. They do not have to be super fine, but small pieces are better.
Step Two: Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients by stiring until ingredients are mixed well.
Step Three: Wet Ingredients
Stir together the brandy and light corn syrup
Step 4: Mix
Slowly pour the bandy mix over the dry ingredients while stirring. Mix the ingredients until combined to a damp consistency and there are no dry ingredients. If the mix is a little dry, add brandy a tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: Roll
Roll the dough into approximately 1″ balls.
Roll balls in confectioner’s sugar. Coat well.
Step 6: Store
Store the brandy balls in an airtight glass jar.
Variations
The only variation made in our home, is more. So, here are some great notes on how to multiply these recipe by four (yes, I said it, 4!).
Bulk Prep Notes:
- 4 boxes vanilla wafers
- 2 boxes powdered sugar
- Makes 1 gallon jar
How to Store Brandy Balls
Store the Brandy Balls into an airtight container and in a cool dark place; best served if stored for 3 months and best eaten by 6 months – but once you get a flavor of these, they will not last that long!
Consider Giving as Gift
Giving this delicious treat as a gift has been a huge hit! If you like giving homemade treats, this is definitely one to consider. Placing these in a small jar with a cute ribbon, tag and the recipe has been a favorite of mine. No matter how much someone gives that first look of “oh, thanks”, later, I usually hear, “thank you so much, those are delicious!”. I know mom always appreciates it when someone else makes her favorite and she doesn’t have to roll all of those little treats.
Ingredient List
- 2½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 Tbsp cocoa
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
Directions
- Mix
- Roll into balls
- Roll into confectioner’s sugar
- Store
Yields: Approximately 1 Quart Jar (depending on the size of the roll)