Chocolate Brandy Balls

📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic no-bake holiday confection featuring rich chocolate brandy balls. Made with crushed vanilla wafers, cocoa, walnuts, and brandy, they are rolled in sugar and aged for peak flavor.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
20 mins0 mins24 hours48 Servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight storage container

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
2 1/2 CupsVanilla Wafersfinely crushed (approx. 60 wafers)
1 CupConfectioners’ Sugarsifted
2 TablespoonsCocoa Powder
1/2 CupWalnutsfinely chopped
1/4 CupBrandy
1/4 CupLight Corn Syrup
1 1/2 TeaspoonsWateroptional, if needed
As neededGranulated Sugarfor rolling

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine the 2 1/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers, 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
  2. Stir in the 1/4 cup brandy and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Mix well until a stiff, sticky dough forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add up to 1 1/2 teaspoons water to help it come together.

Shape and Coat

  1. Shape the mixture into 3/4-inch balls, rolling them firmly between your palms.
  2. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated completely and sparkling.
  3. Store in a tightly covered container. For the best flavor, let them age for 1 to 2 days before serving to allow the brandy flavor to mellow and mature.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store in a tightly covered container at room temperature. For the best flavor, let them age for 1 to 2 days before serving.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card