Amaretto Booze Balls: Almond Liqueur Truffles Recipe

These Booze Balls are an easy, no-bake adult treat. Made with crushed vanilla wafers, Nutella, toasted pecans, and a splash of Amaretto, they’re rich, chocolatey, and finished in shredded coconut. Quick to assemble and chilled in the refrigerator, they’re ideal for holiday gatherings, edible gifts, or any time you want a simple dessert with a boozy almond note.

A plate filled with chocolate Amaretto balls coated in shredded coconut, neatly arranged and ready to serve.

Ingredient Tips

Overhead view of Amaretto ball ingredients arranged in glass bowls on a white surface, including vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, Nutella, pure vanilla extract, and a bottle of Amaretto liqueur.

The complete list of ingredients with quantities and full instructions is located in the recipe card below.

  • Vanilla wafers: Crush to fine crumbs for the best texture. Graham crackers are a fine substitute.
  • Pecans: Toast and finely chop so they distribute evenly; walnuts work well too.
  • Powdered sugar: Sift before using to avoid lumps in the mixture.
  • Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa to balance the sweetness.
  • Nutella: Adds richness and helps bind the mixture. Avoid swapping in peanut butter unless you want a different flavor profile.
  • Amaretto liqueur: Gives the almond flavor and moisture. Add a little more for a stronger taste, but take care not to make the mixture too soft.
  • Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
  • Shredded coconut: Sweetened or unsweetened will both work; if the coconut doesn’t adhere, roll the balls a second time.

Recipe Success Tips

  • Chill before serving: Refrigeration helps the balls firm up and deepens the flavors.
  • Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too dry, add a splash more Amaretto; if too wet, stir in extra crushed wafers.
  • Uniform size: A small cookie scoop makes even balls so they chill consistently.
  • Coconut coating: Press the coconut onto each ball so it adheres well; rolling twice helps.
  • Make ahead: Prepare up to three days in advance and store in the refrigerator for easy entertaining.

Serving Suggestions

  • Holiday platters: Serve alongside cookies, truffles, and fudge for a festive dessert board.
  • Coffee pairing: Offer chilled Booze Balls with espresso or cappuccino for a rich after‑dinner treat.
  • Gifts: Pack in decorative tins or small boxes lined with parchment for homemade gifts.
  • Party trays: Place each ball in a mini paper candy cup for a tidy presentation.
  • Drink pairings: Pair with dessert wines or cocktails that complement Amaretto’s almond character.

Questions You Might Have

Can I make booze balls without alcohol?

Yes. Replace the Amaretto with 2–3 tablespoons of milk plus ½ teaspoon almond extract for the same almond flavor without the alcohol.

Can I use a different liqueur?

Yes. Liqueurs like Baileys, Kahlúa, or Frangelico will each give a distinct and tasty twist.

What else can I roll the balls in besides coconut?

Try powdered sugar, cocoa powder, sprinkles, or finely chopped nuts for different finishes.

Do booze balls taste stronger the next day?

Yes. The flavors meld overnight in the fridge, and many people find them even better the next day.

Recipe

Close-up of chocolate Amaretto balls coated in shredded coconut, stacked in a bowl with one ball bitten open to reveal a nutty chocolate interior and a cherry piece inside.
Recipe

Booze Balls (Amaretto Balls)

Prep Time
10
Total Time
40
30 balls
These no-bake Amaretto Balls are nutty and chocolatey with a delicate almond liqueur note. Made from crushed vanilla wafers, Nutella, toasted pecans, and coated in coconut, they’re a quick, elegant treat for parties or holidays.

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small cookie scoop
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Ingredients

  • 1 11oz box vanilla wafers finely crushed
  • 1 cup toasted pecans finely chopped
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup Nutella
  • cup Amaretto liqueur
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Pulse the vanilla wafers in a food processor until finely ground.
    Glass bowl filled with finely crushed vanilla wafers.
  • In a large bowl, combine the crushed wafers, pecans, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, Nutella, Amaretto, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined.
    Bowl of combined chocolate Amaretto ball mixture.
  • Use a small cookie scoop to portion 1-inch balls. Roll each between your palms until smooth.
    img 36386 6
  • Spread the coconut on a plate and roll each ball in the coconut, pressing gently so it adheres.
    Chocolate Amaretto balls coated in shredded coconut on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Arrange the balls on the prepared sheet and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Press and roll the balls several times so the coconut sticks evenly.
  • Swap walnuts for pecans if preferred.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 week.
  • Best served chilled directly from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball
|
Calories: 160kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 20g
|
Protein: 1g
|
Fat: 8g

Nutrition info is approximate and provided as a courtesy.

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