The Kentucky Derby is probably the most well-known horse race in the country. The first Kentucky Derby was May 17, 1875, and Kentuckians have gathered ever since, celebrating with fancy clothes, elaborate hats, special Kentucky food, and of course, Mint Juleps, which are the official drink of the race. There are hundreds of dishes made special for Derby Day, which is the first Saturday in May, and the following Derby Day Bourbon Brownie Balls are perfect to serve while watching the big race.

These easy brownie-type balls are full of chocolate and Kentucky bourbon and are rolled in pecans; similar to the unbaked bourbon balls, but with the actual alcohol baked out. If you want to celebrate and like the taste of Kentucky’s most famous liquor, you’ll want to make these yummy balls.


24 Balls

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Kentucky Bourbon

1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup chopped pecans

1. Cream the butter and brown sugar until light; mix in the bourbon.
2. Measure the flour, salt, and cocoa powder into a fine strainer set over the bourbon mixture; shake through.
3. Mix well and add the chocolate chips.
4. Gather up the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, place in the refrigerator for an hour or until firm enough to roll into balls.
5. Scoop tablespoonfuls of the dough, roll into balls, and roll in the pecans.
6. Place the balls on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until just set.
7. Remove from the oven and let sit on the baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 117 Calories from Fat 68
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 59% Protein 4% Carb. 32%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 8 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 10 mg
Sodium 71 mg
Total Carbohydrate 9 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars
Protein

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 2%