Sophisticated and elegant, these Zinfandel Port Balls are a festive dessert for any occasion. The port and cocoa meld together, erupting into a smooth and warming flavor, sans any raw alcohol taste. Perfect for gifting too.
We all need a no-bake treat to make and bestow upon family and friends around the holidays. If you are looking for something easy to put together, this will definitely lighten your load.
These Zinfandel Port Balls are one heck of a treat. And yes, no baking or cooking is required. They are so easy to make and the taste is sophisticated and elegant. I love them and want them by my side at all times.
The best part is, you can use any Port you have on hand but I tend to love Zinfandel Ports. These lovely little balls o’goodness are so rich and yummy, you only need to give someone a few to make a statement.
The Port and cocoa meld together and erupt into a lovely warming flavor. There is no raw alcohol taste. They are very smooth.
Let’s make them shall we….
Here is what you will need: Zinfandel port (or any port), vanilla wafer cookies, pecans, unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, dark corn syrup and powdered sugar.
In a food processor, whirl 12 ounces vanilla wafers, 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder and 1 cup whole pecans until fine crumbs form.
Add 1/2 cup Port and 1/4 cup dark corn syrup to the crumb mixture and whirl again until blended. Scoop out the very sticky mixture into a bowl and add 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans. Mix in pecans with a spoon until fully incorporated.
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper. You may have to wash your hands after every ten balls rolled as your hands get sticky from the mixture.
Roll each ball in powdered sugar. Then eat about ten as I did. They are totally addicting.
They will make you sing.
These would make a stunning gift. Place the Port Balls in a sturdy box and give with a bottle of Port and the recipe in a gift basket. And just in case you were wondering, Prager Port Works is one of my absolute favorite places to visit and buy Port in the Napa Valley. If you ever have the chance, make sure you stop in there for a visit, you will be surprised by what you find.
Zinfandel Port Balls
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz package Nilla wafers
- 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 cup pecans, whole
- 3/4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup Zinfandel Port or any port
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- In a food processor, whirl vanilla wafers, cocoa powder and 1 cup whole pecans until fine crumbs form.
- Add Port and corn syrup to the crumb mixture and whirl again until blended. Scoop out the very sticky mixture into a bowl and add 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans. Mix in pecans with a spoon until fully incorporated.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper.Â
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar and place on a lovely tray.
KathyB. says
I am printing up this recipe and making it TODAY ! Hubby has been away in Washington D.C., the other Washington, and arrives home later today. This will be the PERFECT treat for him. He loves port and chocolate together!This also looks like it would be a wonderful gift for those who have everything and like to indulge. Thank-you, thank-you!
HoneyB says
That is a great gift!
Laura says
Fantastic.
Blond Duck says
I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE the singing ducks!
Becky says
Your choir is adorable!
I have never heard of port. But those look delicious and sinful.
Stephanie says
My husband’s family have a rum ball recipe that sounds the same. Except they start by making them all around Thanksgiving and “drown” them in rum until Christmas. Those are some happy balls! đŸ™‚
Kari says
I’ve never tried port, but, these look delicious and easy so I will have to give them a try. Thanks!
RobinSue says
We love port! Our favorite is Whidbey’s Port but the winery closed, so sad. We bought up every last bottle we could find. Now we need to drink it all before it turns to vinegar!
Asthmagirl says
The Husband loves port! These look amazing Cathy!
Jennifer says
Uhhh…YUM.
KitchenKiki says
Those look amazing! Will have to add to the list.
Jennifer says
This would be a great way to use up some of my (10 containers!) of cocoa on. I love the gift box idea w/ the cookies and the port! I will definitely try these!
Trisha says
Oh my! These look almost sinfully delicious!
Katie says
I didn’t know you could buy different varietals of port. I need to go to the wine store…
Jeff says
Ok now my co-workers think I am weirder than normal. I got to the geese a singing pictures and busted out laughing.
I like no bake and especially desserts!
ELRA says
Oh, this is the most easy and tempting looking cookies. Look really delicious, Cathy!
Cheers,
Elra
Sonadora says
These look so easy and like the perfect hostess gift! I have so much port hanging around since I don’t much care for it, and yet people keep bringing me bottles. Thanks for sharing!
Loving Annie says
Good Wednesday morning to you, Cathy !
OH YUM, OH YUM, OH YUM – I even wish I could have them for breakfast, sigh…
They are calorie free, right ?
Pam says
Oh Cathy, these look so delicious…I could eat a lot of these beauties. Can’t beat a no-bake treat.
Alisa says
I love you. Really, I do.
Bunny says
This is a very nice adult cookie, perfect for giving as gifts, thanks Cathy!
Egghead says
So yummy. I love the choir.
Biz says
You are making my decision on what to bring for my cookie exchange very difficult! These I think are the winners over the ginger cookies!
Starwoodgal says
This is very similar to my Brandy Ball recipe. I’m going to make your recipe. Sounds deeeeee – lish
tipper says
Looks fancy, easy and delicious!!
chanelireli says
Those look heavenly!
Marjie says
Dang commenter wouldn’t let me comment earlier. These look like they’d make you most cheerful, indeed! Did you give some to the hooligans, and keep them firmly under control? So glad you ate 10. Now I don’t have to feel guilty when I eat a bunch of something similar, whatever that might be…
dawn says
Aren’t these interesting.
I love how you find these creative and tasty little treats for us. You clever little thing you.
Love it!
Paula says
Oh man, I knew I liked you! These are utterly terrific. I make these wicked rum and brandy balls, but these will be on my make it list this year! GREAT recipe!
Deeba says
And indeed yummy port in every ball! YUM!! These were amazing.
Andi Sexton (rrlscrapgal) says
This is one of my favorite recipes!!! We love it.
JulenaJo says
Those look wonderful.
Lori says
Wow, that final pic looks great – what a great present!
Dr. John says
What a great recipe. Now it gets added to the ever growing group.
DD says
I HAVE to try this! Hooooo man.
Debbie Green says
What a great recipe!! Can’t wait to try it…thanks!
Leslie says
I cant imagine eating just one fo these! Mighty fine!!!!
medstudentwife says
“ARR YA MATIES”…ooops.. sorry
Yum.. I’ll have to try these. I have a good friend who just loves Port ( as I do)
They also remind me of the yummy rum balls that I make once in a blue moon đŸ˜€
Maybe I’ll have to have a rum/port ball taste off đŸ™‚ ( next year alas)
Debbie in CA : ) says
Ummmm . . . is it okay to make these and keep them all to yourself? Probably not, but tempting . . .
I scored some crystallized ginger (finally — I had to hunt), so Rachel and I are on for those ginger dream cookies for tomorrow. Hoping to share with the neighbors (better make a double batch). ; D
Liz C. says
OMG! I cannot wait to make these! I’ve always loved bourbon balls, so I’m guessing the port wine balls are going to make me swoon with delight.
Jude says
Thanks for this great gift idea. I have this recipe in mind for someone đŸ™‚ My baking list is getting longer with each click.
dlyn says
These were amazing Cathy!
Bellini Valli says
At this time of the year a simple and yet elegant treat like this would simplify the baking process so much.
Bob says
I’m down with anything involving Port! These were amazing.
wkf says
More Geese! I love those little geese.
I am so NOT a country duckie/ goosie person, but I love those!! Oh and the port balls look really good too.
grace says
fancy-shmancy! looks like a good use for those golden oreos, which aren’t good for much else. đŸ™‚
Louise says
Yum! Now I know what I’m bringing to the boat parade party … thanks Noble Pig. And Prager? Nice.
Lindaloohoo - www.wheresmydamnanswer.com says
holy crack cocaine, batman, you have got to stop this madness. i can’t get enough of you.
it’s offical. i’m addicted to cathy.
Karen Deborah says
yes it is stunning and I’m eagerly awaiting the mail man! I usually amke mine with rum and vanilla wafers but i’m going to try yours.
Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says
What a great recipe and Prager port is one of the best!! I make a port ganache but I am liking your killer creation better!!
Ruthanne (in Seattle) says
I love the sound of these Cathy. Thanks so much. Your blog is one of my favorites for sure. Can’t wait for the vineyard and resulting wines!!
TSannie/annbb says
Ship me some? They look delicious, but me, the non-baker will NEVER make them!
megan says
I think I have some zinfandel port just begging to be turned into these balls. They will make for a very happy evening. đŸ™‚
kimberleyblue says
I love rum balls, and these seems to be an interesting variation. A great holiday treat, that’s for sure!
alexandra's kitchen says
That would make a stunning gift indeed! I have yet to crack into a bottle of Port this season. Gasp! That’s a thought as shocking as replacing a gas range with an electric one. The horror!!
Shelly says
Mine are delicious but way too gooey. I’m afraid I did not use enough sandwich cookies. The recipe called for 12 oz. but the package had more than that. How much of the package did you use? They are in the freezer now. Maybe that will help them hold together.
Dolores says
We love Prager ports too. Thanks for sharing a recipe. Can’t WAIT to try these.
OfeliaCraft23 says
I propose not to wait until you get enough amount of cash to buy goods! You can get the loan or collateral loan and feel yourself free
sharon says
My father in law loves port. I may need to make him these for Christmas!
Melissa says
Our SacFoodies blogger (and big Noble Pig fan) tried out your delicious recipe and blogged about it today!
http://sacfoodies.com/2011/01/zinfandel-port-balls/
Lily says
These look great … just wondering if there is anything else that can be substituted for the corn syrup? Thanks!
Cathy says
I haven’t experimented with anything else
Lauren Kelly says
These are amazing! I made them for the holidays and again last weekend for a friend’s party.
lisa says
love this recipe!
Laura says
These look so amazing and easy to whip up! Perfect for a dinner party!
Toni says
These are really nice treats!! My family loved it!
Suzy says
Wow! These are fantastic! So easy to put together and so tasty too!