Rum Balls are a sweet, boozy treat that has become a classic during the holiday season. These little bite-sized confections are packed with rich flavors of rum, chocolate, and crushed cookies, making them the perfect indulgence for festive gatherings. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday party, gift-giving, or simply as a treat to enjoy by the fire, these rum balls are always a hit.
Made with just a few ingredients, rum balls are incredibly easy to make. Plus, they don’t require any baking, which makes them the perfect treat when you need something simple and quick to prepare. With their deep, rich flavor and delightful sweetness, Rum Balls are sure to become a holiday favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love Rum Balls
1. No Baking Required
These rum balls come together quickly with no baking involved. Just mix, roll, and chill! It’s an effortless holiday treat that requires minimal time.
2. Perfect for Holiday Gifting
Rum balls make an excellent homemade gift for friends and family. Simply package them in a cute box or jar, and they’re ready to be gifted!
3. Customizable
You can play around with the flavors by adjusting the types of cookies you use. For example, try using gingerbread cookies for a spicy twist or add chopped nuts for some extra crunch.
4. Ideal for Parties
These little balls of sweetness are perfect for holiday parties or get-togethers. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and share.
5. Rich, Boozy Flavor
The rum gives these treats an irresistible flavor that is both festive and comforting. The alcohol gives them a slight kick, balanced with chocolate and sweetness
Ingredients for Rum Balls
For the Rum Balls:
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (or graham crackers)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup light or dark rum
- 2 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional for an extra chocolatey touch)
For Rolling the Rum Balls:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- Shredded coconut (optional, for rolling)
How to Make Rum Balls: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Crush the Cookies
Start by crushing the vanilla wafers (or graham crackers) into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor or by placing the cookies in a plastic bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the crushed cookies, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and chopped nuts (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the rum, honey (or corn syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture well until it becomes a thick, sticky dough. If you like extra chocolate, fold in some chopped dark chocolate chips at this point.
Step 4: Roll the Rum Balls
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon per ball) and roll them into small balls. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands with a little water to make rolling easier.
Step 5: Coat the Rum Balls
Once the rum balls are formed, roll them in the coating of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or shredded coconut, depending on your preference. You can also roll them in a combination of these coatings to add extra flavor and texture.
Step 6: Chill the Rum Balls
Place the rum balls on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up. You can also store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the rum balls are chilled and firm, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them at your holiday party or pack them up as gifts for friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Rum Balls
1. Use Good-Quality Rum
Since rum is one of the main ingredients, use a good-quality rum for the best flavor. You can opt for dark rum for a richer, deeper flavor or light rum for a lighter, more subtle taste.
2. Customize the Coating
Get creative with how you coat your rum balls. Shredded coconut adds a tropical flair, while crushed nuts or a simple dusting of cocoa powder adds depth.
3. Let the Rum Balls Set
Let the rum balls chill for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and for the texture to firm up. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become!
4. Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter rum ball, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar or honey. You can also add a bit of maple syrup for a unique twist.
5. Double the Batch
Rum balls are always a hit, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re making them for a crowd or for gifting. They freeze well, so you can store extras for later enjoyment.
Rum Balls: A Decadent and Festive Treat for the Holidays
These rum balls are the perfect holiday treat, combining rich chocolate and the distinct warmth of rum, all wrapped in a sweet shredded coconut coating. No baking is required, making them quick and easy to prepare for a festive gathering or a delightful personal snack. The interior of these delicious balls features a soft, chocolatey texture that melts in your mouth, with just a hint of rum flavor. Ideal for gift-giving or a personal indulgence, these rum balls are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Rum Balls:
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
-
1/4 cup light or dark rum
-
2 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional for an extra chocolatey touch)
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (or graham crackers)
For Rolling the Rum Balls:
-
1/4 cup cocoa powder
-
Shredded coconut (optional, for rolling)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Start by crushing the vanilla wafers (or graham crackers) into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor or by placing the cookies in a plastic bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.
In a large bowl, combine the crushed cookies, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and chopped nuts (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
Add the rum, honey (or corn syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture well until it becomes a thick, sticky dough. If you like extra chocolate, fold in some chopped dark chocolate chips at this point.
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon per ball) and roll them into small balls. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands with a little water to make rolling easier.
Once the rum balls are formed, roll them in the coating of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or shredded coconut, depending on your preference. You can also roll them in a combination of these coatings to add extra flavor and texture.
Place the rum balls on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up. You can also store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Once the rum balls are chilled and firm, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them at your holiday party or pack them up as gifts for friends and family.
Start by crushing the vanilla wafers (or graham crackers) into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor or by placing the cookies in a plastic bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.
In a large bowl, combine the crushed cookies, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and chopped nuts (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
Add the rum, honey (or corn syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture well until it becomes a thick, sticky dough. If you like extra chocolate, fold in some chopped dark chocolate chips at this point.
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon per ball) and roll them into small balls. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands with a little water to make rolling easier.
Once the rum balls are formed, roll them in the coating of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or shredded coconut, depending on your preference. You can also roll them in a combination of these coatings to add extra flavor and texture.
Place the rum balls on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up. You can also store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Once the rum balls are chilled and firm, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them at your holiday party or pack them up as gifts for friends and family.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cookie instead of vanilla wafers?
Yes, you can use graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies for a different base flavor. - Can I use a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rum with rum extract, or for a non-alcoholic treat, simply use apple juice or coffee for flavor. - How long can I store rum balls?
Store rum balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. - Can I make rum balls without cocoa powder?
Yes, you can leave out the cocoa powder, but the texture and flavor will be different. For a lighter flavor, you could substitute with cinnamon or chopped dried fruit. - Can I make rum balls ahead of time?
Yes, these can be made 1-2 days ahead of time, and they taste even better after sitting for a day or two to let the flavors meld. - How can I make these rum balls vegan?
Use vegan cookies, maple syrup instead of honey, and substitute rum extract for the alcohol. You can also swap butter for vegan butter. - Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?
Yes! Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate can be mixed into the rum ball mixture for an extra indulgent touch. - Do I need to let the rum balls rest after making them?
Yes, they need time to chill in the fridge to set. After rolling them into balls, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. - Can I roll the rum balls in something other than powdered sugar or cocoa powder?
Yes! You can roll them in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive touch. - Can I make rum balls with rum substitutes?
Yes, rum extract or bourbon can work as alternatives to rum, depending on your preference. The flavor may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.