Rum Balls

Why You’ll Love Rum Balls Recipe

Rum Balls are quick and easy to make — no baking required. They rely on simple pantry ingredients. The end result is a decadent, chocolatey treat with a subtle rum kick, crunchy-then-chewy texture, ideal for dessert platters or gifting. They hold up well if prepared ahead, and go great with coffee or as a little indulgence after dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• finely ground vanilla wafer cookie crumbs

• finely ground walnuts

• powdered sugar

• unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch‑process or regular)

• vanilla extract

• light corn syrup

• dark rum

Optional coatings / mix‑ins:

• sprinkles (holiday colors)

• chopped nuts

• crushed candy bar crumbs

• extra powdered sugar or cocoa powder for rolling

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a food processor, pulse vanilla wafer cookies to a fine crumb. Transfer crumbs to a large mixing bowl.

3. Using the same processor bowl, pulse the walnuts until finely ground; add them to the cookie crumbs.

4. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the bowl and stir until well combined.

5. Add vanilla extract, light corn syrup, and dark rum, then stir with a spatula until the mixture is evenly blended.

6. Scoop mixture by tablespoonfuls (or using a small cookie scoop) and roll into balls with your hands.

7. Roll each ball in your chosen coating (sprinkles, nuts, cocoa, powdered sugar, etc.).

8. Place coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or overnight) before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes about 26 rum balls. Total time about 8 hours 15 minutes — mostly hands‑on prep + chilling time.

Storage/Reheating

Store the rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them (airtight container) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations

• Use different cookies for the base — e.g. crushed shortbread, graham crackers, or digestive biscuits instead of vanilla wafers.

• Swap nuts: pecans or other nuts work instead of walnuts.

• For a non‑alcoholic version: use fruit juice (e.g. orange or apple) instead of rum — flavor and texture will differ, but you’ll still get tasty chocolate‑nut balls.

• Roll in other coatings — shredded coconut, crushed cookies, or a mix of nuts‑and‑cocoa for different textures and looks.

• Add extras: chopped dried fruit, candy bits, or even a dash of spice (cinnamon, nutmeg) for variation.

FAQs

What if I don’t have vanilla wafers?

You can substitute with crushed shortbread cookies, graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even ginger cookies. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but the result will still work.

Can I use a different alcohol instead of rum?

Yes — spiced rum, coconut rum, or other dark rums can deepen or alter the flavor. If you avoid alcohol, you can try a fruit juice (e.g. orange or apple), though the taste and “kick” will change.

My mixture is too wet — how can I fix it?

If it’s too wet to form balls, gradually add more cookie crumbs (or finely crushed cookies) until the mixture holds together easily.

Can I add chocolate chips or melted chocolate?

You can add small chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate to the mixture for extra richness, but avoid large chunks — small bits incorporate better. Melted chocolate could change the texture significantly.

Are rum balls safe for kids?

Since these are no‑bake, the alcohol does not cook off. Kids could eat them, but they would contain alcohol, so it depends on your preference and whether you want to offer alcoholic treats to minors.

Can I make them in advance for a party?

Yes — rum balls store well. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 2 months, as described above. They are great to make ahead.

How do I keep coatings from falling off?

Press coatings gently into the ball surface when rolling, and refrigerate before serving to help them set. Rolling again in powdered sugar or cocoa after chilling can freshen up the coatings.

What’s the best way to crush cookies and nuts without a food processor?

You can use a sturdy zip‑top bag (e.g. freezer bag) and a rolling pin — crush cookies first thoroughly, then nuts separately, before mixing.

Can I adjust sweetness?

Yes — you can reduce or increase the amount of powdered sugar (or skip coated sugar) if you want less sweetness. You can also experiment with different coatings (like unsweetened cocoa) for less sweetness.

Will the rum flavor fade over time?

The flavor may mellow somewhat as the balls sit in the fridge or freezer, but the chocolate and nut flavor will still dominate. If you like a stronger rum taste, consider using a slightly more robust rum.

Conclusion

Rum Balls are a versatile, delicious treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. With a handful of simple ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for dessert platters, gifting, or holiday parties. Their rich chocolate‑nut flavor and subtle rum kick — along with easy storage and customizable coatings — make them a great go‑to recipe all season long.