Discover a classic rum ball recipe that’s perfect for the holiday season. Create this fun treat with our easy-to-follow recipe.
Indulge in a timeless favorite – traditional rum balls.
Rum balls are a perfect holiday treat due to their festive flavors and convenience.
The combination of chocolate, rum, and sweet ingredients embodies the traditional tastes of the season.
Rum balls are a delightful, boozy indulgence that captures the essence of the festive season, making them a delicious recipe to spread holiday cheer.
Classic rum balls make a great no bake treat to serve at festive holiday parties, adorn Christmas cookie trays and as homemade treats to gift friends and family.
Why You Should Make No Bake Rum Balls:
- No-bake rum balls are incredibly quick and easy to prepare. There’s no need to wait for the oven to preheat or monitor baking times, making them accessible to novice and experienced bakers alike. You can have a batch of this great make-ahead recipe ready in no time.
- This no bake recipe is versatile and suitable for various occasions. They make fantastic additions to holiday dessert tables, and they’re equally delightful for everyday indulgence. They’ll be a big hit for your holiday dessert tray, a Christmas party, and as edible gifts.
- No-bake rum balls are highly customizable. You can adjust the level of alcohol, experiment with different types of liquor, and add various coatings like chopped nuts or sprinkles to create unique variations that suit your taste.
- They are the perfect blend of sweet and boozy, satisfying those with a sweet tooth and those who enjoy a little kick in their desserts.
What are Rum Balls Made of?
Rum balls are typically made from a combination of:
- Nilla Wafers are crushed into fine crumbs and serve as the base for the rum balls.
- Cocoa powder is used to enhance the chocolate flavor and provide richness to the mixture.
- Corn syrup helps to bind the mixture together.
- Rum is added to provide a distinct boozy flavor. The amount can be adjusted to suit your preference for the strength of the rum taste.
- Powdered sugar is used to coat the rum balls, providing a sweet and visually appealing finish.
How to Make Rum Balls
Ingredients:
- 5 Cups Nilla Wafers, finely crushed
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 Cup Walnuts, finely chopped
- ½ Cup of Rum
- 2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
Optional Garnishes:
- ¼ Cup Powdered Sugar
- ¼ Cup Cocoa Powder
- ½ Cup Finely Crushed Vanilla Wafer cookies
- ½ Cup Walnuts or Pecans, finely chopped
Directions:
Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Make sure your cookie crumbs and finely chopped walnuts don’t have any large pieces. You want them to be similar to dry sand so they mix into your ingredients seamlessly. Pulse cookies in a food processor or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, salt, and finely chopped walnuts.
Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the walnut mixture. Stir the walnut and Nilla wafers mixture until thoroughly combined.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup and rum. Mix until the syrup is dissolved.
Pour over the Nilla wafer mixture and mixture until it starts to get a thick consistency.
Using a 1-inch small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into a 1-inch truffle-like ball and place them on the prepared pan.
Grab your rubber gloves and, without too much smashing, finish combining the mixture. It will be like cookie dough.
Choose your toppings and place them in small bowls. Once you’re ready to coat them, re-roll the balls right before rolling them in the toppings of your choice.
Place back on the pan and enjoy!
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Tips for Best Results
- Add a delightful crunch by rolling your rum balls in chocolate sprinkles, chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts or almonds.
- Experiment with different types of alcohol, such as whiskey or brandy, to personalize your rum balls.
- Store rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will maintain their freshness and flavor.
- You can use honey in place of the corn syrup.
- If your mixture is dry before rolling, add about a ½ tablespoon of rum at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- If you roll a ball and hold it flat in your hand and it seems to slowly melt, your mixture is too soft. Simply add more crushed cookies, ¼ cup at a time until the right consistency is reached.
- It’s important to note that these boozy rum balls do not get baked, which means the alcohol is not reduced in any manner. These are best for adults 21+.
Rum Balls Recipe FAQs
Best rum for rum balls?
The best kind of rum for rum balls depends on your flavor preferences. Dark rum, such as spiced or aged rum, is a popular choice, offering a rich, caramelized flavor. White rum provides a milder, neutral taste, while coconut rum and flavored rums add unique and tropical notes. For non-alcoholic options, rum extract can be used to achieve the rum flavor without the alcohol content, making it suitable for all ages.
How long will rum balls keep?
Rum balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set, making them even more delicious over time.
Can you freeze rum balls?
Yes, you can freeze rum balls. To do so, place the rum balls in an airtight container or zip-top bag, ensuring they are separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, allowing them to regain their desired texture and flavor.
Do rum balls need to be refrigerated?
Rum balls do not need to be refrigerated if they are intended to be consumed within a few days. They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container, but it’s important to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. If you plan to store them for an extended period or in warmer conditions, refrigerating them can help maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of Nilla wafers in rum balls?
If you don’t have Nilla wafers for rum balls, you can substitute them with other plain or lightly flavored cookies like graham crackers, ginger snaps, shortbread cookies, or even vanilla-flavored cookies from other brands. The key is to use a cookie with a similar texture and sweetness level to maintain the desired consistency and taste in your rum balls. Choose a cookie that compliments the flavor profile you want to achieve in your recipe.
Rum Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 5 Cups Nilla Wafers, finely crushed
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 Cup Walnuts, finely chopped
- ½ Cup of Rum
- 2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- Optional Garnishes:
- ¼ Cup Powdered Sugar
- ¼ Cup Cocoa Powder
- ½ Cup Finely Crushed Vanilla Wafer cookies
- ½ Cup Walnuts or Pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
Line a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Make sure your cookie crumbs and finely chopped walnuts don’t have any large pieces. You want them to be similar to dry sand so they mix into your ingredients seamlessly. Pulse cookies in a food processor or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, salt, and finely chopped walnuts.
Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the walnut mixture. Stir the walnut and Nilla wafers mixture until thoroughly combined.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup and rum. Mix until the syrup is dissolved.
Pour over the Nilla wafer mixture and mixture until it starts to get a thick consistency.
Grab your rubber gloves and, without too much smashing, finish combining the mixture. It will be like cookie dough.
Using a 1-inch small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into a 1-inch truffle-like ball and place them on the prepared pan.
Choose your toppings and place them in small bowls. Once you’re ready to coat them, re-roll the balls right before rolling them in the toppings of your choice. Place back on the pan and enjoy!
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