This Rum Balls Recipe is a classic Christmas treat that's been around for ages. It's easy to put together and doesn't require any baking, which makes it perfect for the busy holiday season. The chocolate, crushed vanilla wafers, and a splash of spiced rum blend together for a rich, smooth flavor that always feels right at home on the dessert table.
Why You'll Love This Rum Ball Recipe
- No baking required - Just mix, roll, and chill! It's so easy.
- Simple ingredients - Made with pantry staples and spiced rum.
- Customizable - Roll in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or finely chopped pecans to make them festive.
- Perfect for the holidays - Great for gifting, cookie trays, or last-minute party treats.
- Rich, chocolate flavor - A classic rum flavor with a hint of nutty sweetness.
What's Needed to Make Rum Balls
- Nilla Wafers, fine crumbs (use a food processor or crush in a ziploc bag with a rolling pin)
- cocoa powder
- powdered sugar (or confectioners' sugar)
- pecans, ground
- light corn syrup
- spiced rum
Toppings: powdered sugar, cocoa powder, finely chopped pecans
How to Make Traditional Rum Balls
- In a large bowl, mix together the vanilla wafer crumbs, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and ground pecans until evenly combined.
- Stir in the corn syrup, then slowly pour in the spiced rum. Mix until everything is well incorporated and forms a thick, moldable mixture.
- Using a #30 cookie scoop, roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Prepare three small bowls with your toppings: powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and finely chopped pecans. Roll each rum ball into your desired coating.
- Place the rum balls in a single layer on a tray lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
How to Make Rum Balls Without Rum
If you'd like to make these for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol, you can easily make them without rum!
Replace the spiced rum with apple juice or orange juice for a fruitier, sweeter flavor. You'll still get that soft, chocolatey texture without the boozy kick. For a little extra flavor, you can also use rum extract for a milder, rum-inspired taste that's family-friendly.
Quick Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for easy mixing.
- Use a small food processor to get even crumbs and finely ground pecans.
- For a more intense chocolate taste, drizzle with melted chocolate or add a handful of chocolate sprinkles.
- Store in an airtight container or covered container in the fridge for up to two weeks-these actually taste better after a day or two when the flavors deepen.
- For gifting, layer in small tins lined with festive wax paper or pop a few into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an easy holiday treat.
Storage
Once chilled, keep your rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
They also freeze beautifully! Store them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
More No Bake Treats
If you love easy desserts like these rum balls, try one of these next:
- Christmas White Trash Recipe - A snack mix with Chex, Christmas candies, and pretzels.
- Peanut Butter Meltaways - Smooth, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Chocolate Covered Ritz Crackers - A salty-sweet combo that's perfect for gifting.
Each one is simple, rich, and the perfect holiday treat for any dessert table or cookie tray.
Christmas Recipes
- 17 Classic Christmas Cookies to Bake This Year
- 50+ Easy Christmas Cookies to Make This Season
- Christmas Cookie Cake
- Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
📖 Recipe
Traditional Rum Balls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Nilla Wafers - fine crumbs
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup pecans - ground
- 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
- ½ cup spiced rum
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar - cocoa powder, finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix wafer crumbs, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and pecans in a large bowl.
- Stir in corn syrup and rum until fully combined.
- Using a #30 cookie scoop, roll mixture into small balls.
- Roll each ball in your choice of topping.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Mama Needs Cake
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
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