Rum Balls — Looking for an easy dessert that the whole family will love? Look no further than my recipe for easy rum balls! They are delicious and so easy!

Rum Balls
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Easy Rum Ball Recipe

This easy rum ball recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion, blending rich flavors with simplicity.

These no-bake delights are effortlessly assembled with just a few ingredients: crushed cookies, cocoa powder, condensed milk, and a splash of rum.

This recipe is appealing because of its versatility; you can customize the rum balls by coating them in various toppings like powdered sugar, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts, adding depth and texture to each bite.

Whether you’re preparing them for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet indulgence, these rum balls are sure to impress with their decadent flavor and irresistible charm.

Perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself, they’re a delightful addition to any dessert spread, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients Needed For Rum Balls

With these easy ingredients, you can make homemade rum balls.

Ingredients Needed For Rum Balls

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Nilla Wafers: Serve as the base, lending a delicate sweetness and crumbly texture to the rum balls.
  • Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and aid in binding the ingredients together, ensuring a cohesive mixture.
  • Walnuts: To infuse each bite with a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, adding depth to the rum balls.
  • Spiced rum: Imparts a rich and aromatic essence that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Cocoa powder: For a subtle hint of chocolate, elevating the flavor profile with its earthy richness.
  • Light corn syrup: Enhances the sweetness and contributes to the cohesive texture of the rum ball mixture.
  • Seasonings and Spices: Kosher salt, ensuring a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes in each bite.
  • Optional garnishes: Powdered sugar and cocoa powder or rolling them in finely crushed Nilla Wafers or chopped walnuts for added texture and visual appeal.

How To Make Rum Balls

Here are the step-by-step directions to make homemade rum balls:

Rum Balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Ensure your cookie crumbs and finely chopped walnuts don’t have any big chunks.

You want them to be similar to dry sand so they mix into your ingredients seamlessly. For best results, use a food processor to pulse them.

Rum Balls


In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Nilla 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.

Rum Balls

In a small mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup and rum. Mix until the syrup is dissolved.

Rum Balls

Pour over the Nilla wafer mixture and mixture until it starts to get a thick consistency.
Grab your rubber gloves and finish combining the mixture without too much smashing. It will be like cookie dough.

Rum Balls

Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared pan.

Rum Balls

Choose your toppings and place them in small bowls. Once you’re ready to coat them, re-roll the balls before rolling them in the toppings of your choice. Place back on the pan and enjoy!

Rum Balls

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips for making perfect rum balls:

  • Soak the Nilla Wafers: For a more intense rum flavor, soak the crushed Nilla Wafers in the rum for 15-30 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients. This allows the cookies to absorb the rum, resulting in a more pronounced flavor.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, especially regarding the rum. Choose a spiced rum with a robust flavor profile to enhance the overall taste of the rum balls.
  • Chill the Mixture: Before shaping the rum balls, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to roll into uniform balls and preventing them from becoming too sticky.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure uniformity in size, portion out the rum ball mixture using a cookie scoop or melon baller before rolling it into balls. This helps create evenly-sized rum balls for a professional presentation.
  • Get Creative with Garnishes: Experiment with different coatings and garnishes to add visual appeal and flavor to your rum balls. Try rolling them in coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for a festive touch.
  • Let Them Rest: After rolling the rum balls, let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to firm up, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious treat.
  • Store Properly: Store the rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from drying out and to maintain their freshness. They can also be stored in the freezer for longer-term storage, allowing you to enjoy them whenever cravings strike.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be able to make irresistible rum balls that are bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion!

Rum Balls

Faq’s

Can I use any type of rum for rum balls? Yes, you can use any type of rum for rum balls, but spiced rum is often preferred for its extra depth of flavor. However, feel free to experiment with different types of rum to find your favorite flavor profile.

Do rum balls contain alcohol? Yes, rum balls typically contain alcohol since they are made with rum. However, the alcohol content can vary depending on the recipe and the amount of rum used. Keep this in mind if serving rum balls to children or individuals who avoid alcohol.

How long do rum balls last? Rum balls can last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They may last even longer if stored in the freezer. However, they are often enjoyed long before reaching their expiration date!

Can I omit the alcohol from rum balls? Yes, you can omit the alcohol from rum balls if desired. Simply replace the rum with an equal amount of a non-alcoholic liquid, such as fruit juice or water. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the rum balls may be slightly different without the rum.

Can I make rum balls in advance? Yes, rum balls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. In fact, many people find that rum balls taste even better after they have had time to sit and allow the flavors to meld together.

Can I freeze rum balls? Yes, rum balls can be frozen for longer-term storage. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to several months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I customize rum balls with different flavors and coatings? Absolutely! Rum balls are highly customizable, and you can experiment with different flavors, coatings, and garnishes to suit your taste preferences. Get creative and have fun with it!

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Rum Balls

Rum Balls

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 Servings

Description

Rum Balls — Looking for an easy dessert that the whole family will love? Look no further than my recipe for easy rum balls! They are delicious and so easy!

Ingredients 

  • 5 cups Nilla Wafers, finely crushed
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 cup Walnuts, finely chopped
  • ½ cup Spiced Rum
  • 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
  • ½ teaspoon Salt

Toppings:

  • ¼ cup Powdered Sugar
  • ¼ cup Cocoa Powder
  • ½ cup Finely Crushed Nilla Wafers
  • ½ cup Walnuts or Pecans, finely chopped

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Ensure your cookie crumbs and finely chopped walnuts don’t have any big chunks.
  • You want them to be similar to dry sand so they mix into your ingredients seamlessly. For best results, use a food processor to pulse them.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Nilla 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 finish combining the mixture without too much smashing. It will be like cookie dough.
  • Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls 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 before rolling them in the toppings of your choice. Place back on the pan and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Parchment Paper
  • Baking Sheet

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.3mg

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