Chocolate and rum are a classic combination, and these chocolate 'rum' balls are the perfect way to indulge in those flavors. These bite-sized treats are rich, decadent, and infused with a subtle flavor of rum extract.
They're perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual events.
![close up of a bowl of chocolate rum balls, with one cut to show the center.](https://smellslikedelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rum-balls-vertical-5.jpg)
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rum balls are a popular holiday treat, but they can be enjoyed any time of year. They are perfect for parties, gifts, or simply enjoying at home.
- Easy to make. They are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients.
- No Bake recipe! There is no baking required, and only a few ingredients are needed.
- Make ahead of time. The rum balls are also freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them later.
- Customizable. You can use different types of chocolate, different nuts, and roll the rum balls in different toppings like sprinkles, shaved chocolate, coconut, or even chopped nuts.
Ingredients You'll Need
This rum ball recipe is unique because it uses a combination of crushed cookies, nuts, and rum flavoring extract (or real rum if you prefer). This gives the rum balls a rich and flavorful taste that is sure to please everyone.
You can use different types of chocolate in this recipe. You can also add nuts or dried fruit to the rum ball mixture. For a more festive look, you can roll the rum balls in colored sprinkles.
- Nilla Wafers - Also called vanilla wafers, finely crushed.
- Walnuts - Or pecans, finely chopped.
- Powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
- Corn Syrup - You can use honey instead also.
- Rum flavoring extract - If you want to use real rum, the Captain Morgans is great.
- Garnish - Additional cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or finely chopped nuts.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Chocolate Rum Balls
Rum balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are made with a simple mixture of chocolate, rum, and nuts, and then rolled into balls and coated in chocolate or cocoa powder.
Mix With The Chocolate And Powdered Sugar
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Use a food processor to finely chop the vanilla wafer cookies, then add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Repeat the food processing with the walnuts, adding them also to the cookie crumbs in the mixing bowl.
- Add the powdered sugar and the cocoa powder to a fine mesh sieve. Using a spoon, sift the powdered sugar and the cocoa powder into the mixing bowl of cookie crumbs and walnuts. The sieve will break up any lumps in the powdered sugar and cocoa.
Add The Rum And Mix
- In a small mixing bowl, mix the corn syrup and rum. The corn syrup will help 'glue' the rum balls together.
- Pour the rum mixture into the bowl with the cookie crumb mixture.
- Mix the rum flavoring into the vanilla wafer crumb mixture and blend until combined.
Shape Into Balls
- Form 1" inch balls from the cookie crumb dough. Place each cookie ball on the parchment lined cookie sheet, and set in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to firm up.
Roll In Cocoa Powder
- Roll each cookie ball in a shallow plate filled with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts as a coating. You can also roll the balls in sprinkles, or any other decorative garnish.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making perfect chocolate rum balls:
- Use a good quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make the dough easier to handle.
- Get creative, roll the rum balls in any coating you'd like, such as fine coconut flakes, nuts, or fancy holiday themed sprinkles.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations when making this recipe.
- You can substitute any type of crushed cookies for the vanilla wafers.
- You can also add other chopped nuts to the dough, such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.
- For a more festive flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Rum balls are great because they are perfect for any occasion. They can be served as a holiday treat, a party snack, or a dessert. They are also a great gift idea. Serve them on their own, or as part of a holiday dessert table.
They can also be served with a glass of milk or coffee. For more holiday treats see our recipes for:
- Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters
- Coffee Biscotti
- Christmas Grinch Cupcakes
- Custard Style Christmas Eggnog (non-alcoholic)
- White Chocolate Peppermint Bark
- Chocolate 3-Minute Fudge
Storage Options
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can also freeze in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes
- 37 Fall Oktoberfest Celebration Recipes
- Hot Spiced Apple Cider
- Apple Cider Cupcakes
- Copycat Mall Teriyaki Chicken
- Maple Glazed Ham
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can use any type of rum for this recipe. However, I recommend using a dark rum for the best flavor.
Yes, you can make these rum balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can substitute the rum with other liqueurs, such as brandy or amaretto.
More Delish Ideas
- Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
- Leftover Turkey And Stuffing Meatballs
- Christmas Grinch Cupcakes
- Hot Spiced Apple Cider
Chocolate Rum Balls
Ingredients
- 5 cup Nilla Wafers finely crushed
- 1 cup Walnuts finely chopped
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon Cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Corn Syrup or honey
- 1½ teaspoon Rum flavoring extract
- ½ cup Coffee brewed and cooled
- Garnish extra cocoa, powdered sugar, nuts, or coconut
Instructions
- Line a 9x13" rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Use a food processor to finely chop the Nilla Wafer cookies, then add them to a large mixing bowl.5 cup Nilla Wafers
- Repeat the food processing with the walnuts, adding them also to the cookie crumbs in the mixing bowl.1 cup Walnuts
- Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to a fine mesh sieve. Using a spoon, sift the powdered sugar and the cocoa powder into the mixing bowl of cookie crumbs and walnuts. The sieve will break up any lumps in the powdered sugar and cocoa.1 cup Powdered sugar, 2 tablespoon Cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon Salt
- In a small mixing bowl, mix the corn syrup rum, flavoring, and cooled coffee. The corn syrup will help 'glue' the rum balls together.2 tablespoon Corn Syrup, ½ cup Coffee
- Pour the rum mixture into the bowl with the cookie crumb mixture. Mix the rum into the cookie crumb mixture and blend until combined.
- Form 1" inch balls from the cookie crumb dough. Place each cookie ball on the parchment lined cookie sheet, and set in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll each cookie ball in a shallow plate filled with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts as a coating. You can also roll the balls in sprinkles, or any other decorative garnish.Garnish
Notes
- Use a good quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make the dough easier to handle.
- Get creative, roll the rum balls in any coating you'd like, such as fine coconut flakes, nuts, or fancy holiday themed sprinkles.
- If you prefer to use real rum, omit the rum extract and use rum instead of the coffee.
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