Chocolate and rum are a classic combination, and these chocolate rum balls are the perfect way to indulge in those flavors.
Among the many delicious treats that are popular during the holidays, rum balls are a classic favorite. These decadent morsels combine the rich flavors of chocolate and rum, making them a perfect indulgence for any occasion.
Why You'll Love These Easy Rum Balls
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.
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Homemade Rum Balls Ingredients
This chocolate rum ball recipe is unique because it uses a combination of crushed cookies, nuts, and rum. 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 - Any kind, but I recommend using Captain Morgan spiced dark rum.
- 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 This Rum Balls Recipe
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 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.
Rum Ball Serving Suggestions
These rum balls are also 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.
Rum balls can be served 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
- Boozy Eggnog with Baileys
- White Chocolate Peppermint Bark
- Chocolate 3-Minute Fudge
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Related Recipes
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations when making this chocolate rum ball 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.
- If you don't use alcohol, you can substitute strong black coffee with some rum extract.
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 these easy rum balls.
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Storage and Reheating
- These chocolate rum balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can also freeze these cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making perfect 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.
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
📖 Recipe
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
- ½ cup Rum any kind
- 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 and rum. The corn syrup will help 'glue' the rum balls together.2 tablespoon Corn Syrup, ½ cup Rum
- 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.
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