Easy Rum Balls: A Decadent Festive Treat

Looking for a festive treat that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious? My homemade rum balls are the perfect holiday indulgence! With a rich blend of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of rum, each bite is a burst of flavor that will delight your taste buds.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply treating yourself, these no-bake delights are a must-try. Follow this simple recipe to whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasing sweets that are as elegant as they are tasty!

Why You’ll Love These Rum Balls

• No baking required easy and mess-free
• Boozy and chocolatey with warm, festive flavor
• Perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or make-ahead treats
• Easily customizable with different coatings and nuts

Simple Ingredients

This recipe comes together with a few pantry and holiday favorites:

• Crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers: The base that gives structure and rich chocolate flavor
• Finely ground pecans or walnuts: Add texture and nutty depth
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and binds everything together
• Cocoa powder: For extra chocolatey richness
• Dark rum: The signature festive flavor
• Light honey or maple syrup: Helps bind and adds a soft sweetness
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balance
• Milk chocolate or powdered sugar: For coating options

Yield and Timing

• Yield: About 24 rum balls (1 tablespoon each)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time (before coating): 30 minutes
• Coating & Final Chill Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

What You’ll Need

1 ¾ cups (200 g) finely crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers
1 cup (100 g) finely ground pecans or walnuts
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup (60 ml) dark rum
2 tablespoons light honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating: Dust with powdered sugar or coat with 7 oz (200 g) melted milk

Instructions

• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a food processor pulse cookies set aside then pulse the pecans or walnuts.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies, ground nuts, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until well blended.
• In a small bowl combine rum, honey or (maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients form a moist, cohesive dough.
• Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into smooth balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray.
• Refrigerate the shaped balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Coat with Chocolate

• Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts.
• Using a fork or a skewer, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the tray.
• Once all the balls are coated, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for decoration.
• Refrigerate the rum balls for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

Pro Tips

• For a stronger rum flavor, let the rum balls rest overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Use different coatings like crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, or toasted coconut for a twist.
• Make them kid-friendly by substituting orange juice for the rum.

Variations

Booze-Free Option: Substitute the rum with orange juice or coffee for a non-alcoholic version that’s just as flavorful.

Different Spirits: Experiment with other spirits like bourbon, brandy, or amaretto to create unique flavor profiles.

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules or orange zest to the mixture for an extra depth of flavor.

Nut-Free Version: Replace the ground nuts with shredded coconut or additional crushed cookies to accommodate nut allergies.

Coconut Coating: Roll the balls in desiccated coconut instead of chocolate or powdered sugar for a tropical twist.

Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense, bittersweet flavor.

Cripsy Coatings: Change your flavors and presentation by experimenting with finely crushed nuts, sprinkles, crushed wafers, crushed cookies, or even finely grated chocolate.

Recommended Equipment

• Food processor: For finely crushing cookies and grinding nuts
• Mixing bowls: One large for combining ingredients, one small for wet ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate quantities
• Spatula or wooden spoon: For mixing everything together
• Baking sheet: For chilling and setting the rum balls
• Parchment paper: To prevent sticking
• Tablespoon or small cookie scoop: For portioning evenly
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler: For melting chocolate
• Fork or skewer: For dipping balls in melted chocolate
• Sieve or sifter: For dusting with powdered sugar (optional)

Creative Uses

Rum balls are not just a standalone treat they can elevate other desserts, too!

• Use them as edible decorations by placing them on cakes or cupcakes for a festive touch.
• Crumble leftover rum balls over vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert topping.
• A show-stopping dessert platter, pair them with fresh fruit, cheese, and other bite-sized sweets to impress your guests.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Rum balls are a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with various beverages. For a cozy evening, serve them with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot chocolate, or freshly brewed coffee. If you’re hosting a festive gathering, pair rum balls at room temperature with a glass of dessert wine, such as port or sherry, to enhance the richness of the flavors. Want a more indulgent twist try serving them alongside spiced eggnog or even a creamy liqueur like Baileys.

Storage Tips

To keep rum balls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will deepen with time!

For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!