Rum Balls are a popular treat at Christmastime all over the world! They are said to have originated in Denmark, where rum balls are enjoyed year-round, but you’ll also find them on holiday spreads in America, England, Germany, Australia, and many other countries. Traditionally, this sweet treat was made to use up leftover cake or cookies, and in that way, it’s similar to the modern-day cake pop or cake truffle! This old-fashioned American version of rum balls uses crushed Nilla wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa, chopped walnuts, and spiced rum. It is the most delicious rum balls recipe, and I’ll bet it’s exactly the same, or very, very similar to the dessert that you remember your grandma or great-grandmother making for Christmas too.
How Much Alcohol is in Rum Balls?
As a kid, you may have been forbidden from tasting the rum balls, due to their slight alcohol content, but now you can enjoy them without any rules! There really are only six tablespoons of rum in the whole rum balls recipe, so less than a tenth of an ounce of rum in each rum ball though, so intoxication shouldn’t be a concern. Of course, enjoy these in moderation! Looking for an actual cocktail to make for the holidays? Try making these beautiful red Christmas Vodka Cocktails or fun Chocolate Pudding Shots.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Rum Balls Recipe
Ingredients In Rum Balls
Here’s what you need to make this holiday treat: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Vanilla Wafers: Crushed cookies make up the base of the rum balls. You’ll need 3 cups of cookie crumbs to make this recipe, which can be made by crushing about 70 Nabisco Nilla Wafers, or about 1 box. Powdered Sugar: This is what makes the rum balls sweet like candy! We’ll also use more powdered sugar to coat the balls once they’re made. Light Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is sticky, and helps to bind all of the ingredients together. You can also use honey if you prefer. Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is one of the main flavor ingredients in this rum balls recipe. The higher quality your cocoa powder is, the richer they will taste.Walnuts: Chopped walnuts give these truffles a chunky texture that makes them feel substantial and rich. Rum: I like these made with spiced rum, like Captain Morgan, but you can make them with white rum or whatever rum you have in the cabinet.
How To Make Rum Balls
Recipe Tips
Rum can be replaced with any type of liquor that you like. Flavored vodka or bourbon both work well in this recipe. Instead of walnuts, try these with finely chopped pecans or almonds. Don’t have vanilla wafers? No problem, rum balls can be made with any kind of cookie. Digestive biscuits or graham crackers work well too. The flavor of rum balls gets better with age. Store these in the fridge for at least 1 or 2 days to let the flavor ripen. Before serving, roll the balls in more powdered sugar. Some of it will absorb into the balls while they’re in the fridge.
Storing Tips
Store Rum Balls in the Fridge: Kept in an airtight container, these holiday treats can be stored for up to 2 weeks!
Cocoa powderFinely chopped nutsHoliday sprinklesShredded coconutShaved dark chocolate
In the Freezer: Freeze rum balls on a tray until solid, then transfer them to zipper bags and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Holiday Cookie Platter Ideas
We have so many amazing, easy, and festive Christmas desserts for you to make! Here are a few of my favorite Christmas cookies:
Gingersnap CookiesChristmas Puppy ChowCandy Cane CookiesPeanut Butter BlossomsPeppermint Chocolate MacaronsSnickerdoodle CookiesStained Glass Cookies
This recipe for rum balls is such an easy one! It’s also a classic that I don’t think will ever go out of style, so make sure you Pin the recipe to save it for next year too.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
title: “Rum Balls Recipe” ShowToc: true date: “2024-09-27” author: “Gerald Slauson”
Variations and Substitutions
Making Alcohol Free Rum Balls
If you are making these for children you can replace the rum with orange juice or apple juice. You could also use a combination of the two. I altered his recipe a little so that there is no this and that needed. I think you will love these holiday candies. They are little bites of heaven. Simply skip the rolling in powdered sugar. Then freeze them for 20 minutes. Dip them in some melted chocolate (almond bark works best). Then allow them to set completely on wax paper. Alternatively, you could roll the balls in cocoa powder at the end instead of the confectioners’ sugar.
Storing
These Rum Balls should be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They will be fine, once rolled in powdered sugar, to be stacked on top of each other.
Other No Bake Treats
If you are looking to make easy cookie boxes for friends and neighbors, here are some other ideas:
Easy Fudge Recipe Haystack Cookies Mint Oreo Bark
If you make this rum ball recipe, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you.
