These Rum Balls are a family recipe and Christmas tradition you will fall in love with. Easy to make and easier to eat, you will love this no bake recipe.
This is a great snagged recipe from my dad. This is his Rum Ball recipe, one of my favorite Christmas traditions. My dad, in classic Italian form, tends to use his recipe as a guide and just adds a little more of this and that as necessary.
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.
I made a batch and had to make a 2nd batch because I ate the 1st batch as I was rolling. These are great and easy
How to Make Rum Balls
This is a simple recipe that I can make – including rolling time – in under 20 minutes. Make sure to head to the bottom of the post for the full list of steps and measurements.
- Crush the cookies. You could certainly use a rolling pin and a plastic bag, but I find that a food processor makes quick work of making crushed vanilla wafers.
- Chop the pecans. Again, you can use a knife to chop up the pecans, but given that we want them to be small, I suggest keeping that food processor out. Make sure not to run it too long or you will have pecan butter.
- Mix all the ingredients. Combine everything with a metal spoon or stiff wooden spoon.
- Scoop them into balls. My dad always just used a spoon. I like using a tablespoon so that they are all the same size. Either way, you are looking for roughly 1-inch balls.
- Roll them in more sugar. Finally, you roll the little guys in some powdered sugar and let them dry.
Variations and Substitutions
Making Bourbon Balls
You could definitely switch this recipe up and use bourbon, whiskey, or a different liqueur for a different flavor with this recipe. The important thing to consider when you change up the alcohol is to keep the amount the same. That way they will still come together.
Adding Chocolate
My dad never did this, but making chocolate rum balls by dipping them in some chocolate would be a delicious and festive addition.
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.
Changing Out the Cookie Crumbs
If you can’t find vanilla wafers, I have had readers tell me that they have had great luck by submitting with graham crackers.
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.
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.
Freezing
If you would like to make this ahead of time, they are easy to freeze. Start by flash freezing them and then store them in the freeze for up to three months.
- Once you’ve rolled them in powdered sugar, place them on a wax paper lined baking sheet.
- Place in the freezer for an hour.
- Remove and transfer to an airtight container. Return to the freezer storing for up to three months.
Other No Bake Treats
If you are looking to make easy cookie boxes for friends and neighbors, here are some other ideas:
If you make this rum ball recipe, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you.
Rum Balls
Ingredients
- 11 ounces vanilla waffer cookies crushed, read about an alternative here (311.8 grams)
- 1 cup chopped pecans approximately 1 1/4 cup prior to chopping (142.5 grams after chopping)
- 1 cup powdered sugar plus approximately 3/4 cup extra for rolling (113.5 grams without the extra)
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup (104 grams or 78.9 ml)
- 1/4 cup rum I prefer using dark spiced rum, read about making this alcohol free here (59 ml)
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Stir together with a kitchen spoon or a stiff wooden spoon. The consistency of the mixture will be thick and sticky.
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to make balls. Roll them in extra powdered sugar before transferring to a wax paper lined tray. Let dry for 30 minutes before storing in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Cynthia says
We have TREE NUT allergies in our family. What would you suggest for a substitute? More Vanilla Wafers, perhaps? Would Ground Flaxseed Meal be a good substitute? It does have a somewhat “nutty” flavor. THANKS!
I would need to play with it a little bit. More cookies could work, but you might also want to cut back on the corn syrup a hair until you have everything together and then only add more if you need it to help stick together.
Margaret says
Is dark Spiced rum easy to find ? Seldom in liquor store?
Have made several recipes
I’ve never had a problem finding dark rum.
Anne says
Your recipe was very easy & basic to follow. First time making & I think they came out awesome!
I’m so happy you liked it!
Kathi says
My mother use to make these. They were a lot stronger than 1/4, cup of rum!. How do I add a1/2 cup?
I’m concerned that if you add that much rum, they won’t roll into balls and set for you.
Lina Marron says
Just finished making a batch for a Ladies Holiday Tea in my neighborhood. They are FANTASTIC! Perfect consistency for rolling (no variation in written recipe). My husband says they are the best he’s ever had. Thanks for sharing your family’s recipe!
I’m so happy you loved these as much as I do!
Casey says
Easy and delicious
I’m so glad that you liked them!