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
- 1 cup chopped pecans (approximately 1 1/4 cup prior to chopping)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (plus approximately 3/4 cup more for rolling)
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup rum (I prefer using dark spiced rum)
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.
Ellen says
Hi Lisa, Thanks for sharing this recipe. It looks wonderful and I will definitely be making it soon. Just one question–do you have any idea how much rum flavoring I should substitute in place of actual Rum? I’d like to make a batch that is kid-friendly and hope you can help me out.
Most rum extract does contain rum, so I don’t know that using that to make it kid friendly is a good option. The liquid to cracker ratio is pretty important in this one, so you would need to find another comparable amount of liquid that doesn’t contain alcohol.
Ross Cronkhite says
Now I’m not Lisa’s father but I’ve been making these for years . They are good with bourbon , spiced rum ,plain rum .
clarissa says
this recipe look perfect for dec,24 thank.
Marla Wetherell says
I have been making these for 20 plus yrs. My recipe is the same. I make every yr. I prefer captian morgan spiced rum. Light is my favorite. I have changed it up alot . with flavored vodka, tequila, whiskey, amaretto was one of my favorites, one yr. I found spiced ginger liqueur and they was the bomb havent been able to get that since. Ive tried asking to order it. No luck. I’m going to use Rumchata this weekend i think they will be yummy. Happy Holidays.
Happy Holidays Marla! I love all the different variations!
Marla Wetherell says
I have been making these for 20 plus yrs. My recipe is the same. I make every yr. I prefer captian morgan spiced rum. Light is my favorite. I have changed it up alot . with flavored vodka, tequila, whiskey, amaretto was one of my favorites, one yr. I found spiced ginger liqueur and they was the bomb havent been able to get that since. Ive tried asking to order it. No luck. I’m going to use Rumchata this weekend .think they will be yummy. Happy Holidays. I have made non Alcohol ones as well. Using Orange juice. I think a fruit juice would work as well same amount as alcohol.
Sandra Wall says
I made the rum balls and they turned out great. I used honey instead of corn syrup and I added 3 tblspns. of hot cocoa mix. I put them in the fridge for an hour and we liked them cold.
Andrea says
The mixture never harden. Followed it exactly as mentioned !
I’m so sorry this didn’t work for you Andrea. Without me being there it’s hard to know what went wrong, but this is a very tested recipe and once rolled into balls it does harden.
Debbie says
Can a person coat these rum balls in chocolate like a truffle? I’m sure it’s doable just wondering.
I haven’t tried that, but I’m sure it would be fine!
Lucia Lang says
Hi! What could I use tu sub run for a kid friendly version of this recipe?
Any liquid would work, I would try orange juice first.
Bobbie McCay says
Hi. I really want to make these rum balls. Would it work to substitute maple syrup for corn syrup?
They have pretty difference consistencies, so I would want to try it before recommending.