Rum Balls Recipe

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2013 by Sally_S

I don't know how this rexipe can be considered diabetic friendly, like it so designates. My diabetic diet specifically says that alcohol is not allowed, nor is refined sugar (the recipe uses powdered sugar, which is refined), nor is honey allowed. The vanilla wafers have a considerable amount of sugar in them too. A diabetic eating these would go into sugar shock in no time!

Reviewed on Jan. 11, 2013 by lilmccrea

I used to wait for christmas for my father in law to make rum and bourbon balls. Sorry dad...I can make my own now! These are fantastic, especially after a few days of the flavors melding. I'm going to substitute almonds next time because that

is what dad makes and I am partial to his rum balls.

Reviewed on Dec. 24, 2012 by CaptBillyWhizbangs

I didn't have vanilla wafers on hand, so I used ginger snaps. And Malibu Rum. I'm sure they will be a big hit at the Christmas Eve party.

Reviewed on Dec. 24, 2012 by CaptBillyWhizbangs

I didn't have vanilla wafers on hand, so I used ginger snaps. And Malibu Rum. Very tasty!!

Reviewed on Dec. 16, 2012 by KeeKeeDee

These are very tasty. I can't stop eating them. I made two changes: I toasted the pecans and only used a 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar. After about two hours, the rum balls absorbed the sugar and crushed wafer coatings so I will re-roll them. I will make a double batch the next time I make them.

Reviewed on Dec. 13, 2012 by elsnana

Just made these & they are very good, however I wasn't expecting them to take so long to make! I don't have a food processor & I couldn't buy vanilla wafer crumbs, so I ended up using my blender. It worked, but I had to do it in batches. Also 1 box of vanilla wafers wasn't quite enough crumbs, so I used a few extra pecans, which I also had to grind in my blender & a few graham crackers. There didn't seem to be enough liquid to make the balls stick together.. they were too dry, so I added about 1-1 1/2 tbsp of extra water. That worked well & I was able to form the balls without them crumbling. I only rolled 1/2 in icing sugar & left the rest plain. I probably wouldn't make them again as they were too labor intensive & I have carpel tunnel which makes forming the ball difficult.

Reviewed on Dec. 13, 2012 by sandicvs

They are awesome!! Best of all they are good for my husband he is diabetic. I made them last Christmas and planning on making them this Christmas.

Reviewed on Dec. 11, 2012 by Tamelastar

I Love this recipe! The family enjoyed them. They were a big hit! I used Vanilla flavored Rum. I will be using this recipe every year!

Reviewed on Nov. 24, 2012 by awhaley

Big hit every time. I experiment with different cookies, nuts, and, liquors. The alcohol content of your liquor can make a difference in how dry the cookie ends up, especially if you're like me and let them sit (either in cold garage or freezer) for longer than 3 days.

Reviewed on Feb. 01, 2012 by Pitagal

I made them for a Bake Sale & they sold quickly! Several people asked for the recipe. When rolling them into balls, I had to add another small "splash" of rum as they were drying out a little bit. That made it easier to continue forming the balls.

Reviewed on Dec. 22, 2011 by hrfaretra

I don't like rum and didn't expect to like these. I was making them for guests, but they are delicious!!!

Reviewed on Dec. 21, 2011 by flcountrygrl

I make these every year for the men in the office. They always look forward to Christmas because they know I will bring them in.

Reviewed on Dec. 21, 2011 by HMG

They were easy and fun to make. I experimented a bit using ginger liqueur, gingersnaps and pecans in one batch, and hazelnut liqueur, hazelnuts, and vanilla wafers in another. I also used spiced rum, pecans and vanilla wafers in the final batch. (I did not add cocoa.) All were very yummy!

Reviewed on Dec. 19, 2011 by kricket1

Made these for hubby, used dark rum in one batch and Gingerbread Liqueur in another and he just loved them, have to make more for Christmas.

Reviewed on Dec. 17, 2011 by sharlasu

I made these for a company Secret Santa party, and they were a hit! For my first time making them, I was very pleased with their popularity!

Reviewed on Dec. 14, 2011 by ggrandma1

These are excellent. Also my daughter in law has multiple food allergies and this recipe is on her "safe" list, and that's a rare thing. She said they were the best she's ever eaten.

Reviewed on Dec. 13, 2011 by jakers2009

I use chocolate wafers or chocolate teddy grahams instead of vanilla. It is really good.

Reviewed on Dec. 11, 2011 by cheriwnkky@msn

has anyone used almonds in place of pecans ,i have lots of almonds no pecans :(

Reviewed on Dec. 06, 2011 by sstetzel

tamikay68

Would spiced rum work?

Sure will. So will bourbon or whiskey. cream de menthe, peppermint schnapps too.

Reviewed on Dec. 06, 2011 by kml0812

Is it best to use a dark rum to make these? They sound delish!

Reviewed on Dec. 06, 2011 by tamikay68

Would spiced rum work?

Reviewed on Dec. 06, 2011 by chubbzbar

My family has made these for over 40 years. My mom used brandy or rum or bourbon, no water and the honey was replaced with white corn syrup. I also let mine "stew" in quart jars in the frig for about a month. Everyone loves them.

Reviewed on Dec. 06, 2011 by speek

I used apricot brandy and substituted corn syrup for the honey due to allergies. Great recipe.

Reviewed on Dec. 06, 2011 by vmiller55

So easy and good!!

Reviewed on Dec. 06, 2011 by diddelydi

I meant to give this 5 stars not the poor rating

Reviewed on Dec. 06, 2011 by diddelydi

Don't know if they have them in Canada but a Vanilla Wafer is just a plain vanilla cookie. It is simple just a cookie without icing that you could roll into fine crumbs or put in food processor. You could probably sub a graham cracker or social tea. Diane

Reviewed on Dec. 06, 2011 by diddelydi

I have made this recipe many times since the 70s. Don't remember the honey maybe corn syrup. I started with basic and then had to increase the batch doubling & then tripling it. Most loved it. Sometimes I made some using Amaratto and I think initially it was made with bourbon. But I like the rum the best.

Reviewed on Dec. 05, 2011 by kweenb

My family has been making these traditional treats for generations. We have used other liquors, ...rum, bourbon, even brandy, but the favorite is Jack Daniels whiskey. We omit the honey, and use light corn syrup instead, then roll them in raw sugar, separate between liquor soaked coffee filters and store in air tight container for at least two weeks. You won't need cocktails after a couple of these. Definitely adult enjoyment treats.

Reviewed on Dec. 05, 2011 by flrainbow

only problem with these is that you can't stay out of them after they are made...everyone I gave them too loved them and so easy to make

Reviewed on Oct. 14, 2011 by harjit

this recipe is so easy that i asked my son to put the ingriedents together and start making them into balls and i was on my way home. it ws so good that i took it to work and everyone loved it.i am making it again for a breast awareness collection

Reviewed on Dec. 18, 2010 by anne craft

I came across this recipe as my husband loves rum balls . I would like to make them but I am not sure what vanilla wafers are? Can I get them in Canada? Thanks

Reviewed on Dec. 14, 2010 by DONA KAY

followed recipe, wonderful!

Reviewed on Dec. 13, 2010 by emueller

They were delicious. I used Grand Marnier Liqueur and they were great. Sugar Land TX

Reviewed on Dec. 12, 2010 by Supee

I had to modify with other ingredients,but it tasted O.K.

Reviewed on Dec. 10, 2010 by missg777

I must have done something wrong...are these supposed to be dense or very fudge like? Mine came out very, very soft, like a soft fudge. Any ideas?

Reviewed on Dec. 09, 2010 by pajoal

I make these every year for the holidays. I've used whiskey, rum, irish cream, every one imaginable, but the continuing favorite is Pecan Praline Liqueur. Oh, my goodness, they turn out SO good! You have to try it.

Reviewed on Dec. 08, 2010 by rinnesbaby

We live in Hungary and this is a very popular treat around the holidays. Here everyone has their own family variety. You can omit the nuts. You can wrap the dough around a tart cherry. You can substitute the juice for the cherries for the rum. You can also use jam instead of honey. Lots of options and they all turn out great!

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by 1956keith

You can make this bourbon,whiskey etc. let them set for about a week if you can stay out of them. Must use ground pecans they wont hurt you.

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by Summy

This sounds like a simpler version of my Mom's rum balls. I like the idea of bourbon and no water. And, putting ingredients into a food processor is a great idea. Pecans are my choice, even though I don't care for nuts in my confections. The nuts make this "cookie." Thanks everyone for great suggestions.

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by marika_the_beadmaster

I haven't tried this nor never had a rum ball before but would like to try this. BUT I don't like pecans nor walnuts, I really don't like nuts at all! Is there anything else I could substitute for the nuts??

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by LaNora Wilson

This is my first attempt at making rum balls.I put them together in my food processor and they turned out great.So easy and my husband loves them.

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by bgm577

have made these for years and for those who don,t like liquor you can use rum flavoring found in the spice idle at store.

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by cherrus

You can use Kahlua, Creme de Cocoa or even flavored brandy instead of rum

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by yonah1

I use about 1/3 cup bourbon and no water. Definitely an adult treat.

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by DAFox

I am wondering if I can use something to replace the rum as it's not a flavor my family likes. What could I substitute for it? Any ideas? I think they would love the cookie minus the rum!

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by kimmik22

This is an old family favorite! I make these every year for Christmas!

Reviewed on Dec. 07, 2010 by bookworm913

I try to make these every year! The only difference is that I don't add the cocoa and instead of pecan, I use walnuts. Very good. Highly recommended.