Rum Balls

Rum balls are easy to whip up (they require no baking!), they’re supremely tasty and they call for just a handful of ingredients. Thanks to finely chopped walnuts, cocoa and crushed vanilla wafers, they have a well-rounded flavor that will linger after the rum hits. Serve them to guests at an adults-only party, or gift them as treats during the holiday season. No matter how you enjoy them, this rum ball recipe is delicious and downright fun to make.

Ingredients for Rum Balls

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• Confectioners’ sugar: This particular type of sugar adds a smooth, fluffy texture to cookies. You’ll also need additional confectioners’ sugar at the end to coat each rum ball.
• Baking cocoa: The baking cocoa will help give the rum balls a rich, dark chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla wafers: These crushed cookies give a mellow vanilla flavor to balance the cocoa and rum.
• Walnuts: You can purchase finely chopped walnuts in the store, but you might achieve better results if you toss them in a food processor or blender before adding them to the recipe.
• Light corn syrup: This is an especially helpful sugar for making a thicker, moister cookie.
• Rum: You can use light or dark rum for baking. Light rum tends to offer a milder taste, while dark rum tends to add more complexity to the cookie dough flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

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In a large bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa until well blended. Add the crushed wafers and walnuts, tossing to combine.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients

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In small bowl, mix the corn syrup and rum, then stir this mixture into the wafer mixture until fully combined.

Step 3: Shape and powder

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Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar.

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Rum Ball Variations

• Roll them in peppermint: Pop a few peppermint candy canes into a blender, and blend them until they’ve turned into a fine powder. At the end of the recipe, roll the rum balls in peppermint powder instead of powdered sugar.
• Add cinnamon: Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the powdered sugar before rolling the rum balls.
• Switch up the coating: Other topping options for that final roll include shredded coconut, cocoa powder, sprinkles and crushed nuts.

How to Store Rum Balls

Store any leftover rum balls in the fridge in an airtight container. They’ll last up to a couple of weeks if they’re stored properly this way.

Can you make rum balls ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, rum balls are better when they’re made a day or two in advance of serving.

Can you freeze rum balls?

Yes, you can freeze rum balls ahead of time. Be sure to store them in an airtight, freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about three months when stored this way.

Rum Ball Tips

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What kind of rum should you use to make rum balls?

You can use a spiced or dark rum for warmth and depth of flavor. Lighter rum is much more mellow, so it’s best when sharing with those who like a slighter rum flavor. If you’re unsure and looking for a recommendation, our Test Kitchen tried various Jamaican rum brands.

Can I make these without the rum?

The rum is what gives these cookies their fun flavor, but if you want to skip the alcohol, you could use rum extract. Generally, 2 teaspoons of rum extract equal 1 tablespoon of dark rum, and 1 tablespoon of rum extract equals 5 tablespoons of light rum. You may need to add a bit of milk to create the same consistency, but use just enough to hold the dough together.

Why are my rum balls falling apart?

Too much liquid, and rum balls become soggy and fall apart. Not enough, and you’ll have cookies that turn into crumbles. You want the mixture to be just wet enough that it holds together easily when rolled into a ball. If your rum balls are crumbling, add a small splash of rum, give it another good mix, and try again. If you’ve added too much, simply add a bit more powdered sugar and cocoa. You can play with the dough this way until the right consistency is achieved.

What other recipes can I make with rum?

If you like rum balls, you’ll probably like other rum-flavored desserts as well. Some recipes to get you started include spiced rum and pear cake, spiced eggnog rum cookies and spiced rum nut brittle.