If you are looking for a great treat for the adults, this easy rum ball recipe is just the thing. You can experiment with different liquors to change up the flavor and the intensity. No matter what, they are a tasty little no bake dessert.
Sometimes a quick and simple treat is in order. Luckily these rum balls are just that thing.
They are best when made a few days in advance, but they require very little work and no time in the oven. So they are perfect when the holiday baking season is in full swing and the cookie trays are filling up faster than the oven can cook them.
Rum balls are one of my husband’s favorite treats. We were introduced to them when my previous boss’s wife served them to us at a Christmas party.
She made them in three strengths so that everyone could pick their level. You can use a flavored liqueur for a mild rum ball, standard rum for medium, or something like Bacardi 151 for a stronger treat if you want to feel a tingle on your lips as you eat them.
She made hers extra fancy. Some had liqueur soaked dried fruit in the middle. Others had truffle centers.
They were all chilled and then dipped in chocolate and decorated. They really were magnificent.
But honestly they are almost as good with just a coating of cocoa powder or powdered sugar and they are so much quicker to make that way. So I opt to keep them nice and simple when I make a batch.
You know what? They were still a treat!
Storage
Rum balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Rum Ball Recipe
- They are a fabulous make ahead no bake treat
- Try using different flavored spirits, you aren’t limited to rum!
- Try coating rum balls in cocoa powder, finely chopped coconut or finely
chopped nuts
Do rum balls get you drunk?
It is very unlikely. Because the alcohol is diluted by the other ingredients and so many rum balls are made from a batch, you would have to eat quite a few of them to consume enough alcohol to get drunk. However, because they are not baked the alcohol does not cook off, so you should be aware of your consumption.
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Easy Adaptations to Make This Rum Ball Recipe Your Own
This recipe is a great starting point, and it is easy to adapt to match your tastes.
For instance, sub in gingersnaps, grahams crackers or another crunchy cookie for the vanilla wafers. That is a simple way to quickly change the flavor profile.
You can also change up the nut and alcohol options. Try making pecan bourbon balls for a southern inspired treat.
Or use amoretti cookies and amaretto for a big almond punch. Maybe do a raspberry liqueur with almonds and dip them in dark chocolate.
The possibilities really are endless and I’d love to hear what you try and love.
Have you ever made rum balls? What is your favorite spirit to use?
More Great No Bake Treats to Add to Your Holiday List
If you are whipping up some holiday candies, you are going to want to make sure our buckeye recipe is on the list. The peanut butter centers and chocolate coating make them an irresistible treat.
Corn flake wreath cookies are always a festive addition to your Christmas trays. They are so easy to make and taste delicious too.
Slow cooker peanut clusters are another super simple candy to whip up. Add sprinkles to the top if you want a little bit of color, but the flavor will speak for itself!
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Easy Rum Balls
Ingredients
- 12 ounce box of vanilla wafers
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 3 Tablespoon light corn syrup
- ½ cup rum*
- powdered sugar cocoa powder or coconut flakes for rolling
Instructions
- Place the vanilla wafers in your food processor and pulse until they are crumbs.12 ounce box of vanilla wafers
- Add the almond flour, rum, cocoa powder and corn syrup. Pulse until combined.1 cup almond flour, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 3 Tablespoon light corn syrup, ½ cup rum*
- Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a ball between your hands.
- Roll in powdered sugar and place in an airtight container.
- They are best after they have been allowed to sit for a couple of days. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to a couple of weeks.
Notes
Video
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OK, funny story! Mr. Nine walked in the room and he said are you going to roll your balls today, meaning my buckeye balls as I was pulling up this post and read the word balls, LOL! These look delicious!
I have had great success with ginger snaps instead of vanilla wafers…a little bit spicier.
That sounds amazing! I am going to have to make some that way as well!
I replaced the flour with 1 cup of powdered sugar. I replaced the corn syrup with 2 Tablespoons of honey. Yum!!
Honey is a great idea. I'll try that next time!
My grandma made these in the sixties and seventies. All of us kids were allowed to eat them. No one ever got drunk from a rum ball or two! I mke hwr recipe still today.
It would definitely take quite a few to get you drunk, you'd probably get a tummy ache first! I love that you still make your grandma's recipe!
I have never made any truffles with liqueur before.. Just a dash of baileys…But these look so yummy and easy.. I would love to make these for that boozy kick!
They definitely give a little kick. It's fun to have a treat for the adults too!
Well butter my rum! These look like the best little balls to throw together! I may add these to the cookie plate! Have a festive week my beautiful friend!
They are so quick to make and my husband goes crazy over them! Thanks!