Description

Classic Rum Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining toasted pecans, vanilla wafers, cocoa, and warm spiced rum into bite-sized boozy truffles. Rolled in cocoa or powdered sugar, these rum balls offer a perfect balance of nutty crunch, sweet cookie flavor, and a hint of alcohol. Ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave an easy-to-make, indulgent dessert that stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 cup toasted pecans
1 (11 ounce box) vanilla wafers (about 2 ¾ cups crumbs)
1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
2 tablespoons (10g) cocoa powder
3 tablespoons (45ml) corn syrup
⅓ cup (79ml) spiced or white rum
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling

Cocoa powder and/or powdered sugar for coating the rum balls

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Pecans: Place the toasted pecans into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped but not so much that they turn into pecan butter. Remove the pecans from the processor and set aside.
Crush Vanilla Wafers: Add the vanilla wafers into the food processor and pulse until they are ground into fine crumbs.
Combine Ingredients: Return the chopped pecans to the food processor along with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and rum. Process the mixture until it becomes thick and well combined, forming a dough-like consistency.
Shape Rum Balls: Using a tablespoon measurement, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll each between your palms to form smooth, round balls.
Coat the Rum Balls: Roll each ball in additional cocoa powder and/or powdered sugar to coat evenly.
Store Properly: Place the coated rum balls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be stored for up to 2 weeks, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up before serving.

Notes

This recipe is a classic no-bake Christmas favorite, perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting.
Choose between spiced or white rum depending on your flavor preference; spiced rum adds a deeper warm note.
Rolling the rum balls in cocoa powder results in a rich chocolate outer layer, while powdered sugar offers a sweeter, snowy appearance.
Be careful when processing pecans to avoid turning them into nut butter, which can alter texture.
These rum balls keep well refrigerated and intensify in flavor over time, making them ideal for preparing ahead.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 rum ball
Calories: 39 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 1 mg
Fat: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 1 mg