Name: Boozy Holiday Rum Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 ¼ cups vanilla wafers, crushed; 1 ½ cups walnuts, toasted and finely chopped; ¾ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling); ¼ cup cocoa powder (plus more for rolling); ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup dark rum; 3 tablespoons honey (warmed slightly)

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These Boozy Holiday Rum Balls are the ultimate festive treat, blending rich, indulgent flavors with a hint of holiday cheer. Each bite offers a luscious mix of chocolatey decadence and a warm, boozy kick, perfectly balanced with a crumbly yet melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ready in just 20 minutes of prep time, they’re an effortless way to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.

After a quick 45-minute chill, these bite-sized delights become irresistibly firm yet tender, with a dusting of powdered sugar adding a snowy, festive finish. The combination of creamy cocoa, toasted nuts, and spiced rum creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Perfect for gifting or indulging, these rum balls are a holiday must-have.

Ingredients for Boozy Holiday Rum Balls

3 ¼ cups (12oz/340g) vanilla wafers, crushed (use a food processor for quick results)
1 ½ cups (7½oz/213g) walnuts, toasted and finely chopped (toast in a dry skillet for extra flavor)
¾ cup (3oz/85g) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
¼ cup (1oz/28g) cocoa powder, plus more for rolling
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (4floz/115ml) dark rum (substitute with bourbon or omit for a non-alcoholic version)
3 tablespoons honey, warmed slightly (microwave for 10 seconds to make it easier to mix)

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, toasted walnuts, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
Add the dark rum and warmed honey to the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is fully combined and holds together when pressed.
Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the dough (about 25 portions) and roll them into smooth balls using your hands. If the mixture feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
Roll each ball in either powdered sugar or cocoa powder until evenly coated. For a festive touch, alternate coatings or use both.
Place the rum balls in an airtight container. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Let them chill for at least 45 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions

These Boozy Holiday Rum Balls are a delightful treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a steaming mug of spiced chai tea. For an extra festive touch, serve them alongside a plate of gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark at your holiday gathering.

Storage Secrets: Keeping Them Fresh

Store your rum balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Mix It Up: Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of dark rum, try using spiced rum or even bourbon for a unique twist. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the rum with apple juice or maple syrup.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers

To speed up the process, use a food processor to crush the vanilla wafers and chop the walnuts in seconds. If you’re short on time, skip the chilling step—the rum balls will still hold their shape, though they’ll be slightly softer. Pre-measure your ingredients the night before to make assembly a breeze!

Equipment Essentials: What You’ll Need

For this recipe, a large mixing bowl and a scoop or tablespoon are must-haves for portioning the dough. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is handy for rolling the balls. If you’re toasting the walnuts, a skillet or oven tray will do the trick. Don’t forget a sifter for dusting with powdered sugar or cocoa powder!