These Easy Rum Balls are the perfect blend of rich, indulgent flavors and effortless preparation. With a velvety texture from crushed cookies and a hint of cocoa, each bite is a decadent treat. The subtle warmth of rum adds depth, making them irresistible for any occasion. Ready in just 25 minutes of prep time, they’re ideal for last-minute gatherings or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

After chilling for 2 hours, these bite-sized delights firm up beautifully, offering a satisfyingly dense yet melt-in-your-mouth experience. Rolled in powdered sugar or cocoa, they’re as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Easy Rum Balls

Ingredients for Easy Rum Balls
  • 1 cup (3 oz/85 g) ground vanilla wafers (or substitute with graham crackers for a different flavor)
  • 1 ½ cups (7 ½ oz/213 g) toasted, chopped pecans, divided (toasting enhances the flavor; reserve ½ cup for coating)
  • 1 cup (4 oz/115 g) powdered sugar (sift for a smoother texture)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (use high-quality cocoa for richer flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or substitute with honey or agave syrup)
  • 3 tablespoons rum (use dark or spiced rum for deeper flavor, or omit for a non-alcoholic version)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground vanilla wafers, 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) pecans, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and rum. Mix thoroughly until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm it up, making it easier to handle.
  3. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop a level tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
  4. Roll each ball in the remaining ½ cup (2 ½ oz/71 g) pecans to coat evenly.
  5. Store the rum balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. Enjoy!

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions

These rum balls are a delightful treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter with other holiday sweets like fudge or shortbread cookies. They also make a great addition to a dessert charcuterie board!

Storage Secrets: Keeping Them Fresh

Store your rum balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Mix It Up: Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap the vanilla wafers for graham crackers or chocolate cookies for a different flavor base. If you’re not a fan of pecans, try using almonds or walnuts instead. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with rum extract or a splash of vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers

Short on time? Skip the chilling step by using a cookie scoop to portion the mixture directly into the coating. The balls might be slightly softer, but they’ll still taste delicious. Alternatively, prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it overnight, then roll and coat the balls the next day.

Equipment Essentials: Tools You’ll Need

To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need a food processor to grind the vanilla wafers and chop the pecans. A tablespoon measure or cookie scoop ensures evenly sized balls, and a large mixing bowl makes combining the ingredients simple. Don’t forget parchment paper for easy cleanup!

Easy Rum Balls Recipe

Easy Rum Balls Recipe

Shaziya
These Easy Rum Balls are the perfect blend of rich, indulgent flavors and effortless preparation. Ready in just 25 minutes of prep time, they’re ideal for last-minute gatherings or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 20 cookie balls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ground vanilla wafers 3 oz/85 g
  • 1 ½ cups toasted, chopped pecans 7 ½ oz/213 g, divided
  • 1 cup powdered sugar 4 oz/115 g
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons rum

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl combine the vanilla cookie crumbs, 1 cup (5oz/142g) pecans, powdered sugar, cocoa, maple syrup, and rum.
  • Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • At this point chill the cookie mixture for about 2 hours.
  • Using a tablespoon measure, scoop a level tablespoon of the mix then roll into a ball. Repeat the process until all of the balls are rolled.
  • Once all of the balls have been rolled, coat each one in the remaining ½ cup (2 ½ oz/71 g) pecans.
  • Cover and store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Keyword chocolate rum, Easy dessert, holiday treats, no-bake recipe, rum balls
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Write A Comment

Recipe Rating