Holiday Rum Balls Recipe with Video Tutorial

These easy Rum Balls are tender, pecan-filled, truffle-like treats intended for adults. Made with dark spiced rum, they’re a festive, no-bake confection that’s quick to prepare and full of holiday flavor. With a handful of simple ingredients, these boozy bites are a delicious addition to cookie trays and make great gifts for friends who enjoy a spirited dessert.

If you love holiday baking, these rum balls pair well with other seasonal favorites like peppermint crinkle cookies, eggnog truffles, and Russian tea cakes. They’re especially handy when oven space is limited or when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Easy Holiday Rum Balls

If you’re ready to get a little boozy this holiday season, these rum balls are the perfect solution: dessert and a cocktail in one bite. They balance the warmth of spiced rum with cocoa, powdered sugar, and crunchy nuts for a satisfying, chocolatey treat you’ll want to serve again and again.

These no-bake rum balls are addictive, so enjoy them responsibly—too many can make you the tipsy relative at the family gathering!

How To Make Rum Balls

(Full printable recipe follows.)

This recipe is ideal when time or oven space is limited. The method is simple: combine crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa, and chopped nuts, then stir in corn syrup and rum. Shape the mixture into small balls and roll them in powdered sugar or cocoa for a pretty finish.

Gift idea: Package these rum balls in small boxes with paper candy liners for a thoughtful, easy, homemade holiday gift.

Secrets For Making Unbelievable Rum Balls Every Time

Crush wafers efficiently: A food processor yields the best, most even crumb texture, but you can also crush wafers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin if needed.

Use a cookie scoop: A small cookie scoop keeps portions uniform and makes rolling faster. A 1½ tablespoon scoop works well, but use whatever size you prefer.

Keep hands clean: Rolling the mixture can be sticky. Wearing food-safe gloves or dusting your hands with powdered sugar prevents sticking and speeds cleanup.

Can I Make Rum Balls Non-Alcoholic?

These rum balls are intentionally alcoholic—none of the rum is cooked off—so they’re strictly for adults. Substituting the rum changes the flavor and character of the recipe, so I don’t recommend it if you want the classic boozy profile. For non-alcoholic holiday treats, choose family-friendly cookies or cupcakes instead.

Rum Balls

Yield:
36

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

These tender, pecan-filled rum balls are rich, chocolatey, and made with spiced rum for a festive holiday treat. No baking required.

Ingredients

• 3 ¼ cups (one 12-ounce box) crushed vanilla wafers
• 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (plus additional for rolling)
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (plus additional for rolling)
• 1/2 cup spiced rum

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir together the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and chopped walnuts. Mix until evenly combined.
2. Add the light corn syrup and spiced rum; stir until the mixture holds together when pressed. If it seems too dry, add a touch more corn syrup; if too wet, add a bit more crushed wafers.
3. Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the mixture. Roll each portion into a 1-inch ball and roll in powdered sugar (or cocoa powder) to coat. Tip: dust your hands with powdered sugar or wear food-safe gloves to prevent sticking.
4. Store the rum balls in an airtight container for at least two days to allow flavors to meld. Chill before serving. They keep in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes

Serve on a decorative tray or package in small boxes with paper candy liners for gifting. Adjust the rum amount to taste, keeping in mind these are alcoholic treats.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 36
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 58
Total Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g

Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients and preparation; actual values may vary.

For more Christmas cookie inspiration, browse seasonal collections and try a few other festive recipes to round out your dessert spread.

Enjoy!