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How to Make Rum Balls
Make these delightful rum balls for your next holiday get together! They are delicious and fun to make. Make sure to check out our peanut butter balls, buckeye balls, and little debbie cake balls too!
FAQs:
- What will I need to complete this recipe?
- You will need the following ingredients:
- Crushed vanilla wafer cookies: Acts as the base of the rum balls, providing structure and a slightly sweet vanilla flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps bind the ingredients together, contributing to a smooth texture.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the rum and cocoa. For this recipe we used pecans.
- Cocoa powder: Gives the rum balls a deep, chocolatey flavor that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall richness.
- Dark or spiced rum: Provides the signature flavor and a bit of moisture to bind the ingredients, adding warmth and depth to the taste. For this recipe, we used dark rum.
- Light corn syrup: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the mixture together while adding a touch of sweetness and glossiness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile by adding a subtle warmth and complexity that complements the other ingredients.
- Powdered sugar: Used to coat the outside of the rum balls, adding a sweet, smooth finish and a festive appearance.
- Finely chopped pecans: Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the exterior, complementing the nuts inside the rum balls.
- Shredded coconut: Provides a chewy texture and a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with the rum and chocolate, adding a festive look.
- Cocoa powder: Offers an additional layer of rich, chocolate flavor and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the rum balls.
- Nonpareil sprinkles: Adds a decorative and festive touch to the rum balls, giving them a fun, colorful appearance while adding a slight crunch.
- You will need the following supplies:
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Small flat mixing bowls
- Small cookie scoop
- Airtight container
- You will need the following ingredients:
- How do I store my Christmas Rum Balls?
- Room Temperature: Store your yummy rum balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the balls from drying out or absorbing other odors.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture or if your home is hot, you can store rum balls in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container, and they will keep for up to 4 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: Rum balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Christmas Rum Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafer cookies about 70 cookies
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup dark or spiced rum
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Coating:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed vanilla wafer cookies, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 cup of finely chopped pecan, and ¼ cup of cocoa powder. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Pour in ⅓ cup rum, 2 tablespoons corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and comes together.
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls between your palms.
- Set up separate small shallow bowls with ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ cup finely chopped pecans, ½ cup shredded coconut, ¼ cup cocoa powder, and ¼ cup nonpareil sprinkles.
- Roll each rum ball in your choice of coating. Create a variety by rolling some in powdered sugar, some in chopped pecans, some in shredded coconut, some in cocoa powder, and some in nonpareil sprinkles.
- Place the coated rum balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature. ENJOY!
Notes
– For deeper flavor, allow the rum balls to age in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days before serving. The flavors intensify over time.
– You can adjust the amount of rum to taste. You can also reduce the rum or replace it with orange juice or coffee for a less intense flavor.
– For an extra festive touch, dust the rum balls with edible gold or silver glitter before serving.
– If you’re stacking rum balls in a container, place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
– You can adjust the amount of rum to taste. You can also reduce the rum or replace it with orange juice or coffee for a less intense flavor.
– For an extra festive touch, dust the rum balls with edible gold or silver glitter before serving.
– If you’re stacking rum balls in a container, place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.