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A Life in Food by real-life Chef Cheryl Bennett

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Rum ball recipes

Easy maple rum balls for the holidays

December 6, 2021

Home » Desserts » Rum ball recipes

Maple rum balls are an easy, no bake holiday treat for grownups. This easy rum ball recipe is made with maple cookies and rolled in maple sugar. They are a great nibble for holiday gatherings and for shipping to friends and family.

Maple rum balls in red glass bowl with silver ribbon in front.

I like to have an easy no bake recipe that I can make ahead for holiday parties or Christmas cookie platters. Rum balls are perfect for this because they are incredibly easy and fast.

If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I make a few pennies at no extra cost to you. Questions? Please see disclosure for info.

Maple rum balls for Christmas

Most often, I roll rum balls in powdered sugar or a mixture of granulated sugar and powdered sugar. However, these are maple rum balls, so these little treats get their holiday sparkle from maple sugar.

One of the best things about making these boozy bites is that you can swap out the cookies, the spices and the alcohol used to make as many variations as you can dream up. Believe me, I’ve made at least a dozen and there are more coming.

Maple rum balls in red bowl with white twinkle lights in the background.

Rum balls were originally a way for bakeries to use up leftover cookie and cake scraps. They mixed up the crumbs with a bit of alcohol and jam or honey, rolled them into sugar-coated balls and sold them.

The bakeries were trying to avoid food waste and profit loss, I think it was a moment of absolute genius.

Ingredients

The only ingredient you will likely have to shop for are the maple cookies. I bought mine at Trader Joe’s, but any maple cookies will do.

Ingredients for maple rum balls.

If you’ve already started stocking up for holiday baking, you probably have everything else already. I’ve made rum balls with both walnuts and pecans – use whichever you prefer, or whatever you have in the pantry.

Please do not skip the salt in the recipe. All sweet recipes benefit from a bit of salt to help balance the sweetness.

How to make rum balls

First, grind the cookies and nuts in the bowl of a food processor. This is what it should look like – large crumbs, but you should still see small pieces of nuts or cookies.

Ground nuts and cookies in the bowl of a food processor.

Next, sift the powdered sugar with the salt and allspice. Then stir in the rum and maple syrup.

Mixture for rum balls with maple in stainless mixing bowl.

Finally, add the cookie mixture to the bowl and stir it all together. Cover with plastic wrap and let it chill for about 30 minutes. Do not skip this step – the mixture needs time to absorb the liquid and set up.

Scooping rum balls.

After half an hour, the mixture will be firmer and scoopable. Use a small cookie scoop to portion rum balls. Then toss in a mixture of brown sugar and granulated sugar, maple sugar or powdered sugar.

Rum balls in red glass bowl with Christmas garland in the background.

Rum ball Q & A

Do rum balls need to be refrigerated?

Rum balls do not to be refrigerated, but they should be stored in a cool area. Refrigerating them will extend the “shelf life” to a few weeks.

Can I make rum balls with bourbon?

YES! You can swap out the rum for bourbon to make these into maple bourbon balls.

Can you freeze rum balls?

Rum balls freeze really well, actually. If you plan on freezing them, don’t roll them in sugar. It is best to coat them when you plan to serve them.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Rum balls get even better after a day or two, so making them ahead is not only ideal, it is ENCOURAGED.

Rum balls on red and white tablecloth with pinecones in the background.

This is a great time to get together with a friend or neighbor, share your resources and make a big batch of rum balls for holiday parties or shipping cookies to family.

They keep really well and they are even better after a day or two, so making them a few days before you’ll need them is perfect.

Rum ball recipes

These easy, no bake treats are so simple to make, you can whip up a few batches in no time! Try a few of these recipes for your holiday gatherings.

  • Peppermint rum balls
  • Gingerbread rum balls
  • Cinnamon rum balls
  • Gluten-free rum balls
  • White chocolate rum balls
  • Peanut butter whiskey balls

Please share

If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!

Image for Pinterest.

I hope you love these maple rum balls as much as we do! Please consider rating and/or commenting.

Your shares help this site to grow and I appreciate it so much. Do you know someone who would like this? I’d love it if you would share it on Facebook or pin it to your favorite recipe board.

A worthy cause

This year, we’re raising money in support of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. We’d love if you could join us in supporting a worthy cause this holiday season. Here is our fundraising page.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to funding research for new, innovative and less-toxic treatments. Since 2008, they have granted nearly $17 million to research in the form of 100+ research grants to leading pediatric cancer centers across the country. From these grants have stemmed 35+ treatments available to kids battling cancer today.

Yield: 40 pieces

Maple Rum Balls

Maple Rum Balls

Quick and easy, maple rum balls are the perfect make ahead, boozy holiday treat for grownups.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

For rum balls

  • 12 ounces maple sandwich cookies
  • 1 1/4 cups toasted walnuts
  • 1 cup powdered (icing) sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. allspice
  • 1/2 cup amber rum
  • 2 tbsp. maple syrup

For sugar coating

  • 1/2 cup maple sugar

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a food processor, process maple cookies and walnuts until finely ground. Set aside. (You may have to do this batches if you have a smaller food processor)
  2. In a large bowl, sift together powdered sugar, salt and allspice.
  3. Stir in rum and maple syrup.
  4. Add cookie and nut mixture to the bowl and stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Scoop out tablespoon sized portions and use your hands to roll into balls.
  6. Toss in maple sugar to coat.
  7. Place on baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving, to allow the sugar to adhere.

Notes

Instead of maple sugar, you can use 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1/4 cup light brown sugar to coat the rum balls.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless
    Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless
  • Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless
    Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

40

Serving Size:

1 rum ball

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 62Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 62mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g

Nutrition information calculated by a third-party company as a courtesy. It is intended as a guideline only.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Cheryl Bennett
Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts

Thanks for stopping by! Have a delicious day 🙂

Questions? Send me an email, I’m happy to help. I’d love to send you weekly tips and recipes, so you can get updates about what’s happening in the kitchen!

Hello! All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my photos or recipe without prior written permission. Thank you!

Filed Under: Rum ball recipes Tagged With: rum ball recipes

Holiday peanut butter whiskey balls

December 2, 2021

Home » Desserts » Rum ball recipes

Peanut butter whiskey balls are an easy, no bake holiday treat for grownups. A variation of my traditional rum ball recipe, these boozy bites are made with peanut butter cookies and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They are perfect for holiday gatherings and shipping to friends and family.

Peanut butter whisky balls in small white bowl on red tablecloth.

This simple no bake sweet comes together in no time and because the flavor develops even more overnight, it’s the perfect make ahead treat for Christmas.

If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I make a few pennies at no extra cost to you. Questions? Please see disclosure for info.

Peanut butter whiskey balls

Earlier this year, a friend of mine gifted me a bottle of peanut butter whiskey for my birthday. I was skeptical, because, I’ll be honest, it sounded unappealing. Boy, was I wrong. It is actually quite tasty!

However, I’ve barely made a dent in it. So, instead of letting this perfectly good bottle of booze collect dust, we’re making whisky balls.

Whiskey balls coated in sugar in small bowl with Christmas lights.

I’ve made my fair share of rum ball recipes over the years, so it wasn’t much of a leap to start including different spirits.

No peanut butter whisky? No problem! Swap in your favorite rum in place of the whisky to make peanut butter rum balls. This recipe, like all of my rum ball recipes, is made entirely in the food processor.

Bowl of peanut butter whiskey balls on wooden board.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these peanut butter whiskey balls:

  • Peanut butter sandwich cookies (I used Nutter Butters)
  • Peanuts or pecans
  • Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners sugar or icing sugar)
  • Peanut butter whiskey
  • Salt
  • Honey
  • Peanut butter
  • Cinnamon
Peanut butter balls with whisky on a baking sheet.

I’ve made several batches of these no bake cookies, swapping out different nuts and spices.

The peanuts obviously give them the most peanut flavor, but if you only have pecans or walnuts for holiday baking, feel free to use them. To give them added peanut flavor, you could increase the peanut butter by a tablespoon.

The cinnamon goes really well with the honey and peanut butter, but allspice or nutmeg is also nice here. There are no shortage of ways to change up this recipe to make different variations.

How to make peanut butter whiskey balls

First, grind the cookies and nuts in the bowl of a food processor. Next, mix the powdered sugar, whiskey, honey, and peanut butter together in a separate bowl.

How to make whiskey balls in food processor.

Then add the cookie mixture to the powdered sugar mixture and stir until it is uniform. Cover and refrigerate to let it firm up a little – this makes it easier to scoop and roll.

Scooping whiskey balls and rolling in sugar.

Use a small cookie scoop to portion the peanut butter whiskey balls, then roll in your hands to smooth them out and make them perfectly round.

Toss in cinnamon sugar to give them a bit of sparkle and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Boozy whiskey balls in bowl with trees in background.

They make excellent homemade gifts for friends and neighbors, and they are ideal for shipping.

These simple, no-bake cookies are perfect for Christmas parties. Grab a few friends and make a double batch for all of your holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.

More boozy treats

  • Gingerbread rum balls
  • Peppermint hot chocolate (with schnapps)
  • Cinnamon rum balls
  • Peppermint rum balls

Please share

If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!

Image for Pinterest.

I hope you love these peanut butter whiskey balls as much as we do! Please consider rating and/or commenting.

Your shares help this site to grow and I appreciate it so much. Do you know someone who would like this? I’d love it if you would share it on Facebook or pin it to your favorite recipe board.

Yield: 30 pieces

Peanut butter whiskey balls

Peanut butter whiskey balls

Easy, no-bake peanut butter whiskey balls are the perfect make ahead holiday treat for grownups.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces peanut butter sandwich cookies (like Nutter Butters)
  • 1 cup unsalted peanuts (or pecans)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter whiskey
  • 2 tbsp. honey
  • 2 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • *See note for cinnamon sugar coating

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a food processor, process peanut butter cookies and peanuts (or pecans) until finely ground. Set aside. (You may have to do this batches if you have a smaller food processor)
  2. In a large bowl, sift together powdered sugar, salt and cinnamon.
  3. Stir peanut butter, honey and peanut butter whiskey into the powdered sugar mixture until completely incorporated.
  4. Add cookie and nut mixture, then stir until it is uniform. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon (see note!). Whisk to combine and set aside.
  6. Using a small cookie scoop, portion whiskey balls and roll with your hands to smooth and shape. Toss in cinnamon sugar, a few at a time, to completely coat.
  7. Set on baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow sugar to adhere.

Notes

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:


Combine 1/4 cup granulated and 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Toss whiskey balls in sugar, a few at a time, to full coat.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless
    Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

30

Serving Size:

1 whiskey ball

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 133Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 58mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 3g

Nutrition information calculated by a third-party company as a courtesy. It is intended as a guideline only.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Cheryl Bennett
Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts

Thanks for stopping by! Have a delicious day 🙂

Questions? Send me an email, I’m happy to help. I’d love to send you weekly tips and recipes, so you can get updates about what’s happening in the kitchen!

Hello! All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my photos or recipe without prior written permission. Thank you!

Filed Under: Rum ball recipes Tagged With: rum ball recipes

Easy Halloween rum balls

October 5, 2021

Home » Desserts » Rum ball recipes

Made with spiced rum, these easy chocolate covered Halloween rum balls are the perfect grown-up sweet. Full of fall flavors from pumpkin cookies, pecans and maple syrup, these no bake treats get even better the next day.

Rum balls for Halloween on black plate with pumpkins in background.

Last year, I made pumpkin rum balls with pumpkin purée to enjoy during the Halloween season. They were one of my favorite versions of this boozy treat. This variation uses pumpkin sandwich cookies as the base.

If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I make a few pennies at no extra cost to you. Questions? Please see disclosure for info.

Halloween rum balls

Rum balls are great for this time of the year. They are a quick and easy no-bake treat for grown-ups, plus they are really delicious.

My easy rum balls recipe is one I make every holiday season. I needed an easy Halloween treat for adults only, and these immediately came to mind.

Halloween rum balls on black plate with one rum ball on skull napkin.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

Halloween rum balls do not to be refrigerated, but they should be stored in a cool area. Refrigerating will extend the life of them and if kept in a sealed container in the fridge, they will last a few weeks.

You can freeze the rum balls before you dip them in chocolate, if you are making ahead. Thaw in the refrigerator, then dip and decorate with sprinkles.

Ingredients for pumpkin pecan rum balls

Halloween is a great time to make fun treats, but why should kids get all the sweets? Grownups need something too and these no bake boozy balls are just the thing.

Ingredients for Halloween rum balls.

Only 7 simple ingredients make up this easy recipe. I used pumpkin sandwich cookies as the base, you can use any kind of pumpkin cookie that you find at the grocery store. I bought these at Trader Joe’s, but I’m sure plenty of markets have their own variety.

How to make rum balls for Halloween

The first step is toasting the pecans. It only takes about 6 – 8 minutes in the oven, but it makes a big difference. It’s not mandatory, but suggested.

How to toast nuts – Place pecans on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F / 177°C for 6 – 8 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

Then, combine the pumpkin sandwich cookies and the pecans in the food processor. Pulse a few times to break them up, then run the machine until the mixture looks like fairly fine crumbs.

How to make rum balls for Halloween photo instructions.

Sift powdered sugar and spices together, stir into cookies. Next, mix rum and maple syrup together, then add to cookie and nut mixture. Mix thoroughly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Now we’re ready to make rum balls.

Scooping cookie balls with scoop on baking sheet.

I used a small cookie scoop to portion the Halloween cookie balls. This will ensure that they are all the same size. Roll them in your hands to round and smooth them out.

Coating rum ball in chocolate.

Carefully dip into melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the top with sprinkles and let them sit at room temperature to set. If you are in a hurry, you can put them in the fridge for about 15 minutes to speed up the process.

Rum ball with black and orange sprinkles.

These boozy Halloween bites are super tasty and really easy to make. They are also great for gifting to friends and neighbors while everyone is out trick-or-treating.

Tips and tricks for success

Here are some answers to a few FAQ’s about rum balls.

Can I make rum balls in advance?

The flavor of a rum ball develops even more overnight, so it is the perfect make ahead sweet. If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will last for a few weeks.

My rum balls fall apart when I’m rolling them. What am I doing wrong?

If the mixture is dry and crumbly, you may need a bit more liquid. Try adding a tablespoon of rum or maple syrup to the mixture. The other issue could be that you need to lightly pack it into a ball to help it hold its shape.

How do I melt chocolate?

The easiest way to melt chocolate is to break it into small pieces and put it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 – 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until you have pieces no bigger than a pea. Stir until completely smooth.

Halloween rum balls with orange and black sprinkles on black plate.

Halloween themed desserts

If you are celebrating this spooky holiday, here are a few more sweet treats to make.

  • Day of the Dead chocolate cupcakes
  • Easy pumpkin empanadas (with store-bought dough)
  • Pumpkin cookies
  • Pumpkin empanadas (from scratch recipe)
  • Halloween rice krispie treats

Please share

If you love these Halloween rum balls, please give the recipe 5 stars!

Pin image for Pinterest

I hope you like this Halloween recipe as much as we do! Please consider rating and/or commenting.

Your shares help this site to grow and I appreciate it so much. Do you know someone who would like this? Please share it on Facebook or pin it to your favorite recipe board.

Rum ball recipes

Looking for a few more rum ball recipes? These are great for the holiday season:

  • Cinnamon rum balls recipe
  • White chocolate rum balls
  • Coconut rum balls
Yield: 3 dozen

Halloween rum balls

Halloween rum balls

Halloween rum balls are an easy and delicious no bake treat for grownups only!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Active Time 15 minutes
Inactive Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 oz. pumpkin sandwich cookies
  • 1 cup toasted pecans (see note)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/3 cup spiced rum
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup

Dip and decorate

  • 1 cup melted dark chocolate
  • 2 tbsp. black and orange nonpareils

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a food processor, process pumpkin cookies and pecans until finely ground. Set aside. (You may have to do this batches if you have a smaller food processor.)
  2. In a large bowl, sift together powdered sugar, salt and cinnamon. Stir into cookie and nut mixture until thoroughly combined.
  3. Combine rum and maple syrup in a small bowl, then add to cookie mixture. Mix well.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 
  5. Melt dark chocolate and set aside to cool slightly. (Not too much, it should be warm to the touch, but not hot).
  6. Scoop out portions and roll into balls.
  7. Use a fork to lower into chocolate and turn to coat all over, then lift out of bowl with fork, dragging the bottom of the tines across the edge of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
  8. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with sprinkles, and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour to allow the chocolate to set.

Notes

How to toast nuts

Place pecans on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F / 177°C for 6 - 8 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Cuisinart Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel - Silver
    Cuisinart Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel - Silver

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

36

Serving Size:

1 rum ball

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 81Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 45mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g

Nutrition information calculated by a third-party company as a courtesy. It is intended as a guideline only.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Cheryl Bennett
Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts

Thanks for stopping by! Have a delicious day 🙂

Questions? Send me an email, I’m happy to help. I’d love to send you weekly tips and recipes, so you can get updates about what’s happening in the kitchen!

Hello! All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my photos or recipe without prior written permission. Thank you!

Filed Under: Rum ball recipes Tagged With: Halloween, rum ball recipes

How to make peppermint rum balls

December 22, 2020

Peppermint rum balls are a perfect quick and easy holiday treat. For traditional rum balls, check out my easy rum ball recipe.

peppermint rum balls on white plate with trees in background

Full of peppermint flavor, they are great for making ahead and having on hand when you need a little sweet.

If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I make a few pennies at no extra cost to you. Questions? Please see disclosure for info.

…

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Easy Rum Balls Recipe for the holidays

December 15, 2020

This easy rum balls recipe is a tasty treat for grown-ups. This traditional no bake recipe comes together in no time and because the flavor develops even more overnight, it’s the perfect make ahead sweet. For an even more decadent treat, try chocolate covered rum balls!

Rum balls in round red bowl with cream background.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without these old fashioned rum balls. They are as much a part of our holiday treats as gingerbread, buckeyes and sugar cookies. This recipe makes 5 dozen, so it is great for cookie exchanges and gift-giving.

If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I make a few pennies at no extra cost to you. Questions? Please see disclosure for info.

…

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Gingerbread Rum Balls

December 21, 2019

Gingerbread rum balls are full of warm spices for a holiday twist on my classic easy rum ball recipe. 

gingerbread balls on white plate

Old fashioned rum balls are a Christmas staple in our house. They have been since I was a teenager. Over the years, I’ve made a few variations and these festive holiday rum balls are the latest version.

…

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Gluten free rum balls (paleo)

December 12, 2019

Home » Desserts » Rum ball recipes

Paleo, gluten free rum balls are a healthier way to enjoy this holiday treat. Made with almond and coconut flours, these paleo treats are easily made vegan or keto with a simple swap. 

For another recipe that is made in the food processor, check out this gluten free clementine cake. 

Gluten free rum balls on white platter.

If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I make a few pennies at no extra cost to you. Questions? Please see disclosure for info.

This Paleo Rum Ball Recipe is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Pook’s Pantry. As always, all opinions, recipes and photos are my own. 

Gluten Free Rum Ball Recipe

These paleo rum balls are a snap to make and they are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges. A handful of ingredients go into the food processor, then they are rolled into balls and tossed in coconut.

Paleo rum balls with coconut and honey.

I was able to pick up everything I needed for these paleo treats (minus the rum) at Sprouts. I honestly love being able to buy the store brand of ingredients like shredded coconut for a fraction of the price that I’d pay for another brand.

Buying in bulk is another great way to save at Sprouts. You can buy the exact quantity that you need, so it helps to reduce waste.

Plus, it’s a great way to try new things. I picked up a few scoops of snack mixes and found a new favorite!

Rum Balls without Vanilla Wafers

These gluten free rum balls are made with almond and coconut flours instead of the usual vanilla wafer cookies.

To easily make these rum balls vegan, swap out the honey for corn syrup. To make them keto, use your favorite sweetener (like a few drops of liquid stevia) in place of the honey.

Gluten free run balls in red and white takeout gift box.

Making homemade gifts to give to friends and family is something I do every year. These red snowflake takeout boxes make it easy to pack up paleo gluten free treats for gifting.

Another option, if you are shipping treats are Christmas cookie tins. I sent these treats across the country and they arrived looking just like they did when they were packed.

How to ship cookies without breaking.

If you are shipping treats to friends and family, these are perfect for mailing. Place a sheet of folded parchment paper on top to keep them in place or put parchment in the bottom of the cookie tin to cushion.

How to Make Gluten Free Rum Balls

Time needed: 1 hour.

Making gluten free rum balls

  1. Add ingredients to food processor

    Add almond and coconut flours, sea salt, cacao powder, rum, honey, coconut oil and unsweetened shredded coconut to food processor and blend until completely uniform. gluten free rum ball mixture in food processor

  2. Scoop paleo rum ball mixture

    Scoop out portions of rum ball mixture using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon. scooping out rum ball mixture

  3. Roll into balls

    Roll the scooped out mixture into balls using your hands. roll paleo rum balls

  4. Roll in coconut and chill

    Toss each rolled paleo rum ball in unsweetened shredded coconut, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to chill in the refrigerator. paleo rum balls on sheet pan

That’s it! It is that easy. Invite a friend over to help you roll and it is even faster. These paleo rum balls are an easy no bake cookie for the holidays and a healthier way to have some of your favorite holiday treats.

Looking for more recipes for rum balls?

  • Easy rum ball recipe
  • White Chocolate Rum Balls
  • Cinnamon Rum Balls
  • Coconut Rum Balls
  • Chocolate Covered Rum Balls
  • Cherry Rum Balls
  • Chocolate Coconut Rum Balls
  • Pumpkin Rum Balls

Please share!

Your shares help this site to grow and I appreciate it so much. Do you know someone who would like this? I’d love it if you would share it on Facebook or pin it to your favorite recipe board.

If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!

Did you make these gluten free paleo rum balls? Tag me @pookspantry on social media! I’d love to see your version!

Yield: 36

Gluten Free Rum Balls (Paleo)

Gluten Free Rum Balls (Paleo)

Paleo rum balls perfect for holiday cookie exchanges. A healthier way to enjoy this holiday treat!

Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut + extra for rolling
  • 4 tbsp. cacao powder
  • ¼ cup dark rum
  • 4 tbsp. raw honey
  • 6 tbsp. coconut oil, melted and cooled
  • ½ tsp. sea salt

Instructions

    1. In the bowl of a food processor, add 1 cup almond flour, 1 cup coconut flour, ½ cup shredded coconut, 4 tbsp. cacao powder, ¼ cup dark rum, 4 tbsp. raw honey, 6 tbsp. coconut oil and ½ tsp. sea salt.
    2. Pulse a few times to combine, then run food processor until ingredients form a uniform dough (1 -2 minutes).
    3. Pinch off tablespoon-sized pieces (or use a small cookie scoop) and roll into balls.
    4. Roll each ball in shredded coconut or cacao powder, if desired.

    Notes

    To store rum balls:
    Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Remove from refrigerator
    30 minutes before serving to allow rum balls to soften.

    Recommended Products

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    • Cuisinart FP-8GM Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor, Gunmetal
      Cuisinart FP-8GM Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor, Gunmetal

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    36

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 76Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 35mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g

    Nutrition information calculated by a third-party company as a courtesy. It is intended as a guideline only.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

    © Cheryl Bennett
    Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts

    Thanks for stopping by! Have a delicious day 🙂

    Questions? Send me an email, I’m happy to help. I’d love to send you weekly tips and recipes, so you can get updates about what’s happening in the kitchen!

    Hello! All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my photos or recipe without prior written permission. Thank you!

    Filed Under: Rum ball recipes Tagged With: gluten free, rum ball recipes

    White Chocolate Rum Balls

    October 19, 2019

    White chocolate rum balls are an easy no bake treat that is perfect for your holiday cookie exchanges and dessert table. Cover with colorful sprinkles for a sweet, homemade gift.  A variation on my easy rum ball recipe, this version is dipped in creamy white chocolate for an extra sweet treat.

    white chocolate dipped rum balls

    Rum balls are an easy, no bake cookie that is perfect for your holiday dessert table or cookie exchange. I like to have a batch of these around for everyone to nibble on after holiday dinners. 

    If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I make a few pennies at no extra cost to you. Questions? Please see disclosure for info.

    …

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    Chocolate Covered Rum Balls

    October 12, 2019

    Chocolate covered rum balls are a sweet, boozy grownup treat. Made with dark rum and dark chocolate, these chocolate covered rum balls are a variation on my easy rum ball recipe. They make a great addition to the holiday dessert table and they are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.

    chocolate covered rum balls topped with walnut pieces and white chocolate

    Most often, we make rum balls around the holidays. Which is the time of the year when many of us are indulging in two things: booze and sugar. Check and check.

    And, because we usually make these around the holiday season, I need a recipe that doesn’t require much time or energy when I have a to do list that’s a mile long. Enter: rum balls.

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    Easy Cinnamon Rum Balls Recipe

    October 5, 2019

    Cinnamon rum balls are a sweet, cinnamon-flavored, boozy grownup treat. Made with amber rum and warm spices, these cinnamon rum balls are a variation on my easy rum ball recipe. They make a great addition to the holiday dessert table and they are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.

    cinnamon rum balls in clear glass bowl

    If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I make a few pennies at no extra cost to you. Questions? Please see disclosure for info.

    Cinnamon balls

    These rum balls are full of warm cinnamon flavor. They taste like cinnamon toast, not a red hot (do they still make those?).

    The outside of these cookie balls is coated in cinnamon sugar, the same combination you sprinkle on buttered toast for a sweet breakfast treat. Except this treat is spiked with a hefty amount of rum.

    Cookie balls rolled in sugar in glass bowl.

    If you want to make these with an extra kick, you could try swapping some of the rum for cinnamon schnapps. You know the one with the gold flecks floating in the bottle. That will give these rum balls a bit of fire.

    Most of my rum ball recipes use dark rum, but for this cinnamon variation, I went with amber rum. The dark rum has a very strong rum flavor and it competed with the cinnamon.

    That being said – unless you plan to make several batches of rum balls, or you are stocking the bar for the holidays, it isn’t worth a special trip to the store. Use what you have.

    Cinnamon Rum Ball Recipe

    Most rum ball recipes start out with vanilla wafer cookies, and this recipe does as well. I had planned to use half vanilla wafer cookies and half graham crackers, but I didn’t want to overcomplicate things. The next time I make these, I’ll definitely try that combination, just to experiment.

    The base of most rum ball recipes is this: one box of cookies mixed with toasted nuts, sugar, rum, honey (or corn syrup) and a pinch of salt. Salt in desserts is necessary to help balance out the sweetness.

    Cookie balls on sheet pan rolled in cinnamon sugar.

    Do rum balls need to be refrigerated?

    Nope, but they should be kept in a cool area. If they are kept on the counter, try to find a cool spot and they will be fine. That is, if they even last that long.

    Rum balls are also a big hit for cookie exchanges. They are easy to make and everyone loves them. Plus, they satisfy two things that many of us partake of during the holidays: sugar and booze.

    Bolachas de canela.

    FAQ’s

    Here are some helpful tips to getting them perfect every time!

    My rum balls crumble when I’m rolling them. What am I doing wrong?

    You are probably not doing anything wrong at all. When you scoop the rum balls, press the scoop against the palm of your hand to pack the rum ball mix.
    Lightly pressing the mixture together will help the ball keep its shape. 

    Can I make rum balls in advance?

    Absolutely! The flavor of a rum ball develops even more overnight, so making them ahead is actually better. If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will last for a few weeks.

    Clear glass bowl filled with cinnamon no bake cookie balls.

    Helpful tools and equipment for this recipe

    One tool that I use to make cinnamon rum balls is a food processor. It makes quick work of chopping nuts and grinding cookie crumbs. If you don’t have one, you can certainly break the cookies up with a rolling pin.

    Another helpful tool is a kitchen scale. I often use weight as a measurement instead of volume because it is more accurate.

    Finally a small cookie scoop will ensure that your rum balls are all the same size.

    If you’re planning to make some for your holiday cookie exchange, these Christmas tree gift boxes are the perfect size and they are super cute

    Cookie ball in paper candy cup with cinnamon stick.

    Rum Ball Recipes

    Looking for a few more variations? Try these flavors!

    • Easy Rum Ball Recipe
    • Pumpkin Rum Balls
    • Coconut Rum Balls
    • Cherry Rum Balls
    • Chocolate Coconut Rum Balls
    • Chocolate Covered Rum Balls
    • Halloween Rum Balls

    Please share

    If you love this cinnamon rum ball recipe, please give it 5 stars!

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    Yield: 50 rum balls

    Cinnamon Rum Balls

    clear glass bowl filled with rum balls

    Cinnamon rum balls are a sweet, cinnamon-flavored, boozy grownup treat. Made with amber rum and warm spices, they are perfect for your holiday dessert table.

    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Chilling Time (optional) 2 hours
    Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes

    Ingredients

    For the rum balls:

    • 11 oz vanilla wafer cookies
    • 1 cup toasted walnuts
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 cup amber rum
    • 2 Tbsp. corn syrup

    Cinnamon sugar coating:

    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

    Instructions

      1. In the bowl of a food processor, process vanilla wafer cookies and walnuts until finely ground.  Set aside. (You may have to do this batches if you have a smaller food processor).
      2. In a large bowl, sift together 1 cup powdered sugar, cinnamon and salt.
      3. Add vanilla wafers and walnuts. Mix well.
      4. Stir rum and corn syrup together in small bowl, then add to cookie mixture. Mix until uniform.
      5. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl and set aside.
      6. Scoop out tablespoon portions, roll into balls and toss to coat in cinnamon sugar mixture.
      7. Place on parchment lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

    Notes

    To toast walnuts:

    Preheat oven to 325°F. Place walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast in the oven for 8 - 10 minutes until fragrant.

    Recommended Products

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    • Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless
      Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    50

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 62Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 49mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 6gProtein: 1g

    Nutrition information calculated by a third-party company as a courtesy. It is intended as a guideline only.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

    © Cheryl Bennett
    Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts

    Thanks for stopping by! Have a delicious day 🙂

    Questions? Send me an email, I’m happy to help. I’d love to send you weekly tips and recipes, so you can get updates about what’s happening in the kitchen!

    Hello! All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my photos or recipe without prior written permission. Thank you!


    Filed Under: Rum ball recipes Tagged With: rum ball recipes

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