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4.80 from 48 votes

Traditional rum balls recipe

This easy, traditional rum balls recipe is a tasty no bake treat for grown ups.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Additional Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 45 minutes
Course: Rum ball recipes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 60 pieces
Calories: 67kcal
Author: Cheryl Bennett

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces vanilla wafer cookies 1 box of cookies
  • 1 1/4 cups pecans or walnuts toasted // 175g
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar // 170g divided
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup dark rum // 120ml
  • 2 tbsp. light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar // 100g optional *see note

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a food processor, process vanilla wafers and pecans until finely ground. Set aside. (You may have to do this batches if you have a smaller food processor) *If you do not have a food processor, place them in a zip top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
  • In a large bowl, sift together 1 cup powdered sugar, salt and allspice.
  • Add rum and corn syrup to the powdered sugar mixture, and stir to combine.
  • Add ground up vanilla wafers and pecans to the bowl. Use a sturdy rubber spatula or spoon to mix until fully combined and uniform.
  • Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. (Optional - I find it easier to scoop when the mixture has firmed up a bit) 
  • Combine remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and granulated sugar, if using, in a shallow bowl and set aside.
  • Scoop out tablespoon portions, roll into balls and toss to coat in sugar mixture.
  • Place on parchment lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Substitutions
  • If you don't have dark rum, amber rum is a great substitute.
  • No allspice? Swap it out for cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Swap corn syrup for maple syrup, agave, date syrup, etc.
I like the combination of confectioners (powdered) sugar + granulated sugar for rolling rum balls. That being said, I've also only used only powdered sugar and they've been equally delicious.
If you find that you aren't getting good coverage after tossing them in the powdered sugar, let them rest in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, then give them a second toss in the powdered sugar. They will be snowy white with no brown cookie showing through.
If you have time, chill them overnight. This helps give them plenty of time to set up, plus the flavors really come out more the following day.
Store any leftover rum balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 - 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 44mg | Sugar: 7g