![close up on a bowl of cocoa rum balls, rolled in confectioners' sugar.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/rojTm-DXj64njLHS7VgoCfly8EU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RM-17238-CocoaRumBalls-ddmfs-3x4-7129-706d0510f37247b6abf284b486c1fcaa.jpg)
These boozy rum balls are packed with sweet, festive flavor.
Rum Balls Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy rum ball recipe:
- Vanilla wafers: These easy rum balls start with a package of crushed vanilla wafers.
- Nuts: Use your favorite chopped nuts (pecans and walnuts work well).
- Confectioners’ sugar: Make sure you use confectioners’ sugar for this melt-in-your-mouth recipe.
- Cocoa: Of course, you’ll need cocoa for these chocolatey rum balls.
- Light rum: Opt for light, not dark, rum for this recipe.
- Corn syrup: You’ll need three tablespoons of light corn syrup.
Recipe Tip
A 1/2 cup of orange juice plus 1 teaspoon of freshly grated orange peel can be substituted for the rum.
How to Make Rum Balls
You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade rum balls:
- Make the dough.
- Roll the dough into balls.
- Coat the balls in confectioners’ sugar.
- Store the rum balls in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days to develop the flavor.
- Roll the balls in confectioners’ sugar again before serving.
Do Rum Balls Need to Be Refrigerated?
While the rum balls don’t technically need to be stored in the refrigerator, they’ll last much longer (up to two weeks) and will taste much better if you do.
Can You Freeze Rum Balls?
Yes! But it’s best to freeze the balls before you coat them in confectioners’ sugar. Thaw the rum balls in the fridge overnight, then coat in sugar just before serving.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
“Came out great,” says jimbouy. “Stored in a metal cookie tin with wax paper between layers.”
“For added kick, I toss the balls in a bowl of rum before any kind of coating goes on,” according to bcgirl. “Delicious and very very popular.”
“These are fabulous,” raves mauigirl. “We make several batches and use different flavored rum for each batch. We also mix up the outside coatings: powdered sugar, red or green sugar crystals, crushed nuts or even cocoa powder. Have fun making them and enjoy!”
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
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1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers, crushed
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1 ½ cups chopped nuts
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¾ cup confectioners' sugar
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¼ cup cocoa
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½ cup light rum
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3 tablespoons light corn syrup
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⅛ cup confectioners' sugar, or more as needed
Directions
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Gather all ingredients.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Combine vanilla wafers, nuts, 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and cocoa in a large bowl.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Mix in rum and corn syrup until well combined.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in confectioners' sugar to coat.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Store rum balls in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days to develop flavor. Roll them again in confectioners' sugar before serving.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
158 | Calories |
8g | Fat |
19g | Carbs |
2g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 24 | |
Calories 158 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 8g | 10% |
Saturated Fat 2g | 8% |
Sodium 46mg | 2% |
Total Carbohydrate 19g | 7% |
Dietary Fiber 2g | 5% |
Total Sugars 5g | |
Protein 2g | 5% |
Calcium 15mg | 1% |
Iron 1mg | 4% |
Potassium 80mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.