Easy Rum Balls with Crunchy Walnuts
Get ready to whip up a treat that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Rum Balls are a classic favorite, combining the rich flavors of spiced rum, cocoa, and crunchy walnuts into bite-sized treats. Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or just a special indulgence, these no-bake goodies will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection and make you super popular!
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I have to say that I love these little balls of pure indulgence! Not only are they incredibly easy to make and don’t involve the oven, but they are ready in 20 minutes. You make them for any special occasions, birthdays, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Potlucks, you name it, they will go down a storm! You can customize the nuts and flavors to make this your own recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Rum Balls with Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep Your Baking Sheet
First things first, line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will make sure your Rum Balls don’t stick and are easy to handle.
Get Your Ingredients Ready
Make sure your Nilla Wafers and walnuts are finely crushed and chopped. You want a texture that’s almost like dry sand. If you have a food processor, it’s perfect for this job.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your crushed Nilla Wafers, salt, and finely chopped walnuts. Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into this mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix the light corn syrup and spiced rum until the syrup is completely dissolved. Pour this mixture over your dry ingredients.
Form the Dough
Use a spatula to start mixing everything together. When it begins to form a thick consistency, put on your rubber gloves and finish mixing by hand. The mixture should feel like cookie dough.
Roll the Balls
Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, form the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. For an extra touch, roll each ball in your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, cocoa, or finely chopped nuts.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
While these rum balls are very easy to make, it’s good to take a look at my notes and tips to avoid any kitchen disasters!
- Perfect Texture: Make sure your Nilla Wafers and walnuts are finely processed. This helps the mixture come together smoothly.
- Sticky Situation: If the dough is too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Flavor Boost: Try different types of rum or add a dash of vanilla extract for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Consistency Issues: If your mixture is too dry, add about ½ tablespoon of rum at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too soft, add more crushed cookies, ¼ cup at a time.
- Nuts and Sweeteners: You can substitute pecans for walnuts and honey for corn syrup. Dark corn syrup works too.
- Flat Bottoms: As the Rum Balls sit, the bottoms will flatten a bit, which actually helps keep them from rolling around when served.
- For Adults Only: Since these are not baked, the alcohol content isn’t reduced, making them a treat for those of legal drinking age in your area.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cold, dry room for up to 5 days. While you can refrigerate them, the coatings might get a bit gooey from the moisture. These treats are best enjoyed the same day they’re made.
- No Freezing: These Rum Balls don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
How to Store Leftover Rum Balls
Keep your Rum Balls in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days. If you choose to refrigerate them, be aware that the coatings might get a bit gooey from the added moisture. Unfortunately, these tasty treats don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll want to check these recipes out.
Ingredients
- 5 cups Nilla Wafers finely crushed
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup walnuts finely chopped
- ½ cup spiced rum
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make sure your cookie crumbs and finely chopped walnuts don’t have any big chunks. You want them to be similar to dry sand so they mix into your ingredients seamlessly. I pulse mine in a food processor to achieve this.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Nilla wafers, salt, and finely chopped walnuts.5 cups Nilla Wafers, 1 cup walnuts, ½ teaspoon salt
- Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the walnut mixture. Stir the walnut and Nilla wafers mixture until thoroughly combined.1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup and rum. Mix until the syrup is dissolved.2 tablespoons light corn syrup, ½ cup spiced rum
- Pour over the Nilla wafer mixture and mixture until it starts to get a thick consistency.
- Grab your rubber gloves and, without too much smashing, finish combining the mixture. It will be like cookie dough.
- Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared pan.
- Choose your toppings and place them in small bowls. Once you’re ready to coat them, re-roll the balls right before rolling them in the toppings of your choice.
- Place back on the pan and enjoy!
Notes
- Perfect Texture: Make sure your Nilla Wafers and walnuts are finely processed. This helps the mixture come together smoothly.
- Sticky Situation: If the dough is too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Flavor Boost: Try different types of rum or add a dash of vanilla extract for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Consistency Issues: If your mixture is too dry, add about ½ tablespoon of rum at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too soft, add more crushed cookies, ¼ cup at a time.
- Nuts and Sweeteners: You can substitute pecans for walnuts and honey for corn syrup. Dark corn syrup works too.
- Flat Bottoms: As the Rum Balls sit, the bottoms will flatten a bit, which actually helps keep them from rolling around when served.
- For Adults Only: Since these are not baked, the alcohol content isn’t reduced, making them a treat for those of legal drinking age in your area.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cold, dry room for up to 5 days. While you can refrigerate them, the coatings might get a bit gooey from the moisture. These treats are best enjoyed the same day they’re made.
- No Freezing: These Rum Balls don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
