Name: Holiday Rum Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers; 1 cup finely chopped walnuts; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (plus extra for coating); 2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa; 3 tablespoons light corn syrup; 1/4 cup dark rum (or substitute with apple juice); Tools and Equipment; Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing wafers); Mixing bowl; Measuring cups and spoons; Spoon or cookie scoop; Wax paper or parchment paper; Airtight container (for storing)

Holiday Rum Balls

When the holidays come around, I love finding simple yet delightful treats that bring joy to our table and smiles to my family’s faces. These Holiday Rum Balls have become a staple in our home, and they’re a huge hit every year! I first made these when I was looking for an easy, no-bake dessert that still felt festive and fancy. After one bite, my kids were giggling at the powdered sugar-covered “snowball” appearance, while my husband’s eyes lit up at the deep cocoa flavor mixed with just a hint of rum.

The best part? These little treats look impressive, taste indulgent, and can be whipped up in no time — ideal for a busy mom who still wants to create magic in the kitchen! There’s something about the mix of rich cocoa, crunchy walnuts, and the smooth warmth of rum that feels both nostalgic and comforting. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and share at parties, potlucks, or simply with a cup of coffee after dinner.

Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a holiday tradition in your home too. Whether you’re making a batch for gifting or a sweet treat for your own family, these rum balls are a simple joy that makes the season feel extra special. Let’s get rolling and bring some sweetness to your holidays!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

Can I make these without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rum with an equal amount of apple juice or orange juice for a kid-friendly version.

How long do these rum balls stay fresh?
They keep well for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. In fact, they get better after a couple of days as the flavors meld together!

Can I freeze rum balls?
Yes, you can! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Do I have to use walnuts?
Not at all! You can swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts — whatever your family prefers.

What You Need to Make Holiday Rum Balls:

Ingredients

2 cups crushed vanilla wafers

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

1 cup confectioners’ sugar (plus extra for coating)

2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa

3 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/4 cup dark rum (or substitute with apple juice)

Tools and Equipment

Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing wafers)

Mixing bowl

Measuring cups and spoons

Spoon or cookie scoop

Wax paper or parchment paper

Airtight container (for storing)

How to Make Holiday Rum Balls:

Crush the Wafers: Using a food processor or a rolling pin, crush the vanilla wafers until they’re fine crumbs. Place them in a mixing bowl.

Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the chopped walnuts, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, and baking cocoa to the bowl. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the corn syrup and rum until the mixture is moist and holds together.

Shape the Balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

Coat with Sugar: Roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar to give them a snowy finish.

Set and Store: Place the rum balls on a tray lined with wax paper. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container.

Tips:

Chill the Dough: If the mixture feels too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls.

Add Extra Flavor: A teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor.

Perfect for Gifting: Package these in decorative tins or bags for a delightful homemade holiday gift.

Double the Batch: These are so good, you’ll want to double the recipe — they disappear fast!

Latest Reviews:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These rum balls were a hit at my holiday party! Everyone kept asking for the recipe.” — Jessica T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved how easy these were to make! Next time, I’ll try them with pecans.” — Megan W.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for a quick holiday treat! The rum flavor is just right.” — Rachel H.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tasty, but I prefer a stronger rum flavor. I might add a little more next time!” — Anna S.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My kids loved the non-alcoholic version. Such a fun and easy recipe!” — Kelly P.

Printable Recipe:

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