Spiced Rum Balls

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in these delightful Spiced Rum Balls, perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-03T17:22:28.285Z

These Spiced Rum Balls are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of holiday celebrations and festive gatherings. The rich flavors of spiced rum combined with the sweetness of chocolate make them irresistible!

Why You'll Love These Spiced Rum Balls

  • Rich and aromatic rum flavor with a hint of spices
  • No baking required, making them super easy to prepare
  • Perfectly sweet and slightly chewy texture

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Spiced Rum Balls are a versatile treat that can elevate any gathering, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers. Their rich flavor profile brings a touch of warmth and festivity, making them a hit among guests of all ages. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert after a hearty meal or offering them as a sweet snack during a cocktail hour, these rum balls are sure to impress.

The beauty of these treats lies in their simplicity. With no baking involved, they come together quickly, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of your friends and family. Just a few simple ingredients create a delightful dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent, ensuring you can whip them up even on short notice.

A Flavorful Experience

The combination of dark spiced rum, cocoa, and nuts creates a multi-layered flavor experience that delights the palate. Each bite is a journey through rich chocolate notes complemented by the warmth of spices, making it a unique treat that stands out from typical desserts. For those who appreciate gourmet flavors, Spiced Rum Balls offer a homemade touch that feels luxurious without the fuss.

Customizing these rum balls is also part of the fun! You can experiment with different nuts or even add a dash of your favorite spices to enhance the flavor further. This flexibility allows you to make a batch that reflects your personal taste or the preferences of your guests, ensuring that every plate is a crowd-pleaser.

Storing and Serving Tips

To keep your Spiced Rum Balls fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They actually improve in taste after a day or two as the flavors meld together. This makes them an excellent option for preparing ahead of time; simply make a batch a few days before your event and let them chill until ready to serve.

When it comes time to serve, consider pairing these rum balls with a warm beverage, like coffee or spiced cider, for a comforting experience. They also make for a great addition to gift boxes or holiday platters, allowing you to share a bit of homemade joy with friends and family. Their eye-catching appearance and rich taste will make them a standout item in any dessert spread.

Ingredients

For the Rum Balls

  • 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/4 cup dark spiced rum
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Make sure to use high-quality rum for the best flavor.

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and chopped nuts. Mix well.

Add Liquids

Pour in the spiced rum and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and form a sticky dough.

Form Balls

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in additional powdered sugar to coat.

Chill

Place the rum balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure the vanilla wafers are finely crushed. This will help the ingredients bind together better and create a smoother texture. A food processor works great for this task, saving you time and effort while ensuring a consistent crumb size.

When rolling the rum balls, dampening your hands slightly can prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. This makes the process easier and helps you achieve perfectly shaped balls that are beautifully coated in powdered sugar.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different types of rum! While dark spiced rum is traditional, using coconut rum or even a flavored rum can add a unique twist to the flavor profile. Each variation brings its own character to the rum balls, allowing for endless creativity in the kitchen.

If you want to make these rum balls even more festive, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur or almond extract for an extra depth of flavor. You can also roll them in cocoa powder, chopped coconut, or crushed candy canes for a fun and colorful finish.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute with bourbon or whiskey if you prefer.

→ How long do these rum balls last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

→ Can I make these rum balls without nuts?

Absolutely! Just omit the nuts and add a little more crushed wafers instead.

→ Is it possible to make them non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can replace the rum with a mixture of vanilla extract and a bit of water for flavor.

Spiced Rum Balls

Indulge in these delightful Spiced Rum Balls, perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 balls

What You'll Need

For the Rum Balls

  1. 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
  2. 1 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  4. 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  5. 1/4 cup dark spiced rum
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. Additional powdered sugar for rolling

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and chopped nuts. Mix well.

Step 02

Pour in the spiced rum and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and form a sticky dough.

Step 03

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in additional powdered sugar to coat.

Step 04

Place the rum balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g