Spiced Rum Balls

Highlighted under: Family Baking Recipes

These delightful Spiced Rum Balls are the perfect treat for any gathering, offering a rich blend of flavors that will please your palate.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-03T19:02:27.111Z

Spiced Rum Balls are a festive treat that encapsulate the essence of holiday gatherings. These no-bake delights are made with a combination of crushed cookies, cocoa powder, and spiced rum, rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in powdered sugar or cocoa. Perfect for sharing during the holidays, they bring a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth that everyone will love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, spiced flavor that warms your soul
  • No baking required, quick and easy to prepare
  • Perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet gift

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Spiced Rum Balls are an excellent addition to any gathering, whether it’s a festive holiday party or a cozy get-together with friends. Their rich, spiced flavor profile makes them a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. The combination of vanilla wafers, cocoa, and spiced rum creates a unique taste that sets them apart from traditional desserts.

These rum balls also serve as a versatile dessert option. They can be enjoyed as a sweet indulgence after dinner or presented as an impressive gift for friends and family. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to share, allowing your guests to savor a little sweetness without overindulging.

No Baking Needed

One of the best aspects of making Spiced Rum Balls is that there’s no baking involved! This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to whip up a delicious treat quickly without the hassle of preheating the oven or managing multiple baking sheets. All you need is a mixing bowl and a refrigerator to chill the balls.

The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Even if you’re not particularly experienced in the kitchen, you can create these delightful confections with ease. Just mix, roll, and coat—it's that straightforward!

Customizable and Fun

Another fantastic feature of Spiced Rum Balls is their adaptability. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, you can substitute the nuts for seeds or even add in some dried fruits for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.

Experimenting with different coatings can also elevate your rum balls. Instead of the classic powdered sugar and cocoa powder mix, try using shredded coconut, crushed candy canes, or even finely chopped chocolate for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, and that’s part of the fun of making these delightful treats!

Ingredients

For the Rum Balls

  • 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup spiced rum
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Coating

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder

Instructions

Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, spiced rum, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined.

Form Balls

Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Coat the Balls

Roll the rum balls in a mixture of powdered sugar and cocoa powder until fully coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Chill

Refrigerate the rum balls for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up and the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your delicious Spiced Rum Balls!

Storing Your Rum Balls

To ensure that your Spiced Rum Balls maintain their delightful flavor and texture, proper storage is crucial. After chilling, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead dessert option for busy holiday seasons.

If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing the rum balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Spiced Rum Balls, presentation can enhance the overall experience. Arrange them on a decorative platter, perhaps garnished with some fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a festive touch. You can also pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, as the warmth complements the spiced flavors beautifully.

For a more creative serving suggestion, consider placing the rum balls in mini cupcake liners for individual servings. This not only makes them easy to grab but also adds an elegant touch to your dessert table, making them perfect for holiday parties or special occasions.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the spiced rum with whiskey or bourbon for a different flavor profile.

→ How long do these rum balls last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last for up to 2 weeks.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a few days in advance and store them in the fridge.

→ Are these suitable for kids?

Due to the alcohol content, they are not recommended for children, but you can make a non-alcoholic version using rum flavoring.

Spiced Rum Balls

These delightful Spiced Rum Balls are the perfect treat for any gathering, offering a rich blend of flavors that will please your palate.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Family Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 balls

What You'll Need

For the Rum Balls

  1. 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
  2. 1 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1/4 cup spiced rum
  5. 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  8. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Coating

  1. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  2. 1/2 cup cocoa powder

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, spiced rum, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined.

Step 02

Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 03

Roll the rum balls in a mixture of powdered sugar and cocoa powder until fully coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 04

Refrigerate the rum balls for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up and the flavors to meld.

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