Grandma’s Rum Balls are a nostalgic, no-bake treat that brings back memories of holiday celebrations and family gatherings. These rich and indulgent bites are made with a delightful combination of chocolate, rum, and crushed cookies, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Perfection: This recipe is entirely no-bake, making it quick and hassle-free to prepare.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the amount of rum or experiment with different coatings for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Gifting: These rum balls are a beautiful addition to holiday treat boxes or dessert platters.
- Long Shelf Life: They taste even better after a day or two, making them an excellent make-ahead option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crushed cookies or graham crackers
- Cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar
- Dark or light rum
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Optional coatings: shredded coconut, sprinkles, powdered sugar, or finely chopped nuts
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.
- Add the rum and sweetened condensed milk to the dry ingredients, mixing well until a sticky dough forms.
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat each ball in your choice of shredded coconut, sprinkles, powdered sugar, or finely chopped nuts.
- Arrange the rum balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the balls to firm up.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 rum balls, depending on their size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
Variations
- Booze-Free Version: Replace the rum with orange juice or milk for a non-alcoholic alternative.
- Different Coatings: Experiment with white chocolate drizzle, crushed peppermint candies, or even crushed cookies as coatings.
- Flavored Rums: Use spiced rum, coconut rum, or a flavored liqueur for a unique taste.
- Nutty Additions: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the mixture for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze rum balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make rum balls without alcohol?
Yes, substitute rum with orange juice, apple juice, or milk for a non-alcoholic version.
2. How far in advance can I prepare rum balls?
Rum balls can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. Can I use gluten-free cookies?
Absolutely! Substitute regular cookies with gluten-free ones for a gluten-free version.
4. What’s the best type of rum to use?
Dark rum or spiced rum adds a rich flavor, but you can use light rum for a milder taste.
5. Are rum balls safe for children?
Traditional rum balls contain alcohol, so they are not recommended for children. Opt for a non-alcoholic version if needed.
6. Can I skip the sweetened condensed milk?
No, sweetened condensed milk acts as a binder and adds sweetness to the recipe.
7. How can I make rum balls less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly and use unsweetened cocoa powder.
8. Why are my rum balls too sticky to roll?
Chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes before rolling or add more crushed cookies to adjust the consistency.
9. What’s the best way to crush cookies?
Use a food processor or place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up for larger batches.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Rum Balls are a timeless treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from festive holidays to cozy weekends. Their rich chocolate flavor, complemented by the warmth of rum, makes them an irresistible indulgence. Try this simple recipe and share the joy with family and friends!
Print
Grandma’s Rum Balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 rum balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Rum Balls are a classic no-bake treat, perfect for the holiday season. These rich, bite-sized confections combine crushed vanilla wafers, cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, and a generous splash of rum, all rolled into sweet, boozy morsels. They’re easy to prepare and make delightful homemade gifts or party treats.
Ingredients
- 5 cups vanilla wafers, finely crushed
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup spiced rum
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Coatings:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the finely crushed vanilla wafers, finely chopped nuts, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup and spiced rum until thoroughly mixed.
- Form the Dough: Pour the rum mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and holds together like cookie dough. If necessary, knead the mixture with your hands to ensure thorough mixing.
- Shape the Balls: Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the mixture and roll it between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Coat the Rum Balls: Place the optional coatings (powdered sugar and/or cocoa powder) in separate small bowls. Roll each rum ball in the desired coating until fully covered. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet.
- Set and Store: Allow the rum balls to sit at room temperature for a few hours to firm up. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- Texture: Ensure that both the vanilla wafer crumbs and chopped nuts are finely processed to achieve a smooth, cohesive mixture. A food processor can be helpful for this task.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cookies or nuts. For instance, graham crackers or shortbread cookies can replace vanilla wafers, and pecans can substitute for walnuts.
- Alcohol-Free Version: For a non-alcoholic alternative, substitute the rum with orange juice or apple cider, and add a teaspoon of rum or vanilla extract to maintain flavor.
- Storage: Avoid refrigerating the rum balls, as this can cause them to become mushy. If you wish to store them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight.
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