This traditional rum balls recipe is a tasty treat for grown-ups. This easy, no bake recipe comes together in no time and because the flavor develops even more overnight, it’s the perfect make ahead sweet. Rum balls are always a hit at holiday parties. This recipe makes 5 dozen, the perfect amount for cookie exchanges and gift-giving.
I’ll give you variations and substitutions where I can, plus helpful tips and tricks for success. Read on for this info as well as the recipe. If you’d like to skip straight to the recipe, use the jump to recipe button at the top of the post.
You may also be interested in my peanut butter whiskey balls and my gluten free rum balls recipes. For ease of browsing, you can find all of my rum ball recipes in one place.
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Do rum balls need to be refrigerated? If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry area, they do not need to be refrigerated. However, I highly recommend storing them in the fridge – they will hold together better, last longer, and taste so much better. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Rum balls recipe FAQ’s
Rum balls do not need to be refrigerated, but they should be stored in a cool area. Refrigerating will extend their shelf life.
Traditionally, bourbon balls are made with cocoa or chocolate. However, a handful of readers have made this recipe, simply substituting bourbon for rum, and they’ve had great results.
If kept in an airtight container in the fridge, they will last a few weeks.
Last year, I had mine in the refrigerator for three weeks before they were all gone and they were still perfectly fine.
For this reason, these are a great make ahead treat for the holidays. After I’ve portioned out whatever I need for cookie exchanges or gifts, I keep the rest refrigerated for friends who pop over during the holidays.
Personally, if I can feel like I’m having a drink and eating a cookie at the same time, I’m in. Therefore, my cookies definitely taste like rum.
- I don’t put cocoa powder in my rum balls, but if you want them to have just a touch of cocoa flavor, add 2 tablespoons with the powdered sugar in the dough.
- Another possibility would be to add a bit of cocoa powder to your sugar mixture and roll them in a cocoa sugar blend.
How to make rum balls
Here’s a quick summary of how to make this rum balls recipe. Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.
This traditional rum balls recipe is very easy to make. If you don’t have a food processor, place pecans and cookies in a zip-top plastic bag and break them up with a rolling pin.
- Combine vanilla wafer cookies and pecans in bowl of a food processor. Grind cookies and pecans until they look like coarse sand.
- Add rum, corn syrup and spices to bowl, then add cookie and nut mixture. Cover and refrigerate rum ball mixture.
- Scoop mixture, using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon. Portion rum balls, then roll into smooth balls.
- Toss in sugar mixture and place on parchment-lined sheet pan.
Easy Rum Balls Recipe
FAQ
How long can you keep rum balls for?
Does alcohol evaporate out of rum balls?
Why do my rum balls go flat?
What is a substitute for Nilla wafers in rum balls?
How long do rum balls last in the fridge?
The shelf life of rum balls in the fridge depends on several factors, including the ingredients used and how they are stored after preparation. Typically rum balls can last up to three weeks in the fridge if stored appropriately. To prolong the shelf life of rum balls, refrigeration is essential.
How much sugar is in rum?
Rum is made from boiled sugarcane juice, the molasses, through a process of fermentation and distillation. Fermentation will result in the transformation of existing sugars in the juice into ethyl alcohol, that way the rum does not contain sugar.
How long can rum balls be frozen?
After 2 weeks they may start to dry out and lose their flavor. To extend the shelf life of rum balls, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, it is important to note that condensation can occur when they are thawing, leading to a loss of texture and quality.
What temperature should rum balls be refrigerated?
Secondly, it is recommended to keep the rum balls at a temperature between 34°F and 40°F. This is the ideal temperature range for refrigerated baked goods, as it will slow down the growth of any bacteria or mold and help extend the shelf life of your rum balls.