Spiced Rum Balls

Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Spiced Rum Balls, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet treats.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-03T18:10:27.483Z

These Spiced Rum Balls are a delightful treat that encapsulates the flavors of the holiday season. With a perfect blend of spices and the warmth of rum, they're sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich blend of spices that evoke holiday cheer
  • Easy no-bake preparation for quick enjoyment
  • Perfectly sweet with a hint of rum for adult indulgence

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Spiced Rum Balls are not just a dessert; they embody the essence of holiday cheer. Each bite is a delightful blend of spices, sweetness, and a hint of warmth from the rum, making them a festive favorite. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these rum balls add a touch of joy to any occasion.

What sets these treats apart is their no-bake nature, allowing for quick preparation without the need for complicated baking techniques. This means you can whip up a batch in no time, leaving you with more moments to spend with your loved ones. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

A Festive Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of Spiced Rum Balls is truly festive, featuring a rich combination of ground cinnamon and nutmeg that evokes the warmth of holiday spices. These ingredients not only enhance the taste but also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as you prepare them. The addition of finely chopped nuts provides a delightful crunch, creating a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the smoothness of the rum.

The use of spiced rum in this recipe not only adds depth of flavor but also elevates the treat into a sophisticated indulgence. It’s a perfect dessert for adult gatherings, making it an excellent choice for holiday parties or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Tips for Perfecting Your Rum Balls

To ensure your Spiced Rum Balls come out perfectly every time, use high-quality spiced rum. The flavor of the rum is crucial, as it infuses the balls with warmth and character. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or even add a dash of your favorite liqueur for a unique twist that reflects your personal taste.

When rolling the balls in powdered sugar, do this just before serving if possible. This will keep them looking fresh and prevent the sugar from absorbing moisture over time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can be enjoyed for days, allowing the flavors to deepen even further.

Ingredients

For the Rum Balls

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

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best blending.

Instructions

Mix Ingredients

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

Form Balls

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Coat in Sugar

Roll each ball in additional powdered sugar until evenly coated.

Chill

Place the rum balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Enjoy these spiced rum balls chilled for the best flavor experience.

Storage and Shelf Life

Storing your Spiced Rum Balls properly is key to maintaining their flavor and texture. Once they are fully chilled and set, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for the holidays. Just remember to allow them a few minutes at room temperature before serving for the best taste.

If you want to extend their shelf life even further, you can freeze them. Place the rum balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, ensuring that you always have a festive treat on hand.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your Spiced Rum Balls to suit your taste preferences! Consider adding dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, for an additional layer of flavor and texture. You might also experiment with different spices, such as ginger or allspice, to give your rum balls a unique twist.

For a chocolate lover's indulgence, try incorporating chocolate chips into the mixture or rolling the rum balls in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut instead of powdered sugar. These variations not only enhance the visual appeal of your treats but also allow you to cater to different palates at your holiday gatherings.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these rum balls ahead of time?

Yes! These rum balls can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute spiced rum with bourbon or whiskey for a different flavor.

→ How should I store the rum balls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

→ Are these rum balls suitable for kids?

These rum balls contain alcohol, but they can be made alcohol-free by substituting the rum with a non-alcoholic alternative.

Spiced Rum Balls

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Spiced Rum Balls, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet treats.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Sweet Recipes

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 24 balls

What You'll Need

For the Rum Balls

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 03

Roll each ball in additional powdered sugar until evenly coated.

Step 04

Place the rum balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 4g