Rum balls are a delicious and festive treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. These bite-sized balls of chocolatey, boozy goodness are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of crafting the perfect rum balls. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible treats!
What are Rum Balls?
Rum balls are a no-bake dessert typically made with crushed cookies, chocolate, and rum, shaped into balls, and coated in sprinkles, chopped nuts, or cocoa powder. The origins of rum balls can be traced back to Europe, where they were traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. Today, rum balls are popular worldwide and are enjoyed year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (14.3 ounces) Oreo cookies (or any other chocolate sandwich cookies)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup rum (dark rum is recommended)
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup sprinkles, for rolling (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Shallow dish for rolling
How To Make Rum Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Pulse the Cookies
Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. You can also crush the cookies by hand in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin, but a food processor makes this step much quicker.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cocoa powder and rum, and mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Crumbs and Nuts (Optional)
Gradually add the crushed cookies to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. If you’re using nuts, stir them in at this point.
Step 4: Shape the Dough into Balls
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If the dough is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.
Step 5: Roll in Sprinkles or Nuts (Optional)
Pour the sprinkles or chopped nuts into a shallow dish. Roll each rum ball in the sprinkles or nuts until evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Place the rum balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips for the Best Rum Balls:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of the chocolate will shine through in the final product, so using high-quality chocolate like Guittard or Ghirardelli will result in a richer, more decadent rum ball.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will result in tough rum balls. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Experiment with different coatings: Get creative with the coatings! You can use chopped nuts, sprinkles, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or even melted chocolate.
- Make them ahead of time: Rum balls can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
FAQs About Making Rum Balls:
Q: Can I make rum balls without alcohol?
A: Yes, you can omit the rum or substitute it with an equal amount of orange juice or strong brewed coffee.
Q: How long do rum balls last?
A: Rum balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie?
A: Absolutely! You can use any type of cookie you like, such as graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even gingersnaps.
Rum Balls Ingredients
Rolling Rum Balls
These rum balls are sure to become a holiday favorite! Their rich chocolate flavor, boozy kick, and satisfying crunch make them the perfect treat to share with loved ones. And with their easy no-bake preparation, they’re a breeze to whip up, even for beginner bakers. If you’re looking for more festive treats, check out our recipes for snowball cookies or peanut butter chocolate thumbprint cookies. Happy baking!
