Rum Balls are an easy no-bake holiday treat made with crushed gingersnaps, pecans, spiced rum, cocoa, and powdered sugar. They’re rich, chocolatey, and packed with warm holiday flavor—no oven needed.
I like making these during the Christmas season because you can prepare them ahead of time and keep them chilled until you’re ready to share them. Roll them in cocoa or powdered sugar for a simple festive finish.
Why I Love Rum Balls
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Gingersnaps: Give the rum balls warm spice and texture.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bring the mixture together.
- Pecans: Add a nutty flavor and texture. Walnuts can also be used.
- Spiced Rum: Gives these treats their signature rum flavor.
- Dark Corn Syrup: Adds sweetness and helps bind the mixture.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Rum Balls
Make the Mixture: Combine the crushed gingersnaps, confectioners’ sugar, and pecans. Stir in the rum, corn syrup, and butter until well combined.
Shape: Use a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into balls and place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
Chill: Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or freeze them for later.
Coat: Roll the chilled rum balls in cocoa powder or confectioners’ sugar. For a chocolate coating, dip them in melted chocolate wafers.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Crush the gingersnaps finely so the rum balls hold together well.
- Chop the pecans very fine so you get a little in every bite.
- Chill before coating to make the rum balls easier to handle and roll.
- Use a small cookie scoop to keep the rum balls about the same size.
- Make them ahead and keep them chilled until you’re ready to coat and serve them.
Questions Readers Ask Most
Can I make Rum Balls ahead of time?
Yes. Rum balls are great for making ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to coat and serve them.
Do Rum Balls contain alcohol?
Yes. These rum balls use spiced rum and are no-bake, so the alcohol is not cooked off.
How do I store Rum Balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
More No Bake Desserts I Love
Easy No-Bake Rum Balls
Rum Balls are an easy no-bake holiday treat made with gingersnaps, pecans, cocoa, and spiced rum.
Ingredients
- 3 cups crushed ginger snaps
- 1 1/2 confectioners sugar, divided
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped very fine
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon spiced rum
- 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare a large cookie sheet with wax paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed ginger snaps, 1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar, pecans, and stir until combined.
- Add the rum, corn syrup, and butter and stir until well mixed.
- Use a small ice cream scoop and scoop out dough balls,
- and place them on a prepared pan.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for an hour, or you may freeze until an hour before serving,
- Roll the rum balls in cocoa powder or confectioners sugar.
- You may also wish to melt chocolate wafers and dip the rum balls in the chocolate.
Notes
For another coating option, dip the chilled rum balls in melted chocolate wafers. These contain alcohol since the spiced rum is not cooked.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
15Serving Size:
2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 960Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 744mgCarbohydrates: 159gFiber: 6gSugar: 76gProtein: 10g
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