Crunchy toasted pecans and chocolate wafer cookies are finely chopped in the food processor to create a richly textured base that’s perfectly balanced with just the right amount of powdered sugar and cocoa powder.The warm mixture of honey, corn syrup, and rum binds the ingredients while infusing boozy warmth, giving these bites both cohesion and flavor.Ideal for make-ahead holiday gifting or serving, this festive no-bake treat requires minimal prep time — the flavors meld overnight and the balls hold up well in the fridge.
Rum balls are a time-honored holiday treat, originally prepared by Danish bakers as a way to use up leftover cakes, cookies, and pastries. They’re enjoyed throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States; recipes vary by region, but two ingredients are standard: rum and chocolate. Our modern version of these truffle-like confections calls for store-bought chocolate wafer cookies, though you can certainly make your own if you wish.
How boozy are rum balls?
This recipe calls for three ounces of rum to make 32 rum balls, or approximately two shots for the entire batch. That averages out to just over a teaspoon of rum per ball. The flavor of the rum does shine through, so be sure to choose a bottle that you like enough to drink.
The finishing touch
Though we finish our rum balls with a coating of powdered sugar, you can change up the look and flavor by rolling them in cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts or coconut, extra cookie crumbs, or sprinkles instead.
Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
When processing the nuts and cookies, leave a little texture — a fine meal rather than flour — to help the balls hold their shape and not turn mushy.
Feel free to swap out the light rum with dark or spiced rum for a richer, more complex flavor.
Once you’ve combined all the ingredients, the mixture should be firm and supple. If it’s too loose, add extra powdered sugar or cookie crumbs; if it’s too dry, a bit more rum, honey, or corn syrup should do the trick. Refrigerate briefly for easier scooping and rolling into uniform balls.
Dining and Cooking