Spiced Rum Balls

Highlighted under: Sweet Bakes

Delightfully rich and flavorful, these Spiced Rum Balls are a festive treat perfect for any celebration.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-03T18:18:27.960Z

These Spiced Rum Balls are a delightful combination of flavors that make them a favorite during the holiday season. With a rich blend of spices and a touch of rum, they are sure to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and spiced flavor that warms the soul
  • No baking required, making them easy to prepare
  • Perfect for gifting or sharing at parties

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Spiced Rum Balls are a quintessential holiday treat that captures the essence of festive gatherings. Their rich, sweet, and spiced flavor makes them irresistible, and they evoke memories of cozy evenings spent with loved ones. These delightful bites are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavors that bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

Ideal for holiday parties, these rum balls offer a unique twist on traditional sweets. They stand out on dessert tables, enticing guests with their luxurious appearance and inviting aroma. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or shared with friends, Spiced Rum Balls are sure to be a hit, making them a must-have during the festive season.

Easy and Fun to Make

One of the best things about Spiced Rum Balls is how easy they are to make. With no baking required, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Simply mix the ingredients, form the mixture into balls, and let them chill in the refrigerator. This simplicity allows you to enjoy the process without the stress of complicated baking techniques.

Additionally, making these rum balls can be a fun activity to do with family and friends. Gather your loved ones and turn the preparation into a festive event, complete with music and laughter. This collaborative approach not only makes the time spent in the kitchen enjoyable but also creates lasting memories to cherish.

Versatile and Customizable

Spiced Rum Balls are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to your taste. While the classic recipe calls for walnuts or pecans, feel free to experiment with different nuts or even dried fruits to add a unique twist. You can also adjust the spices to suit your preferences, making these treats truly your own.

Furthermore, these rum balls are perfect for gifting. Package them in decorative boxes or jars, and they become a thoughtful, homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate. The fact that they improve in flavor as they sit makes them ideal for making ahead of time, ensuring that you’ll have delicious treats ready for sharing at a moment’s notice.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Spiced Rum Balls.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup dark rum
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup additional powdered sugar for rolling

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to create these delightful treats!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Spiced Rum Balls.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, dark rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

Form the Balls

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

Roll in Sugar

Roll each ball in the additional powdered sugar until well coated.

Chill

Place the rum balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Once chilled, your Spiced Rum Balls are ready to be enjoyed!

Storage Tips

To keep your Spiced Rum Balls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to two weeks, but their flavors will deepen over time, making them even more delicious. Just remember to roll them in powdered sugar again before serving, as this will help restore their beautiful appearance.

If you plan to make them ahead of time for a special occasion, they freeze well too! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper. Thaw them in the refrigerator a day before you plan to serve them, and they will taste just as fresh as the day you made them.

Serving Suggestions

Spiced Rum Balls are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with various accompaniments to elevate your dessert spread. Consider serving them alongside a hot cup of spiced cider or a rich coffee blend for a cozy pairing. Their chocolatey and spiced flavor profile complements these beverages beautifully.

For an elegant presentation, arrange your rum balls on a festive platter with seasonal fruits like pomegranates and oranges. This adds a pop of color and freshness, creating a visually appealing dessert table that is sure to impress your guests during holiday celebrations.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these rum balls ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What type of rum should I use?

Dark rum works best for a richer flavor, but you can use light rum if preferred.

→ Can I substitute the nuts?

Absolutely! You can use any type of finely chopped nuts or even leave them out for a nut-free version.

→ How should I store the spiced rum balls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Spiced Rum Balls

Delightfully rich and flavorful, these Spiced Rum Balls are a festive treat perfect for any celebration.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Sweet Bakes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 balls

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
  2. 1 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  4. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  5. 1/4 cup dark rum
  6. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  7. 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  8. 1/4 cup additional powdered sugar for rolling

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix together the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, dark rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Roll each ball in the additional powdered sugar until well coated.

Step 04

Place the rum balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g