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Holiday Rum Balls

Name: Holiday Rum Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/4 cup baking cocoa; 1 package (12 ounces) vanilla wafers, finely crushed; 1 cup finely chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1/4 cup rum; Additional confectioners' sugar

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Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

about 2-1/2 dozen

Updated: Dec. 03, 2022

I make these rum balls for special occasions with my wonderful family and friends. The treats are so easy to make and pack a festive punch. — Diane Duschanek, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Ingredients

2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 package (12 ounces) vanilla wafers, finely crushed
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup rum
Additional confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, mix confectioners' sugar and cocoa until blended. Add crushed wafers and walnuts; toss to combine. In another bowl, mix corn syrup and rum; stir into wafer mixture.
Shape into 1-in. balls. Roll in additional confectioners' sugar. Store in an airtight container.

Rum Balls Tips

What kind of rum should you use to make rum balls?

Most recipes call for some kind of spiced or dark rum, which will give the rum balls warmth and depth of flavor. No matter what kind of rum you choose, though, make sure you love the flavor because it will shine through in every bite. Need a recommendation? Our Test Kitchen tested different Jamaican rum brands.

How can you make rum balls your own?

Although rolling rum balls in additional confectioners' sugar is definitely delicious, one easy way to make them your own is by switching up the coating. Some other toppings options include shredded coconut, cocoa powder, sprinkles or crushed nuts.

Can you make rum balls ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, rum balls are better when made a day or two ahead. They'll last for a few weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If you like rum balls, you're sure to like other rum-flavored desserts such as Spiced Rum and Pear Cake, Spiced Eggnog Rum Cookies and Spiced Nut Rum Brittle.

—Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Associate Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 ball: 125 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.