Rum Balls

How to Make Perfect Rum Balls

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to bring out the festive spirit with delightful Christmas cookies. Among the classics that grace the dessert tables are the irresistible Rum Balls. These small, boozy treats are a perfect blend of cookie crumbs, cocoa powder, sugar, and, of course, the star ingredient – rum.

What are Rum Balls?

Rum Balls are bite-sized Christmas cookies that capture the essence of the season in every delightful bite. Crafted from a mixture of cookie crumbs, cocoa powder, sugar, and a generous splash of rum, these treats are a joyous addition to any holiday spread.

Ingredients:

To create the perfect Rum Balls, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 box of Vanilla Wafers (11 oz)
• 1 Cup of Cocoa powder
• 2/3 Cup of Powdered Sugar
• 2 Tbs of Rum Optional: add overnight Rum-soaked dry fruit (Raisins, Cherries)
• 1 stick of Unsalted Butter (8 Tbs)
• Toppings: Choose from cocoa powder, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or graham cracker powder.

Recipe:

Step 1: Mixing the Base

Begin by combining the cookie crumbs, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and rum in a bowl. The result should be a moist and dense mixture that’s ready to be shaped into 1-inch balls.

Step 2: Shaping

Take about 1 Tbs of the mixture and roll it into small, bite-sized balls. The size is up to your preference, but aim for uniformity for a polished presentation.

Step 3: Adding Toppings

Enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your Rum Balls by rolling them in your choice of toppings. Whether it’s the rich bitterness of cocoa powder, the sweetness of shredded coconut, the crunch of chopped nuts, or the wholesome touch of graham cracker powder, the possibilities are endless.

Step 4: Displaying in Style

Place them in small decorative paper cups. This not only adds a festive touch but also makes them easy to serve and share.

Why Rum Balls?

Rum Balls have become a favorite among Christmas cookie enthusiasts for several reasons:

1. No Waste Baking: Many bakers love this recipe for its versatility in using broken or imperfect cookies, reducing kitchen waste during the holiday season.
2. Rich and Decadent Flavor: The combination of cocoa, sugar, and rum creates a flavor profile that is both rich and decadent, making Rum Balls a standout treat.
3. Festive Presentation: The variety of toppings and the charming display in decorative cups make Rum Balls a visually appealing addition to any holiday celebration.

Conclusion:

This Christmas, elevate your dessert table with the delightful presence of Rum Balls. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just a novice in your culinary journey, this recipe is a surefire way to spread joy and indulgence during the most wonderful time of the year. Get ready to savor the magic of Christmas in every rummy bite! Make sure to check our Window Christmas cookie, Chocolate Mushroom Cookie and Mocha Circles recipes, since they complement these well. We usually make these at the same time as the Nut Rum Cups so we can use the rum-soaked raisins for both recipes.

Happy Holidays!