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5 from 1 vote

Traditional Boozy Rum Balls With Vanilla Wafers

There are a few classic treats that are staples for the holidays and these Traditional Boozy Rum Balls With Vanilla Wafers are a must for your cookie platter during the holiday season! These are a little sweet and chocolaty with the perfect boozy rum flavor!
Prep Time35 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: traditional rum balls, rum balls, rum balls recipe, easy rum balls recipe, how to make rum balls
Servings: 35
Author: Bobbie Blue

Equipment

  • food processor (see notes)

Ingredients

  • 3 cups 3 cups crushed vanilla wafers
  • 1 and ½ cups toasted pecans, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
  • 1 cup powdered sugar plus more for coating
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder plus more for coating
  • ½ cup dark rum

Coatings- Your Choice

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F. Place pecans on a rimmed baking tray and toast for 5-10 minutes or until fragrant being cautious to not burn. Pecans can also be toasted in a dry skillet on the stove top over medium heat. (Toasting the pecans is optional but I highly recommend it)!
  • While the pecans are cooling, pulse the vanilla wafers in a food processor into fine crumbs. See notes if you do not have a food processor.
  • Remove the vanilla wafers from the food processor and add the pecans and pulse into fine crumbs. Do not over processor you will end up with nut butter.
  • Add the vanilla wafers back into the food processor with the pecans. Add the 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoon cocoa powder, corn syrup and rum. Pulse until combined.
  • Check the mixture and squeeze it. You should be able to form a ball but if it seems to crumbly add another tablespoon of rum or water to the mixture.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the rum balls and roll into a ball with your hands. Then roll in the desired coating ingredients.
  • I rolled mine in the powdered sugar and then rolled again to get them really coated. Once I did that second coat they looked perfect even after 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

Making Rum Balls Without Food Processor

It is possible to make these without a food processor, it will just take a little longer and require a little more elbow grease!  You can add the wafers and the pecans to a Ziplock bag and crush with a meat mallet or rolling pin.  You can also chop the nuts with a knife. 

Storage

Rum balls are the perfect treat to make ahead because they actually get better when they are stored in the refrigerator for at least a few days. I actually like to mention this because it can be tempting to add more rum, thinking the flavor isn't there when you first make them, but after a couple days you will definitely get a good strong rummy flavor.
Store the rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This is the perfect treat to have on hand when unexpected guests may pop over for the holidays! I've read many people store them in a cold place in their house other than the fridge, but living in Florida that doesn't exist when we can still have 80 degree days. So I keep mine in the fridge just to be safe!
Rum balls can also be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer bag. To thaw remove the rum balls and place in the refrigerator to thaw.