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    Home » Small Cakes

    Rum Balls Recipe

    Published: Aug 31, 2020 · Modified: Sep 14, 2020 by Marcellina

    3.2K shares
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    Image with text. Text reads Boozy Rum Balls Holiday Entertaining. Image is rum balls on wooden board
    two images with text in between. Text reads "Rum Balls Traditional Aussie Recipe". Top image is close up of rum balls including one cut in half. Bottom images is rum balls on wooden board viewed from above

    This Rum Balls recipe is a great no bake treat that is quick to make and perfect for a crowd.

    This recipe is not only excellent for the holidays and gift giving but a year round, easy treat.

    Pin now to save for later

    pile of rum balls on wooden board.
    Rum Balls perfect for the holidays

    I make this Rum Balls recipe for most of our celebrations and definitely at Christmas. It's a classic Australian recipe that is easy to make, can be prepared in advanced, can be frozen for longer storage and delightful to eat!

    Like my Snowflake Cookies, Chocolate Covered Pecans and Crostoli, these boozy chocolate rum balls are always popular when I'm entertaining. Because of this, I usually like to make a double batch.

    For complete ingredient quantities and full instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card bottom of the page.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make rum balls.
    Simple store bought ingredients
    • crushed plain sweet biscuits or cookies - I use Arnott's Nice biscuits or try shortbread cookies - don't use biscuits/cookies sandwiched together with cream filling
    • sweetened condensed milk - avoid skim because it's not as thick
    • unsweetened coconut - desiccated is used in the mixture but I like to roll in shredded coconut - your choice
    • instant dry milk powder - this ingredient is not in all recipes but adds extra creaminess to the final product
    • dark rum - provided the necessary kick
    • unsweetened cocoa - for deep chocolate balls

    Instructions

    two images showing how to make rum balls
    So easy to make

    This recipe could not be more simple.

    1. mix together all ingredients and refrigerate for one hour until firm
    2. roll heaped teaspoonfuls of mixture and coat in shredded coconut

    Tips for success

    This traditional holiday recipes is almost fail proof. However there are a few tips for guaranteed success.

    • crush the biscuits/cookies finely
    • mix thoroughly so that all ingredients are well combined
    • it is essential to allow the mixture to set for one hour
    • coat balls immediately otherwise the outside of the ball will dry and the coconut won't stick

    Variations

    While this is a traditional rum balls recipe, there are many variations to make this recipe your own. Here's a few ideas.

    • add ½ teaspoon of peppermint oil or extract
    • mix in the finely grated zest of one orange
    • soak ½ cup of chopped raisins in the rum then add the whole lot to the recipe
    • use ginger flavoured biscuits/cookies
    • try bourbon, whiskey or even Bailey's Irish Cream instead of rum

    When it comes to coating the balls, the limit is just your imaginations. Try these ideas.

    • crushed or finely chopped nuts eg pecans, walnuts, almonds
    • chocolate or colored sprinkles
    • drinking chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder
    • dip in melted chocolate - white, milk or dark
    close up of coconut coated chocolate balls including one cut in half.
    An essential for holiday entertaining

    FAQ'S

    How to store?

    Store the Rum Balls in the refrigerator.

    How long will these keep?

    These should keep for at least two weeks but I find they will last even longer than that.

    Can this recipe be frozen?

    Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Allow to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated.

    How do I crush the biscuits/cookies without a food processor?

    Place the biscuits/cookies in a sturdy zip lock bag, expelling all the air and use the bottom of a glass bottle or mug to pound until finely crushed.

    Will the alcohol evaporate?

    No, this is a no bake recipe so the alcohol will remain.

    Can I make this alcohol free?

    Sure! Substituted apple juice for rum. Or orange juice combined with orange zest would be a great alternative.

    What can I substitute for the instant milk powder?

    There is no substituted but if you'd rather not use it, reduce the rum to ¼ cup and proceed with the recipe.

    Serving suggestions

    Serve cold from the refrigerator at any gathering of family and friends. They'll be gone in a flash!

    For gift giving, fill cellophane bags with balls and tie with festive ribbon. Or pack into a glass or mug before wrapping the whole thing in cellophane and ribbon.

    More recipes you will love

    Panforte with Figs and Nuts
    Chocolate Salami
    Gingerbread Cookies (Gluten free) from Plant Based Folk
    Snow Globe Cupcakes from Mad Creations Hub
    Coconut Eggnog from Recipe Library

    Made this recipe?
    Let me know if you liked it by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating and a review below. Please share a photo of your creation by tagging me on Instagram @marcellina.in.cucina!

    close up of rum balls including one cut in half

    Chocolate Rum Balls

    This chocolate Rum Balls recipe is a no bake treat that is quick to make and perfect for a crowd. This recipe is not only excellent for the holidays and gift giving but a year round, easy treat.
    5 from 29 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Setting time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
    Servings:50 rum balls
    Author: Marcellina

    Ingredients

    • 1⅓ cups (395grams/14oz) sweetened condensed milk
    • 2½ cups (250grams/8oz) crushed plain sweet biscuits/cookies
    • ½ cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
    • ½ cup dry milk powder
    • ⅓ cup dark rum
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
    • 1 cup unsweetened desiccated or shredded coconut for coating
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients well.
    • Refrigerate for one hour or until firm.
    • Take rounded teaspoons of the mixture. Form into balls and roll in shredded coconut.
    • Refrigerate until completely set. Store in the refrigerator.

    Notes

    Variations

    While this is a traditional recipe, there are many variations to make this recipe your own. Here's a few ideas.
    • add ½ teaspoon of peppermint oil or extract
    • mix in the finely grated zest of one orange
    • soak ½ cup of chopped raisins in the rum then add the whole lot to the recipe
    • use ginger flavoured biscuits/cookies
    • try bourbon, whiskey or even Bailey's Irish Cream instead of rum
    When it comes to coating the balls, the limit is just your imaginations. Try these ideas.
    • crushed or finely chopped nuts eg pecans, walnuts, almonds
    • chocolate or colored sprinkles
    • drinking chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder
    • dip in melted chocolate - white, milk or dark
    FAQ's
    How to store?
    Store the Rum Balls in the refrigerator.
    How long will these keep?
    These should keep for at least two weeks but I find they will last even longer than that.
    Can this recipe be frozen?
    Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Allow to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated.
    How do I crush the biscuits/cookies without a food processor?
    Place the biscuits/cookies in a sturdy zip lock bag, expelling all the air and use the bottom of a glass bottle or mug to pound until finely crushed.
    Will the alcohol evaporate?
    No, this is a no bake recipe so the alcohol will remain.
    Can I make this alcohol free?
    Sure! Substituted apple juice for rum. Or orange juice combined with orange zest would be a great alternative.
    What can I substitute for the instant milk powder?
    There is no substituted but if you'd rather not use it, reduce the rum to ¼ cup and proceed with the recipe.

    Nutritional Information Per Serving

    Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For accurate results, it is recommended that the nutritional information be calculated based on the ingredients and brands you use.

    Tried this recipe? I'd love to see!Mention @marcellina.in.cucina or tag #marcellinaincucina

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Balvinder

      September 07, 2020 at 12:26 am

      I love all types of bliss balls, these look lovely with shredded coconut coating.

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        September 07, 2020 at 2:58 pm

        I guess these are bliss balls, Balvinder - they're are blissful to eat, that's for certain!

        Reply
    2. Alex

      September 02, 2020 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      These are beautiful! A lovely festive sweet treat, but certainly one you can enjoy all year round. 🙂

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        September 03, 2020 at 8:25 am

        Alex, my family digs in any time of the year and always disappointed when there are no more left!

        Reply
    3. Frank Fariello

      September 01, 2020 at 10:14 pm

      Don't these sound tasty? Chocolate, coconut, rum... What's not to like? I'm filing this for reference when the holidays roll around.

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        September 02, 2020 at 3:20 pm

        Exactly, Frank! Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. angiesrecipes

      September 01, 2020 at 1:06 am

      I adore rum balls and they are a must during the holiday season. Save this for later :-))

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        September 01, 2020 at 7:17 am

        Absolutely! Not Christmas without rum balls! Thanks, Angie xx

        Reply
    5. Chef Dennis

      December 19, 2010 at 1:45 am

      I can't believe its week 12, wow...its almost Christmas. Thank you so much for all the wonderful cookies you made!
      Cheers
      Dennis

      Reply
    6. Mary

      December 15, 2010 at 11:04 pm

      I love rum balls and am always looking for a recipe. I can't wait till school's out so I can get in the kitchen!

      Reply
    7. Deeba PAB

      December 15, 2010 at 10:54 am

      What a great cookie, er ball. I love the idea, and non baked makes them super easy & fast track. YUM!!

      Reply
    8. Jacqueline

      December 14, 2010 at 1:50 pm

      I am following you back! Thanks for following me.

      All of your Christmas cookies have looked wonderful. I noticed the chocolate cherry balls last week too. Have you been able to put any aside or have they all gotten eaten? We have eaten all of ours so far! Have a wonderful Christmas.

      Reply
    9. Kris Ngoei

      December 14, 2010 at 11:14 am

      Have put up Christmas tree since the beginning of the month, so the Christmas vibe is sure strong at home. However, these rum balls would set us into the Christmas mood much sooner, such a great festive treat 🙂

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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