Festive & Easy Boozy Rum Balls Recipe

Rum balls are a holiday classic, and even better, they are one of the easiest holiday treats you can make! My no bake recipe starts with Biscoff cookies, giving them lots of cozy flavor.

This Homemade English Toffee is another of my favorite holiday recipes. Everyone loves these Copycat Chunky Candy Bars too!

Festive Holiday Treats for Adults

While there’s no reason you can’t make rum balls year-round, they’re best known for popping up in tins of Christmas cookies. Let’s be honest, there’s really no better way to get a party started than with a rum-soaked confection!

These bite-sized treats are made from a mixture of crumbled cookies (or sometimes chocolate cake), sugar, nuts, and a generous splash of rum, which adds a rich, distinctive flavor.

There are a lot of variations too. Every family has their own take on what a rum ball should be, whether that’s rolling them in sprinkles or adding cocoa powder. 

Here’s why these rum balls are a must-make recipe for the holidays:

• Rum balls require no baking and not all that many ingredients, which means they are one of the easiest holiday treats you can make. I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the hunt for easy holiday recipes!
• Customize the basic rum ball formula to make this recipe your own. Swap out different types of cookies, use different coatings for rolling, or add nuts and dried fruits to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Rum balls last up to two weeks, so they’re fantastic for making ahead of time and keeping on hand until your holiday parties. 
• With their cozy flavor and that irresistible spiced rum, these sweet treats are always a hit at parties and gatherings. Their small, bite-sized form also makes them easy to serve and eat!

Important Ingredient Notes

The full ingredient list is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here are some highlights.

• Biscoff cookie crumbs – Nilla wafers or gingersnaps also work if you’d like to try a different version of boozy rum balls. Graham crackers can also be used.
• Pecans – Some for the rum balls themselves and some for the topping. Since you’ll be chopping them anyway, you can buy pecan pieces, which are less expensive. For a nut free version,
• Honey – My sweetener of choice for rum balls, but maple syrup and agave nectar also work.
• Powdered Sugar – also referred to as confectioners’ sugar. This sweetens the rum balls!
• Spiced rum – I use Captain Morgan. Dark rum or Malibu coconut rum are delicious too! Not a fan of rum? Use Kahlua or Baileys to make boozy rum balls. Make bourbon balls by swapping out the rum for your favorite bourbon.
• Shredded coconut – You can use sweetened or unsweetened. 

How to Make Rum Balls

Make the Crumbs.

• Using a food processor or rolling pin, process the cookies until it creates a fine crumb.

Make the Base:

• Add the cookie crumbs, pecans, powdered sugar, honey, and spiced rum to a mixing bowl.
• In a large bowl, stir the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until everything is incorporated.

Rest: Let the rum ball mixture sit for 15 minutes; this allows the cookie crumbs to absorb the liquid, making it easier to shape balls.

Form the Balls:

• Portion the rum ball mixture into 1-Tablespoon balls (this makes 1-inch balls). Roll them between your hands so they’re round and compacted, then roll them in your topping of choice.
• Place the finished rum balls in a mini muffin liner. Once all the balls are done, refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve on a cookie tray. 

How to Store Rum Balls

• Store rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Rum balls can be served at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
• Freeze rum balls in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips and Tricks

• Coat your hands lightly with nonstick spray or wear food prep gloves when rolling the balls to prevent sticking.
• For another festive option, dip rum balls in melted chocolate (milk chocolare or white chocolate) to make chocolate rum balls!
• To get 2 cups of Biscoff crumbs, you’ll need an 8.8 ounce package of Biscoff cookies. Place them in your food processor and process until fine crumbs form. 
• Change the base of the cookie by swapping out the biscoff crumbs for graham cracker crumbs. Or use vanilla wafer cookies, ginger snaps, or even oreos to make a different version of traditional rum balls.
• You can adjust the texture of these rum balls if you’d like. As written, they have some crunch from the pecans, but you can add the pecans to the food processor with the cookies for a smoother texture.
• If, after letting the mixture sit for 15 minutes, it feels dry or crumbly, add a bit more rum. Sometimes if the air is dry in your home, as it can be in the winter, you need a touch more liquid.
• Keep them booze free and use orange juice or apple juice in place of the rum. It will give them a very different flavor, but they will still be delicious. You can add a teaspoon of rum extract to create that hint of rum flavor!

More Homemade Treats {Boozy}

• Baileys Brownies
• Butter Rum Fudge
• Tiramisu Dessert
• Amaretto Almond White Cake
• Bailey’s Cheesecake Recipe
• Irish Cream Fudge