Easy No-Bake Rum Balls: Your Festive Holiday Treat

Looking for a festive boozy treat that comes together in minutes? These Easy No-Bake Rum Balls are a guaranteed holiday crowd-pleaser. They require no oven—just a quick crush-and-mix process. Rich chocolate meets a kiss of dark rum, while a coating of confectioners’ sugar gives them a snowy, wintry finish. Perfect for gifting, dessert platters, or make-ahead entertaining, these chewy, decadent bites taste like the holidays without the stress.

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Why You’ll Love These Rum Balls

No baking required — ready in minutes.
Rich, decadent flavor thanks to Biscoff, cocoa, and spiced rum.
Perfect texture: soft, chewy, and just a little boozy.
Great for gifting and holiday dessert boards.
Make-ahead friendly — flavor improves after a day in the fridge.
Freezer-friendly for long-term storage.

Ingredients

Rum Ball Mixture

1 and 1/4 cups (150g) pecans
38 Biscoff cookies (300g) or Nilla Wafers
2 Tablespoons (10g) natural or Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) spiced rum
2 Tablespoons (30ml) honey

Coating (Choose Any)

1 cup desiccated unsweetened coconut (100g)
OR
Finely chopped pecans (130g)

Notes & Substitutions

Vanilla wafers: alternatives like graham crackers, shortbread.
Corn syrup: maple syrup, honey, or golden syrup.
Rum: dark or amber for richer taste.
Non-alcoholic: rum extract or non-alcoholic rum flavor.
Extra coatings: sprinkles, melted chocolate, shredded coconut.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the crumbs:
Place the pecans and Biscoff cookies in a food processor. Process until they are finely ground into crumbs. Add the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder, then pulse a few times until fully combined.

Mix the dough:
Transfer the crumb mixture to a large bowl (do not add the liquids in the food processor). Add the spiced rum, vanilla extract, and honey. Stir with a spatula until the mixture forms a moist, sticky dough.

Rest the dough:
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so the crumbs can absorb the liquid. Meanwhile, place your chosen coatings in separate small bowls.

Shape the rum balls:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon (20g) of the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. The mixture will feel slightly wet—this is normal. Roll each ball in your preferred coating, then place it on a lined baking sheet or tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Chill:
Refrigerate the rum balls for at least 2 hours, and up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, chill them for 1 full day. If chilling for more than a few hours, cover the tray tightly.

Serve:
When serving, place each rum ball in a mini baking cup to help contain any loose coatings.

Notes & Helpful Tips

Coating Options

Unsweetened shredded coconut
Finely chopped pecans
Cocoa powder
Sprinkles
Extra Biscoff crumbs

Make-Ahead Instructions

These rum balls taste even better after resting a day in the fridge. Store in an airtight container.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nut-Free Version

Replace pecans with 12–14 extra Biscoff cookies (about 90g).

Rum Options

Spiced rum is recommended for holiday flavor, but dark or coconut rum also work wonderfully.

Pro Tips for Perfect Rum Balls

Achieving perfect consistency: If the dough feels too dry, add a touch more rum or a splash of water; if too sticky, blend in a few extra wafer crumbs.
Best rum choice: Dark or aged rum provides a deeper, richer flavor.
Enhancing boozy flavor: Let the dough rest covered for 30–60 minutes to mellow before rolling, then roll again in sugar.
Uniform size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure consistent portion sizes.
Creative coatings: Try melted chocolate, cocoa, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for variety.
Food processor efficiency: Pulse in short bursts to avoid turning wafers into dust.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Serving Suggestions

Add to holiday cookie trays
Serve with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or espresso
Wrap in treat boxes for gifting
Include on dessert boards with truffles and cookies

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: up to one week.
Refrigeration: two to three weeks.
Freezing: up to three months.
Thawing: bring to room temperature before serving.
Re-roll in sugar for a fresh finish after thawing.

Creative Variations

Alcoholic twists: Bourbon balls, brandy balls.
Flavor additions: Nuts, dried fruit, espresso powder.
Decorative coatings: Chocolate glaze, toasted coconut, edible glitter.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition per serving	Amount
Calories	70–90 kcal
Fat	4 g
Carbohydrates	9 g
Sugar	7–9 g
Protein	1 g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and depend on ball size and exact ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Rum Balls without alcohol?

Yes, you can use rum extract or non-alcoholic flavoring to mimic the taste without alcohol.

What kind of rum works best for Rum Balls?

Dark or amber rum adds depth and a richer chocolate profile that shines in every bite.

How long do Rum Balls last?

At room temperature, about a week; in the fridge, two to three weeks; in the freezer, up to three months.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Rum Balls prove that holiday baking doesn’t need to be time-consuming to be delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and no oven required, you can create festive, flavorful treats perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings. Enjoy the merry-making—and here’s to a cozy, boozy holiday season!