Holiday Coconut Rum Balls

Prep: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Holiday Coconut Rum Balls are sweet, coconut-flavored confections with a hint of rum, perfect for festive occasions or as a rich, no-bake treat. They are easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients, and appeal to those who love coconut and nutty flavors in bite-sized, indulgent desserts.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. vanilla wafers, crushed
  • 1 c. finely chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 1/3 c. sweetened flaked coconut
  • 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 c. rum
  • 1/3 c. powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, chopped nuts, and coconut.
  2. Add sweetened condensed milk and rum; mix well until thoroughly combined.
  3. Chill the mixture for 4 hours.
  4. Shape the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls, dipping hands in powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
  5. Roll the balls in powdered sugar to coat.
  6. Cover and store in the fridge.
  7. Optional: Reroll in powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a slightly different flavor, try substituting the rum with coconut extract for a non-alcoholic version. Make sure to crush the vanilla wafers finely for better texture. If you want a chocolatey twist, melt some chocolate and mix it into the batter before rolling into balls. These Holiday Coconut Rum Balls are also great for gifting during the season.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Holiday Coconut Rum Balls on a festive platter alongside other treats like Old Fashioned Walnut Balls or Hot Pizza Dip for a delightful dessert spread. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. For an extra touch, consider dusting them with colored sprinkles for a festive look.

Storage & Reheating

Store the coconut rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to three months. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture and flavor. Avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Coconut Rum Balls contains roughly 213 calories, with 2g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.

213 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 6g 8% DV
Carbs 28.4g 10% DV
Fiber 0.7g 3% DV
Sugar 22.8g 46% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 70.8mg 3% DV
Potassium 88.9mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 11.6mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 49.7mg 4% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different nuts in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds or hazelnuts based on your preference. Just ensure that the nuts are finely chopped to maintain the right texture in the rum balls. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavor and crunchiness to your liking.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

If you don't have sweetened condensed milk, you can make a substitute by simmering regular milk with sugar until it thickens, or use evaporated milk mixed with sugar. However, the texture and sweetness may vary slightly from the original recipe, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar added.

How can I make these rum balls more festive?

To make your rum balls more festive, consider adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract for enhanced flavor. You can also roll them in crushed candy canes or colored sprinkles instead of powdered sugar for a holiday twist. Presenting them in decorative wrappers can also add to their visual appeal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →