Rum Or Bourbon Balls

Prep: 20 min Serves: 30

Rum or bourbon balls are rich, bite-sized confections with a tender, fudgy interior infused with warm spirits. Coated in sweet confectioners sugar, they offer a delightful combination of chocolate, nuts, and alcohol flavor, making them perfect for parties, gift-giving, or indulgent treats for adults who enjoy a boozy kick.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. vanilla wafers
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 Tbsp. cocoa
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup rum or bourbon
  • confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. Crush vanilla wafers finely.
  2. Mix crushed wafers with chopped nuts, cocoa, light corn syrup, and rum or bourbon until the mixture forms a soft paste.
  3. Dust the palms of your hands with confectioners sugar.
  4. Shape the paste into balls about the size of a walnut.
  5. Set aside for one hour.
  6. Roll the balls in confectioners sugar.
  7. Store in an airtight container.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark rum instead of light rum or bourbon. If you want to make these balls less sweet, reduce the corn syrup slightly. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty taste. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought cookie crumbs instead of crushing vanilla wafers.

Serving Suggestions

These rum or bourbon balls make a delightful treat during the holidays and pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For a festive presentation, consider serving them on a platter alongside other treats like Holiday Essence. They can also be given as gifts in decorative tins for friends and family.

Storage & Reheating

Store the rum or bourbon balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which will also enhance their flavor. If you prefer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Rum Or Bourbon Balls contains roughly 86 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

86 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 14.3g 5% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 8.9g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 32mg 1% DV
Potassium 115.3mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 4.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.7mcg
Calcium 9.2mg 1% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 gluten-free vanilla wafers for this recipe?

Absolutely! There are many gluten-free options available for vanilla wafers. Just ensure that you choose a brand that uses gluten-free ingredients. The flavor and texture should remain similar, allowing you to enjoy this treat without gluten.

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).

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