Festive Eggnog Rum Balls Recipe: Holiday Joy in Each Bite

Holiday parties sparkle with these decadent rum balls that blend festive cheer and nostalgic flavors.

Seasonal baking brings unexpected delights to cookie platters and gift boxes.

Creamy eggnog whispers sweet memories of winter celebrations and cozy gatherings.

Rich rum-soaked crumbs promise a delightful adult treat that tingles taste buds.

Traditional cookie recipes get a playful upgrade with this boozy confection.

Compact and intensely flavored, these rum balls deliver a punch of seasonal spirit.

Each bite connects you to cherished moments of joy and celebration.

Join me in crafting these irresistible no-bake delights that will make your holiday gathering unforgettable.

Tips for Rolling and Storing Rum Balls

• Master Crushing Technique: Use a food processor or rolling pin to transform vanilla wafers into fine, even crumbs for the perfect texture in every bite.
• Adjust Moisture Wisely: Add extra eggnog gradually if the mixture feels too dry, ensuring the rum balls hold together without becoming soggy or crumbly.
• Elevate Coating Options: Experiment with different coatings like cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles instead of traditional powdered sugar for unique flavor profiles.
• Preserve Freshness Strategically: Store rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for extended enjoyment without compromising taste or texture.
• Control Rum Intensity: Adjust the amount of dark rum to suit your preference, using less for a milder flavor or a non-alcoholic version with rum extract for family-friendly treats.

Keep Eggnog Rum Balls Fresh Longer

• Store rum balls in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them chilled for up to 1 week.
• Wrap rum balls individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They will maintain quality for 1 month.
• Remove rum balls from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Do not microwave to prevent texture loss.
• Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Reroll in powdered sugar before serving for a fresh, festive appearance.

Serving Eggnog Rum Balls at Gatherings

• Create a festive eggnog martini with vanilla vodka, rum, and a sprinkle of nutmeg to complement the rum balls' rich holiday flavors.
• Choose a sweet dessert wine like port or moscato, which will enhance the rum balls' sweetness and spice profile without overpowering their delicate texture.
• Brew a creamy chai latte or spiced hot chocolate that mirrors the rum balls' warming cinnamon and nutmeg notes, creating a cozy winter drinking experience.
• Serve a smooth bourbon or aged whiskey alongside the rum balls, allowing the spirit's caramel and vanilla undertones to harmonize with the dessert's complex flavor landscape.

Holiday-Ready Eggnog Rum Ball Flavors

• Boozy Bourbon Blast: Swap dark rum with bourbon for a smoky, rich flavor profile that adds depth to the traditional recipe.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Nuggets: Replace vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Non-Alcoholic Festive Bites: Substitute rum and eggnog with apple juice and extra vanilla extract, creating a kid-friendly version that captures the holiday spirit without alcohol.
• Dairy-Free Nutty Treats: Use coconut milk eggnog and vegan butter cookies to craft a dairy-free alternative that maintains the same delicious texture and festive taste.

Standout Elements of Eggnog Rum Balls

• Effortless Festive Treat
• These rum balls take just 15 minutes of active preparation, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. No complicated techniques or professional baking skills required.
• Skip the oven completely with this simple, no-bake recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Simply mix, roll, and chill for a delightful seasonal dessert.
• Impress guests with a sophisticated yet easy-to-make treat that captures the classic flavors of eggnog and rum. Perfectly sized for sharing and ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and gift-giving.
• Prepare these rum balls up to a month in advance by freezing, reducing stress during the busy holiday season. They're a stress-free dessert that lets you enjoy more time with family and friends.

Ingredients to Make Eggnog Rum Balls

• Vanilla Wafers: Crunchy foundation for the rum balls, providing texture and subtle sweetness. Look for fresh, crisp cookies for best results.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps bind the mixture together. Sifted sugar ensures smooth consistency.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm holiday spices that complement the eggnog flavor. Use freshly ground for more intense aroma.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Dark Rum: Adds rich, deep flavor and signature boozy kick. Choose a quality rum for best taste.
• Eggnog: Provides moisture and classic holiday flavor. Fresh eggnog works best for more authentic taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the overall flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract recommended.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a festive, snowy exterior for the rum balls. Extra-fine sugar gives a smoother finish.

Simple Prep for Eggnog Rum Balls

Step 1: Crush the Base

Place vanilla wafers in a food processor or seal them in a zip-top bag. Crush until they become fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Elements

• Dark rum
• Eggnog
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes moist and holds together. Add extra eggnog if the consistency seems dry.

Step 4: Shape the Treats

Use your hands to scoop and roll the mixture into small balls. Aim for bite-sized rounds about one inch in diameter. This recipe typically yields 20-25 rum balls.

Step 5: Create a Snowy Coating

Roll each ball completely in powdered sugar. This gives them a festive, winter-white appearance.

Step 6: Chill and Solidify

Place the coated rum balls on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for at least two hours to help them set. For longer storage, these can be frozen up to one month.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Remove from refrigerator and serve. These delightful treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or as homemade gifts for friends and family.

Eggnog Rum Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive holiday cheer meets sweet indulgence in these eggnog rum balls, a delightful confection that whisks Christmas spirit into a bite-sized treat. Rich with warming rum and creamy eggnog, these no-bake delights will become your new seasonal favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (50 g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Liquid Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) spiced rum
• ¼ cup (60 ml) eggnog
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Pulverize vanilla wafers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or by crushing within a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin. Transfer the resulting crumb mixture into a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Integrate powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and a delicate sprinkle of salt into the wafer crumb foundation. Thoroughly blend dry components to ensure comprehensive distribution.
3. Introduce dark rum, creamy eggnog, and pure vanilla extract into the crumb mixture. Gently fold liquids until the consistency transforms into a cohesive, slightly tacky dough. Adjust moisture levels by incrementally adding more eggnog if the mixture appears crumbly.
4. Carefully shape the rum ball mixture into compact, spherical formations approximately one inch in diameter. Utilize clean hands to craft uniform orbs, anticipating roughly 20-25 delectable morsels.
5. Delicately enrobe each rum ball in a luxurious layer of powdered sugar, ensuring complete and elegant coverage that mimics a gentle winter frost.
6. Arrange sugar-coated rum balls on a parchment-lined tray, then refrigerate for a minimum of two hours. This chilling process allows the treats to solidify and intensify their rich, complex flavors. For extended storage, these festive confections can be frozen up to one month.
7. Retrieve chilled rum balls and present as an indulgent holiday confection suitable for celebratory gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift for cherished companions.

Notes

• Select high-quality rum with a rich, smooth flavor to enhance the overall taste of the rum balls.
• Crush wafers finely to ensure a consistent texture and even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
• Adjust the amount of rum and eggnog based on personal preference for stronger or milder flavors.
• Experiment with alternative coatings like cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate for added variety and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks, Cocktails
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg