Description
Nostalgic holiday charm meets sweet indulgence in Grandma’s Rum Balls, a classic treat passed down through generations. Packed with rich rum-soaked flavor and rolled in cocoa, these delightful bites connect you to cherished family memories and festive traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed
- 1 cup (120 g) pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
Sweeteners and Binding Agents:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) light corn syrup or honey
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (20 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (60 ml) dark or spiced rum
Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Pulverize vanilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, ensuring a uniform texture that will help bind the mixture effectively.
- Create a flavor foundation by whisking powdered sugar and cocoa powder together, distributing the dry ingredients evenly to enhance the rum ball’s rich taste profile.
- Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the crumb mixture, providing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to the confectionery treat.
- Gently pour rum into the dry ingredient blend, stirring methodically to create a cohesive, slightly sticky dough that holds its shape when rolled.
- Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
- Generously roll each rum ball in additional powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snow-white exterior that contrasts beautifully with the dark, rich interior.
- Arrange the coated rum balls on a parchment-lined tray, allowing them to set and develop deeper flavors by resting in a cool environment for several hours.
- Store the rum balls in an airtight container, preferably in the refrigerator, where they can mature and maintain their robust rum-infused essence for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Swap vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delightful crunch and texture.
- Reduce powdered sugar by 25% if you prefer less sweetness, allowing the rich cocoa and rum flavors to shine through more prominently.
- Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their deep, nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile for the rum balls.
- When mixing ingredients, use a spatula or wooden spoon to prevent crushing the nuts and ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks, Cocktails
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg