Chocolate Bourbon or Rum Balls- Three Ways
The classic chocolate rum balls can be made with bourbon as well, so treat yourself to all the delicious flavors of the holidays.
Diane was initially going to write this post, but after 1 bourbon ball she quietly passed out on the couch. Although I think she may be faking. I’ve always loved good chocolate rum balls. Actually, the love for chocolate rum balls extends to just about any dessert with a little hit of alcohol. I’ll macerate just about any dried fruit going into a dessert just to give it a little punch. If someone is serving trifle, tiramisu… “Seconds Please.”
Video: Chocolate rum balls or Chocolate bourbon balls Recipe:
So often these little chocolate rum ball delights have rum to booze them up, and for good reason. Smooth, a touch of sweetness. We are un-biased drinkers, but recently we’ve dived into exploring more of the wonders of rum. A little seasonal changeup from our usual go-to’s of gin and whiskey. But a little bourbon or rye whiskey sounded pretty good too, so we took a favorite winter treat and swapped out the rum with another favorited spirit (curious about whisk(e)y – check out our whisk(e)y guide). Both the rye whiskey and bourbons worked perfect for these balls, and since “bourbon ball” sounds more appealing than “rye ball”, we’ll stick with that.
It took a whole 10 minutes to throw together and was beautiful. And after seeing all the dark chocolate love, we added a bit more cocoa powder. Roll ’em in the pecan/cookie crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, crushed candy canes, or more cocoa powder and they were perfect.
The holidays just got a little happier.
-Todd
Chocolate Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140 g) finely ground Vanilla Wafers (about 40 regular Nilla wafers) or Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1 cup (110 g) finely ground Nuts , we prefer pecans
- 1 cup (120 g) Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground Ginger (or freshly grated Ginger)
- fresh grated Nutmeg , to taste
- 1/4 cup (22 g) Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Bourbon or Rum
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) Agave Nectar or light Corn Syrup
Topping Ideas
- ground Vanilla Wafers (Nilla Wafers)
- finely chopped Pecans
- Pecans and ground wafers together
- Powdered Sugar
- Cocoa Powder
- crushed Candy Canes
Equipment
- Small Cookie Scoop optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together ground vanilla wafers, ground nuts, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, grated nutmeg, and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Stir in bourbon (or rum) and agave nectar (or corn syrup) until evenly mixed.
- Form into even balls (about 1 Tablespoon worth – this small cookie scoop works great for making even sized balls).
- Roll the balls in topping of choice to coat the outside (we like to put the toppings in small bowls, then swirl the balls one at a time in the coating).
- Chill for an hour. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
How to Make Chocolate Bourbon Balls or Rum Balls
This original chocolate rum balls 2012 recipe post is being re-shared in 2023 with a new video for you to see the step-by-step process!
HEY! Do you have a camera on me? I’m making these this weekend, but with an entirely DIFFERENT alcohol! I love your three yummy variations.
Very nice! 😀
Oh yeah, I’m with you on the booze addition. I make a whisky and lavender caramel which is the business! These bourbon balls look just quite amazing…
Nice to hear from you, Todd. . And not all Asians pass out after 1 bourbon ball. 🙂 I think you are right, Diane was probably faking it. . and got you to write this lovely post! 🙂
I could use a bourbon ball or two right about now! They look delicious and I’m adding them to my list of goodies to make this holiday season 🙂
Awww I love your version 🙂 Thanks for linking to me 🙂
these look soooo tasty!
I will make these smaller….
so I can eat MORE.
Muhahahaaaaa
These look awesome. My hubby would love them but can no longer eat nuts due to allergy. Do you have any suggestions about what could be subbed for the pecans? I know it would make a completely different taste but any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Oops, forgot to mention I love the Animal Parade theme!
Hi Mary,
You could just leave them out and either have more wafers or less liquid. Diane and I were discussing that dried fruit finely chopped might make a nice substitution as well. It will give a different texture, but should still be quite tasty.
T
They look exceptionally beautiful ( ah! The first picture), might lure a teetotaler to turn alcoholic!
This makes the winter months and holiday season so much more present and exciting. I’ve been seeing Christmas lights up and trees out… I can’t wait to celebrate with friends and good food!
HAHA! Love the opening lines, so funny =) The bourbon balls look so delicious…and beautiful too! Loved the photos for these.
OMGosh, I’m in love with these…and I’m one of those silly Asians too haha.
OMG I just about died when I saw pumpkin bourbon ball. YUUUUUUM!!!!!!
I could pop many of these little boozy balls and be fabulously happy. They look amazing – pinning!
Hahahaa, I hope Diane recovers. 😉 These sound excellent, and I’m glad they use bourbon instead of rum. What an easy switch! Great packaging, too!
I love all three! What a treat!