Chocolate Bourbon or Rum Balls- Three Ways
These chocolate rum balls recipe 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 to get out of writing a post. I’ve always loved good chocolate rum balls. Actually, the love for chocolate bum balls extends to just about any dessert with a 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. I’d have to say rum is my second favorite distilled spirit, bourbon being my main mistress. Taking a favorite winter treat and swapping out my second favorite spirit with a little Gentleman Jack sounded pretty good to me.
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, or more cocoa powder and they were perfect.
The holidays just got a little happier.
-Todd
This original chocolate rum balls 2012 recipe post is being re-shared in 2020 with a new video for you to see the step-by-step process!
How to Make Chocolate Bourbon Balls or Rum Balls
Chocolate Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140g) finely ground Vanilla Wafers (about 40 regular Nilla wafers) or Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1 cup (110g) finely chopped Nuts , we prefer pecans
- 1 cup (120g) Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Ginger (or freshly grated Ginger)
- fresh grated Nutmeg , to taste
- 1/4 cup (22g) Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Bourbon or Rum
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) 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
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together ground vanilla wafers, pecans, confectioners' sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, grated nutmeg, and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Stir in bourbon and corn syrup. Form into even balls and coat in topping of choice.
- Chill for an hour. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Video
Nutrition Information
Was at the grocery store the other day and found “salted caramel” chocolate chips and decided that they would be a great coating for these boozy balls if they were finely chopped. The final verdict is in… YUM! Salt and booze, two of my favorite foods, the only one missing is butter!
I just made these for a party we’re throwing in a few days and my initial taste test was delicious! I printed out the recipe because we’ll be making these again at Christmastime. I’ve got them in the freezer until the day of our party and I’m sure they’ll be even better then.
Hi Molly! That’s awesome you enjoyed them and Christmas is the perfect time again to share these to everyone!
OMGosh, I’m in love with these…and I’m one of those silly Asians too haha
I just stumbled upon this page out of curiosity how rum balls are made & besides the fact that I’ll highly unlikely ever make them, your blog had me giggling from beginning to end. I bookmarked your page.
These would be great for gifts! Love that you used bourbon too! Yum!
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much, they look lovely – and – you are in perfect timing, as the Christmas season is here, we are almost panic about what to make to give as a present, it needs to be within a budget, and it needs to be lovely and welcome. It is totally amazing that we can make it happen with your lovely idea.
I too love alcohol, but they don’t love me. I’ve barfed many times drinking margarita or a glass of wine:-(! This from a certified bartender at one point in my life. LOL
Like you, I like desserts spiked with a little liquor. Love, love rum cakes. I fell in love with rum balls from Whole Foods exactly 10 years ago, and it’s been on my list of things to make. This beautiful post inspires me to do it this year. Thanks!
Ahhh..such beauties…i am going to make all of the version