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
YUM! I wasn’t a fan of rum balls before, but I tried this recipe with bourbon and now I think I’m addicted! This is definitely going into my cookie gift box this holiday.
Hi Carol. So glad you love them. We were in the same boat before having a good rum ball. Then always elicited a “meh” but after having and making good ones, we were hooked! Happy holidays!
Made these for my neighbors for the Holidays and they were such a hit. I’ll definitely be making this again.
I loved this recipe. I made 4 dz for my coworkers and they love it. Definitely will be making more for New Years…,
That’s awesome. Happy Holidays!
Bourbon~~ YUMMMM!! Great choice using bourbon! These came out so great! Will definitely be making more!
This is basically the best date night chocolate EVER! My husband loves ending our date nights with these chocolates.
These were a big hit at the office! I made a mistake that I’m sharing as a warning. After adding the rum and agave syrup, I had to stop to make dinner so I put the dough in the fridge uncovered for a few hours. It was still workable but a little dry. Would have been better to leave out and cover with plastic wrap.
Easy to make and my daughter said they were delicious! I am not a rum fan, and just making them made me queasy, however, she really wanted to take a batch to work…so I agreed to make them. They were a hit!
Hi Jan, so glad your daughter enjoyed them! And you’re a good sport for making them.