Eggnog Rum Balls

Eggnog Rum Balls are the perfect treat to add to your holiday spread! With a rich blend of rum, eggnog, and a dusting of powdered sugar, these bite-sized delights offer a delicious, boozy twist on traditional holiday treats. Easy to make and a favorite at parties, these little balls of joy will definitely become a staple in your festive recipe repertoire.

Ingredients for Eggnog Rum Balls:

  • 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1/2 cup dark rum
  • 1/4 cup eggnog
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Base
    Start by crushing the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or simply place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Once crushed, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix the Ingredients
    Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the bowl with the wafer crumbs. Mix everything together to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients
    Pour in the dark rum, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is moist and sticky. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more eggnog to help it come together.
  4. Roll the Balls
    Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1-inch in diameter. You should get about 20-25 rum balls from this recipe.
  5. Coat with Powdered Sugar
    Roll each rum ball in powdered sugar until completely coated. This gives them a festive, snowy appearance.
  6. Chill
    Place the coated rum balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month if you want to prepare them in advance.
  7. Serve and Enjoy
    Once chilled, your Eggnog Rum Balls are ready to enjoy! Serve them at your next holiday party or gift them to friends and family for a homemade, festive treat.

Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Rum Balls:

  • Perfect for the Holidays: These Eggnog Rum Balls are ideal for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, offering a rich flavor that captures the essence of the season. They’re easy to make and are a hit at any holiday gathering.
  • No-Bake: This recipe requires no baking, making it quick and convenient. Just mix the ingredients, roll them into balls, and chill. It’s that simple!
  • Versatile: You can switch up the nuts or even add chocolate chips for a twist on the classic recipe. For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the rum with more eggnog and a splash of vanilla extract.
  • Great for Gifting: Package these little rum balls in a festive tin or jar for a thoughtful, homemade gift. It’s a delightful treat that everyone will appreciate.

Tips for the Best Eggnog Rum Balls:

  • Use Good Quality Rum: The flavor of the rum shines through, so opt for a dark or spiced rum for a richer taste.
  • Let Them Chill: Chilling the rum balls ensures they hold their shape and develop their full flavor. Plus, it gives the flavors time to meld together.
  • Add Extra Spice: If you love the flavor of eggnog, try adding a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg to the mix for a more intense spiced flavor.

Conclusion:

Eggnog Rum Balls are a decadent and fun holiday treat that will be a hit at your next gathering. With their creamy eggnog flavor, rich rum undertones, and dusting of powdered sugar, these festive little bites are a delicious way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or gifting them to loved ones, these Eggnog Rum Balls are sure to spread holiday cheer wherever they go.

Serving and Storage Tips for Eggnog Rum Balls

Serving Tips:

  • Chill for Better Flavor: Serve the Eggnog Rum Balls chilled for the best flavor and texture. Allow them to sit in the fridge for a few hours to firm up before serving, ensuring they hold their shape and the flavors have had time to meld together.
  • Presentation: For an extra festive touch, arrange the rum balls on a decorative plate or in a cute holiday tin. You can also dust them with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh, snowy look.
  • Pairing Suggestions: These rum balls are perfect for pairing with hot beverages like spiced cider, mulled wine, or a cup of coffee. Their sweet and spiced flavor complements the warmth of these drinks beautifully.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Eggnog Rum Balls make an excellent homemade gift. Package them in a clear jar or tin with a festive ribbon for a personal touch. Make sure to include a little note on how to enjoy them chilled!

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store your Eggnog Rum Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out.
  • Freezing: These rum balls can also be frozen if you’d like to prepare them in advance or save extras for later. Simply place the rum balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last up to 1 month in the freezer.
  • Thawing: To enjoy frozen rum balls, simply transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, they can also be served directly from the freezer for a chilled treat.

By following these storage and serving tips, you can enjoy your Eggnog Rum Balls at their freshest and most flavorful, whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or savoring them over time.

  1. Can I make Eggnog Rum Balls without alcohol?
    Yes, you can easily make these rum balls without alcohol. Simply substitute the rum with extra eggnog or a non-alcoholic rum flavoring. The flavor will still be festive and delicious!
  2. How long do Eggnog Rum Balls last?
    When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Eggnog Rum Balls will stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 1 month.
  3. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
    Absolutely! While the recipe calls for pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well into the dough.
  4. Do I need to bake these Eggnog Rum Balls?
    No baking is required! These Eggnog Rum Balls are a no-bake treat. Just mix the ingredients, roll them into balls, and chill them in the refrigerator until firm. It’s that simple!
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Eggnog Rum Balls

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  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 balls 1x
  • Category: Dessert, No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Eggnog Rum Balls are a festive, no-bake treat with the flavors of creamy eggnog, warm spices, and a hint of rum. Perfect for holiday parties or edible gifts, these sweet bites are easy to make and irresistibly indulgent!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 60 wafers, crushed)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup spiced rum (or eggnog for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 1/4 cup eggnog
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, chopped nuts (if using), nutmeg, and cinnamon.
  2. Add the spiced rum, eggnog, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture comes together and is slightly sticky.

2. Shape the Balls:

  1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands.
  2. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Roll in Powdered Sugar:

  1. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat completely. For extra sweetness, roll them again just before serving.

4. Chill and Serve:

  1. Refrigerate the rum balls for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
  2. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: These rum balls taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing: Freeze the balls for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Decorative Touch: Roll the balls in crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, or festive sprinkles instead of powdered sugar for variety.

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