Chocolate Rum Balls are a fun, no-bake treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want something sweet without a lot of work. They’re made with simple ingredients, but they still taste rich and chocolatey with a warm hint of rum. You can roll them in sprinkles, nuts, or cocoa powder to make them look extra special. These little bites come together fast, and they’re easy to share—if you don’t eat them all first!

Chocolate Rum Balls in a candy cane print bucket.

what you’ll love about these chocolate rum balls

No baking needed: You can make the whole recipe without turning on the oven.
Quick to put together: The mix comes together fast, which is great when you need a last-minute treat.
Rich chocolate flavor: Every bite is packed with deep, chocolatey goodness.
Fun to customize: Roll them in sprinkles, nuts, cocoa powder—whatever you like.
Perfect for sharing: They’re small, easy to serve, and great for parties or gift boxes.
Great make-ahead treat: They taste even better the next day, so you can prep them early.

Please note: Making changes to any recipe as written can result in a recipe failure.
Any substitutions or variations listed are simple or tried and true changes that we think will work in this recipe.
Results are not guaranteed.

ingredients and substitutions

vanilla wafer cookies – we prefer to use the vanilla wafer cookies because of the consistency and flavor of the final rum ball, however other cookies can be used.
chocolate chips – if you wanted to change up the flavor, you could use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate, mint chocolate chips, etc.
granulated sugar
rum – with the many different flavors of rum, this recipe can easily be adapted in flavor with a different flavor rum.
corn syrup
powdered sugar
cocoa powder

Get the full ingredient list and full instructions in the printable recipe card below.

More Cookie Ideas to Serve With Rum Balls

If you’re putting together a holiday cookie tray or planning treats for a party, rum balls fit right in—but they’re even better when you pair them with a mix of other cookies. Here are some great options that add variety, color, and flavor to your dessert spread.

Sugar Cookies: Simple and sweet, they balance the bold flavor of rum balls.
Snickerdoodles: The warm cinnamon coating pairs perfectly with rich chocolate. We have these Snickerdoodle Crinkle Cookies you should try!
Shortbread Cookies: Light and buttery, they bring a crisp texture to your cookie tray.
Gingerbread Cookies: Full of cozy spices that match the warm rum flavor. Try our Gingerbread Truffles or our Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Soft, fudgy, and a great pick for chocolate fans. Try our Dark Chocolate Coffee Crinkle Cookies.
Peanut Butter Cookies: Sweet and slightly salty, they add a fun flavor twist.
Oatmeal Cookies: Chewy and comforting, they round out your cookie assortment.
Thumbprint Cookies: Bright and colorful with jam or chocolate centers.
Molasses Cookies: Deep, warm spices that taste great next to rum balls. Try these Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies. They’re our favorite!
Almond Cookies: Light, nutty, and a nice crunchy contrast.

storage tips & leftovers

Rum balls are great because they store really well, and the flavor even gets better after a day or two. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Store in an airtight container: Place the rum balls in a container with a tight lid. This keeps them from drying out and helps the flavors blend.
Refrigerate for best results: Keep the container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks. The cooler temperature also helps them firm up.
Let them sit before serving: If you like them a little softer, take them out of the fridge for about 10 minutes before eating.
They freeze well: Rum balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Thaw slowly: When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge, then bring to room temperature if you want a softer texture.

This makes rum balls a perfect make-ahead treat for holidays, parties, or gifting—easy to store and always ready when you need them.

Extreme Close Up of Rum Balls for christmas

PLEASE NOTE:

While we have provided a jump to recipe button, please note that by skipping the copy, you are missing useful information on ingredients and techniques, substitutions, frequently asked questions with responses, tips and a lot more information that might be useful for troubleshooting or making the recipe.

Easy Chocolate Rum Balls

Nicole Cook

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings balls

Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients

12 ounce (340.2 g) vanilla wafer cookies
1 cup (180 g) chocolate chips
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (118.29 ml) rum
3 tablespoons (66 g) corn syrup
½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1 tablespoon (5 g) cocoa powder

Instructions

In a blender or food processor, pulverize the wafer cookies until they are fine crumbs. Set aside.
12 ounce (340.2 g) vanilla wafer cookies
In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips for 30 seconds. Remove and stir. Return to the microwave for 30 more seconds and stir again. By this point they may be melted entirely, or you may need to add more time. 15 second intervals and stirring until melted. Do not overheat the chocolate…only until melted.
1 cup (180 g) chocolate chips
Stir the sugar, rum and corn syrup into the melted chocolate until well combined.
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (118.29 ml) rum, 3 tablespoons (66 g) corn syrup
In a mixing bowl, mix together the chocolate mixture and the cookie crumbs. Allow to rest in the refrigerator for about a half hour to an hour, or until dough is stiff, but can be rolled into balls. Roll out 30 balls.
In a small bowl combine powdered sugar and cocoa powder, roll each ball into the mixture. Brush off any excess.
1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon (5 g) cocoa powder
Store in a covered container at room temperature for up to a week. While these taste delicious from the start, the flavors get stronger as they sit, so if you can allow them to sit for 24 hours before eating, you'll love the flavor explosion.