DIY Gifts: Rum Balls
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: December 18, 2012

Rum balls are a classic Christmas time treat.  This candy is so simple to make and so popular to eat, you'll want to whip up multiple batches.  If you are not a fan of rum, you can substitute with whiskey, bourbon, or other dark spirit.  Rum balls are one sweet that are guaranteed to disappear.
Rum Balls
Ingredients:



1/2 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped (hazelnuts, walnuts, or almon
1 1/4 cups finely crushed vanilla wafer cookies (shortbread cookies 
1/2 cup confectioners sugar (powdered or icing)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (Dutch processed or regular unsweetened)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 cup rum
					 
Topping:
1/2 cup confectioners sugar, sifted (powdered or icing)
 
Directions:
 









Toast nuts. Move rack to center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Put pecans on baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, until lightly brown and fragrant. Let cool completely and then chop finely.


   
Use a food processor to crush vanilla wafers until finely ground


   
Mix cookie crumbs with pecans in a bowl


   
Add confectioners sugar and cocoa powder and stir to combine


   
Add light corn syrup and rum and mix until combined


   
If needed, chill the mixture and then form into 1 inch balls (chilling the mixture will help with stickiness, and you can also lightly butter your hands)


   
Roll the rum balls in the sifted confectioners sugar reserved for topping

Toast nuts. Move rack to center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Put pecans on baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, until lightly brown and fragrant. Let cool completely and then chop finely.


     
Use a food processor to crush vanilla wafers until finely ground


     
Mix cookie crumbs with pecans in a bowl


     
Add confectioners sugar and cocoa powder and stir to combine


     
Add light corn syrup and rum and mix until combined


     
If needed, chill the mixture and then form into 1 inch balls (chilling the mixture will help with stickiness, and you can also lightly butter your hands)


     
Roll the rum balls in the sifted confectioners sugar reserved for topping