Rum balls with pecans are the ultimate holiday candy! Sweet, nutty, and a hint of spirit, these treats are the perfect gift or addition to a cookie table at your holiday party.

Pecan Rum Balls

Have you ever had rum balls? How about bourbon balls?

They are practically the same thing just different in spirit!

Rum balls have always had a place on our Christmas cookie table and I couldn’t wait to share my family’s recipe with you.

This traditional holiday candy is a staple for us and will become one for you too. Perfect for cookie exchanges, giving as a gift for neighbors and coworkers, you might have to make more than one batch at at time!

Make these or my Avalanche Cookies for fun edible gifts!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.

Ingredients Needed

Powdered Sugar – Be sure to sift it before measuring.

Butter – Always use unsalted butter for best flavor.

Pecans – I like to use toasted pecans to bring out extra nutty flavor.

Lemon Juice – Fresh is best and it brings a brightness to the rum balls.

Rum – Use your favorite brand! Substitute water if you want to make these for kids of all ages.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

How to Make No Bake Rum Balls

ONE: Mix together the rum and lemon juice and set aside. Mix together the butter and confectioners sugar in a large bowl.

TWO: Pour the rum and lemon juice mixture in the powdered sugar/butter mix. Stir until combined. Fold in the pecans.

THREE: Roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. I like to use an ice cream scoop so they are all the same size and it keeps my hands clean.

FOUR: Roll in sprinkles if desired. Place in the refrigerator and let chill for 1 hour. Enjoy!

I wouldn’t make the rum balls more than one inch balls in size. They are potent and rich and will overwhelm your senses quickly!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Can I make rum balls without vanilla wafers?

This is the perfect recipe for that!  Of course, it makes them a little more potent:)

Can rum balls get you drunk?

Rum balls are made with actual rum and are considered alcoholic so please enjoy responsibly.

What can I use instead of rum?

If you don’t want to use rum, feel free to use another spirit or water for that matter. It will take all the fun out of them being rum balls though.

Why are my rum balls dry?

If your rum balls come out dry or are hard to shape, add a little more butter or rum and stir the mixture again. Keep adding 1 tablespoon at a time until the batter is the right consistency.

What is the best rum for rum balls?

I like to use white rum, but you can use flavored rum, spiced rum, or your favorite dark rum.

What do you roll rum balls in?

• rainbow sprinkles
• chocolate sprinkles
• powdered sugar
• cocoa powder
• chopped nuts
• wafer crumbs

How to Store Rum Balls

Because of the butter, you should store them in the refrigerator. They will last for two weeks if kept in an air tight container.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to a month in an airtight container.

Looking for a truffle small sweet to take to a party you’ve been invited to? Check out all my small sweets recipes, both sweet and savory, to fit your special occasion!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

In less than 5 minutes you have the best rum balls ready to go!

Easy Appetizers

• Pineapple Cucumber Punch
• Grapefruit Rosemary Punch
• Best Butter Pecan Toffee
• Bahama Mama
• Kiwi Mint Mojito

Message for 21+ This post is sponsored in conjunction with ChristmasSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Other great #ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes to try:

Beverages:

Frozen White Hot Chocolate from Jonesin’ For Taste
Instant Pot Peppermint Hot Chocolate from The Crumby Kitchen
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
Salted Caramel Mocha Latte from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks

Breakfast:

Cranberry Breakfast Cake from Family Around the Table
Easy Homemade Eggnog Pancakes from Love and Confections

Candies:

Grinch Rice Krispie Treats from Cheese Curd in Paradise
Homemade Fudge from Juggling Act Mama

Desserts:

Eggnog Gingerbread Layer Cake from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Italian Anise Biscotti from Blogghetti
No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake from Daily Dish Recipes
Orange Meltaways from An Affair from the Heart
Snowman Christmas Cake from The Redhead Baker
Snowmen Macarons from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures

This recipe is intended for individuals ages 21 & up. Please drink responsibly.

TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.