Cherry Rum Balls: A Decadent Holiday Treat

Cherry Rum Balls are a classic holiday treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. These no-bake delights are perfect for gifting, bringing to parties, or simply enjoying yourself. The combination of sweet cherries, rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a generous splash of rum creates an unforgettable flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect cherry rum balls, ensuring they are moist, flavorful, and irresistibly tempting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **No-Bake:** No oven required! This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for beginner bakers.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Cherry rum balls can be made days or even weeks in advance, making them ideal for holiday planning.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of nuts, chocolate, or rum.
* **Perfect for Gifting:** These little treats are always a welcome gift during the holiday season.
* **Boozy and Delicious:** The rum adds a delightful warmth and complexity to the flavor, making them a truly special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 cup crushed vanilla wafers:** These form the base of the rum balls, providing a slightly sweet and crunchy texture. You can use a food processor or place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
* **1 cup powdered sugar:** This adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together. Make sure it’s fresh and lump-free for the best results.
* **1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts:** Nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Pecans are traditionally used, but walnuts are a great alternative.
* **1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder:** This provides the rich chocolate flavor. Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best taste.
* **1/2 cup dark rum:** This is the key ingredient that gives the rum balls their distinctive flavor and boozy kick. Use a good quality dark rum for the best results. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
* **1/4 cup light corn syrup:** This adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together, preventing the rum balls from becoming dry.
* **1/4 cup butter, melted:** Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the rum balls. Use unsalted butter so you can control the overall saltiness.
* **1 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped:** Maraschino cherries add sweetness, color, and a characteristic cherry flavor. Make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels before chopping.
* **Additional powdered sugar or cocoa powder, for rolling:** This is used to coat the rum balls for a decorative finish and to prevent them from sticking together.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large mixing bowl:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Food processor (optional):** For crushing the vanilla wafers.
* **Resealable plastic bag and rolling pin (optional):** Alternative to a food processor for crushing vanilla wafers.
* **Chopping board and knife:** For chopping the cherries and nuts.
* **Cookie sheet lined with parchment paper:** For chilling the rum balls.
* **Small bowl or plate:** For the powdered sugar or cocoa powder used for rolling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making these delightful cherry rum balls:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Wafers**

* If using a food processor, place the vanilla wafers in the bowl and pulse until they are finely crushed. You want a texture similar to coarse sand.
* If using a resealable plastic bag, place the vanilla wafers inside. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible. Use a rolling pin to crush the wafers until they are finely crushed. You may need to run the rolling pin over the bag several times to achieve the desired consistency.
* Transfer the crushed vanilla wafers to a large mixing bowl.

**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**

* Add the powdered sugar, chopped pecans (or walnuts), and cocoa powder to the bowl with the crushed vanilla wafers.
* Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed. This ensures that each rum ball will have a consistent flavor.

**Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients**

* In a separate small bowl, combine the dark rum, light corn syrup, and melted butter.
* Stir the wet ingredients together until they are well combined and emulsified. This will help to distribute the rum and butter evenly throughout the mixture.

**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**

* Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
* Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the rum balls tough.

**Step 5: Add Cherries**

* Add the finely chopped maraschino cherries to the bowl with the rum ball mixture.
* Gently fold the cherries into the mixture until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to crush the cherries.

**Step 6: Chill the Mixture**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.

**Step 7: Roll into Balls**

* Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. It should be firm enough to handle.
* Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Aim for balls that are about 1 inch in diameter.
* Place the rolled balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

**Step 8: Coat the Rum Balls**

* Place additional powdered sugar or cocoa powder in a small bowl or plate.
* Roll each rum ball in the powdered sugar or cocoa powder until it is evenly coated.
* Return the coated rum balls to the cookie sheet.

**Step 9: Chill Again**

* Refrigerate the coated rum balls for at least 30 minutes to allow the coating to set and the rum balls to firm up even more.

**Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the rum balls from the refrigerator and arrange them on a serving platter.
* Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavor of the rum balls will continue to develop and improve over time.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Rum Balls

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The flavor of the rum balls will only be as good as the ingredients you use. Opt for high-quality cocoa powder, rum, and nuts.
* **Don’t skip the chilling time:** Chilling the mixture is crucial for firming it up and making it easier to roll into balls. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Adjust the rum to your preference:** If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, you can add more rum to the mixture. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can make the mixture too wet.
* **Get creative with coatings:** Instead of powdered sugar or cocoa powder, you can also coat the rum balls in finely chopped nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut.
* **Make them ahead of time:** Cherry rum balls can be made several days or even weeks in advance, making them a great option for holiday planning. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Drain the cherries well:** Before chopping the maraschino cherries, make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels. This will prevent the rum balls from becoming too wet.
* **Use a cookie scoop for uniform size:** For uniformly sized rum balls, use a small cookie scoop to measure out the mixture.
* **Store properly:** Keep cherry rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to two weeks, and the flavor often improves over time.

Variations and Additions

* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the mixture for an extra chocolatey treat.
* **Different Nuts:** Experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha-flavored rum ball.
* **Orange Zest:** Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Bourbon or Whiskey:** Substitute bourbon or whiskey for the rum for a different flavor profile.
* **Coconut:** Substitute some of the vanilla wafer crumbs with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
* **Dried Cranberries:** Incorporate finely chopped dried cranberries for a tart and festive flavor.

Serving Suggestions

* **Holiday Parties:** Cherry rum balls are a perfect addition to any holiday party spread.
* **Gift Giving:** Package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **Dessert Platter:** Add them to a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats.
* **After-Dinner Treat:** Enjoy them as a sweet and boozy treat after dinner.
* **Coffee Pairing:** Pair them with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon indulgence.

How to Store Cherry Rum Balls

* **Refrigerate:** Store cherry rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will help them retain their moisture and flavor.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze cherry rum balls. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Recipe Card

**Cherry Rum Balls**

**Yields:** Approximately 36 rum balls
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Chill time:** 2 hours (minimum), plus 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
* 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
* 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for rolling (optional)
* 1/2 cup dark rum
* 1/4 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and drained

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, chopped nuts, and cocoa powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together rum, corn syrup, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
6. Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Roll into 1-inch balls.
7. Roll each ball in powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
8. Place the coated rum balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy your delicious and boozy cherry rum balls! These are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Remember to experiment with variations and additions to make them your own!