Boozy holiday rum balls
33
- Prep Time40 min
- Total Time40 min
- Makes45 balls
Virginia MacDonald
These liqueur-soaked balls need no baking. Since their flavour improves with time, they're ideal make-aheads for gift giving.
Ingredients
200-g pkg chocolate wafers
1/3 cup irish-cream liqueur
1 tsp instant espresso powder, or coffee granules
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tbsp corn syrup
1 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted whole almonds
1 tbsp icing sugar
1 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions
Place wafers in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground. They should measure about 2½ cups (625 mL). In a medium bowl, stir liqueur with espresso powder until mixed. Stir in butter, corn syrup, 1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar and crumbs until evenly mixed. Stir in toasted almonds.
Line a tray with waxed paper. Shape mixture into 1-in. (2.5-cm) balls and place on tray. In a small bowl, stir 1 tbsp (15 mL) icing sugar with 1 tbsp (15 mL) cocoa. Roll balls in sugar mixture until coated. Store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Refrigerate at least overnight or up to 2 weeks. Flavour improves as they sit.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 55, Protein 1g, Carbohydrates 8g, Fat 3g.
Variations
Chocolate-nut Use Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) in place of Irish-cream liqueur. Omit espresso. Use 1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped white chocolate and 1/4 cup (50 mL) finely chopped pecans in place of almonds. Roll in 2 tbsp (30 mL) cocoa powder. Omit icing sugar. Makes 45.
Rum and ginger Use about 60 vanilla-flavoured wafers (about 2/3 of a 312-g pkg) in place of chocolate wafers. Omit espresso and butter. Use dark rum in place of Irish-cream liqueur and toasted pecans and 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped candied ginger in place of almonds. Roll in 2 tbsp (30 mL) icing sugar. Omit cocoa. Makes 30.
Subscribe to Chatelaine!
Want to streamline your life? In our Spring 2025 issue, we’ll show you how—whether it’s paring down your wardrobe, decluttering your messiest spaces or spending way less time cooking thanks to an easy, mostly make-ahead meal plan for busy weeknights. Plus, our first annual Pantry Awards.