This mixture, at first, looks too liquid to succeed as properly solid balls. You may be tempted to add dry ingredients to make it a drier concoction. Never fear. Follow the instructions for perfect rum balls.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz (454g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2/3 cup butter (can substitute margarine if desired)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/4 cup powdered (icing) sugar
  • 1 tsp. instant coffee (optional)
  • 1/2 cup rum (light or dark)
  • For garnish any of the following: dip in melted chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, flaked coconut or powdered (icing) sugar mixed with cinnamon. (optional)

Steps

  1. Be very careful if you use a microwave. The chocolate chips tend not to look melted and the tendency is to overheat them. Seven minutes on power level 2 with a stir every few minutes in a standard microwave is sufficient. Cool the chips.
    Advertisement
  2. Sealing the container is important if you want to preserve the alcohol. Place the container in the fridge for 3+ hours or until the mixture is solid. You can leave the mixture to chill overnight, if you wish.
  3. You can also serve them plain.
  4. You can serve them right from the freezer, since they rarely freeze.
  5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What can be done if the rum balls are too dry?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the recipe you are using. Generally it works to break the balls apart and place them back into the bowl, then add either more rum or more syrup, depending on the recipe you used.
  • Question
    Years ago at work on Christmas, a co-worker brought in rum balls that were not like the rum ball recipes here or on the internet. They were solid candies the size of a jaw breaker. How are these made?
    Community Answer
    This is done by cooking sugar and water to hard ball stage, which is 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and folding in rum. While this recipe is easily done at sea level, it is very difficult at high altitude.
Ask a Question

      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If no coating is chosen then it is wise to sit the container of rum balls on some ice or freezer packs to keep them from melting.
      • Chocolate sprinkles are a great garnish. You will need 2-3 bags.
      • The recipe serves about 10-15 people. The recipe lends itself easily to doubling or tripling for Christmas baking.
      Show More Tips
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Coddle the egg (put boiling water in a mug and put the egg in it for 5 minutes), if you are worried about the risk of salmonella. It is likely that the amount of alcohol in the recipe should be sufficient to kill any bacteria present.
      • A small but rather embarrassing fire can be caused by overheating chocolate chips and may result in hurriedly carrying your smoking microwave to your apartment balcony while you 'entertain' guests.
      • You would have to eat many of these to reach the legal blood alcohol limit, but keep moderation in mind if you're mixing your rum balls with other drinks.
      Advertisement

      About this article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 140,002 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement