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Cherry Rum Balls

Cherry Rum Balls

These Cherry Rum Balls are a delightful no-bake confection, perfect for impressing guests or for a simple yet sophisticated dessert. They offer a rich, boozy flavor with the sweet burst of cherries, making them an ideal addition to any holiday spread or special occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Setting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies finely crushed (about 40-50 cookies)
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries finely chopped, drained very well
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts chopped
  • 1/4 cup light or dark rum adjust to your preference for 'booziness'
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar for rolling

Equipment

  • Rolling Pin
  • Food Processor
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • - Baking Sheet
  • Shallow dish

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the finely crushed vanilla wafer cookies. You can achieve this by placing the cookies in a resealable bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or using a food processor until they form fine crumbs.
    2 cups vanilla wafer cookies
  2. To the cookie crumbs, add the finely chopped maraschino cherries (ensure they are thoroughly drained to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet) and the chopped pecans or walnuts.
    1/2 cup maraschino cherries, 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rum, unsweetened cocoa powder, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
    1/4 cup light or dark rum, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons light corn syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl.
  5. Using a sturdy spoon or your hands (it can get a bit sticky!), mix everything together until it forms a cohesive dough that holds together when pressed. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add another teaspoon of rum or corn syrup, a little at a time. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon more cookie crumbs.
  6. Take about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
  7. Place a generous amount of powdered sugar in a shallow dish or on a plate. Roll each formed ball in the powdered sugar until it is evenly coated.
    powdered sugar
  8. Place the coated Cherry Rum Balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Allow them to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to firm up slightly before serving or storing. For a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for an hour before enjoying.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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