Author: These no-bake Vegan Rum Balls are rich, fudgy, and spiked with spiced rum for the ultimate holiday party treat, or make them alcohol-free for a family-friendly version everyone can enjoy. Rolled in your choice of coconut, cookie crumbs, or sprinkles, they're easy to prepare, customizable, and actually taste even better after a day or two in the fridge, making them perfect for gifting or entertaining.
Rum balls are one of those retro recipes with cozy, nostalgic vibes. And my Vegan Rum Balls are every bit as fudgy and decadent as the original! They're chewy when you first bite into them, then they melt in your mouth and you can really appreciate the warmly spiced flavor (plus that little hit of rum). I like to roll them in coconut, cookie crumbs, nuts, or sprinkles, and you can make them with or without the rum, so there's an option for everyone on your holiday table or cookie tray.
Why These Vegan Rum Balls Work
- A no-bake holiday treat: If you want to give your oven a break during the busy holiday season, rum balls are perfect!
- Ultra rich and fudgy: A combination of Biscoff cookies, ground nuts, and cocoa powder create a fudgy texture (without the work of making actual fudge).
- Customizable: Make them with or without rum and choose your favorite coating for rolling.
- Ideal for gifting: Not only do these rum balls store well, they actually taste even better after some time in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld.
Ingredients for Vegan Rum Balls
- Pecans or walnuts: Nuts make for a buttery, rich texture (without butter!). You can use extra cookies for a nut-free version.
- Biscoff cookies: These spiced cookies are naturally vegan and give the rum balls a warm, caramelized flavor. You can also use another crisp vegan cookie if you prefer.
- Powdered sugar: This melts into the rum ball mixture without needing to be heated like granulated sugar.
- Cocoa powder: You can use natural cocoa powder, which is the most common option in baking, or more intense Dutch process cocoa powder.
- Spiced rum: Or swap for sweet apple cider for an alcohol-free version.
- Maple syrup or agave: For sweetness and for binding.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract (not imitation) for the best flavor.
- Coatings: Use coconut, chopped nuts, Biscoff crumbs, sprinkles, cocoa, or powdered sugar. I like to do a mix of all of these for variety.
How to Make Vegan Rum Balls
- Make the base: Pulse the nuts and cookies in a food processor until finely ground.
- Add powdered sugar and cocoa: Pulse again to combine.
- Add the liquids: In a small bowl or measuring glass, whisk together the rum, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pour the liquid into the processor and blend until a sticky dough forms. Rest 10 minutes.
- Shape: Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls.
- Coat: Roll each ball in your preferred coating.
- Chill: Refrigerate at least 2 hours; 24 hours gives the best flavor.
Tips for Making Rum Balls
- No food processor? Crush the cookies in a sealable bag and chop nuts by hand, then mix everything in a bowl. The rum balls will have a coarser texture, but they'll still be delicious!
- Make sure the coatings stick: Use gentle pressure when rolling the balls in the coatings. Don't press too hard or you'll flatten the balls, but you do need a little bit of pressure to get coatings like coconut and nuts to stick.
- Prep them for gifting: Present them in mini cupcake liners inside a tin for a polished, festive look.
- Non-Alcoholic: Replace the rum with sweet apple cider (not apple cider vinegar), or apple juice in a pinch.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and add 12-14 more Biscoff cookies.
- A freezer treat: I love making a batch of these and storing them in the freezer. I'll grab one straight from the freezer for a little treat at night, they're extra chewy this way and so good.
More Holiday Treats to Serve With Rum Balls
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store these vegan rum balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They're best kept chilled, but can sit out at cool room temperature for a few hours on a dessert table or cookie tray.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months, and enjoy straight from the freezer for a firmer texture, or let them thaw in the fridge.
If you try this vegan rum balls recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Vegan Rum Balls (Easy No-Bake Holiday Treat)
These no-bake Vegan Rum Balls are rich, fudgy, and spiked with spiced rum for the ultimate holiday party treat, or make them alcohol-free for a family-friendly version everyone can enjoy. Rolled in your choice of coconut, cookie crumbs, or sprinkles, they're easy to prepare, customizable, and actually taste better after a day or two in the fridge, perfect for gifting or entertaining.
Servings: - 36 rum balls
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups pecans or walnuts
- 38 Biscoff cookies, (10.6 oz / 300 g, or substitute another crisp vegan cookie)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ½ cup spiced rum, (or dark rum or coconut rum, or see notes for alcohol-free version)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut, finely chopped pecans or walnuts, Biscoff crumbs, sprinkles, powdered sugar, or cocoa powder, for coating
Instructions
- Make the crumb base: In a food processor, pulse the pecans and Biscoff cookies until finely ground. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and pulse to combine.
- Add the liquids: In a small bowl or measuring glass, whisk together the rum, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pour into the processor and pulse a few times until a moist dough forms. Let sit for 10 minutes so the crumbs absorb the liquid.
- Shape: Scoop about 1 tablespoon (20 g) of dough and roll into balls.The mixture will feel slightly sticky, that's exactly what you want. Place the balls on a plate or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Coat: Roll each ball in your choice of coating, then return to the plate or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (24 hours gives the best flavor). Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze and enjoy straight from the freezer (my favorite).
Notes
Non-Alcoholic: Replace the rum with ½ cup (120 mL) sweet apple cider (not apple cider vinegar), or apple juice in a pinch.
Non–Food Processor Method: Place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until finely ground. Chop nuts very finely with a sharp knife. Mix both in a large bowl with powdered sugar and cocoa. Stir in the rum mixture until a dough forms, then continue with shaping and coating.
Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and add 12–14 more Biscoff cookies (about 90 g).
Make-Ahead: Best after 1–2 days as the flavors meld. Ideal for gifting!
Freezing: Freeze coated or uncoated rum balls in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
For Gifting: Place rum balls in mini cupcake liners inside a tin or box for a festive presentation.
Nutrition
Serving: 1rum ball (recipe makes 34) | Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Laura says
Love this SOOOOOOO much!!! Thank you! I would give this 10 stars if I could.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Laura! Haha yay!! That totally made my day 😄 I’m so glad you loved it!
Ann Green says
Another excellent recipe from Sam! These are so easy, fun to make, and delicious. I have a 7 cup food processor and had to do the mixing in two batches; then I mixed both batches together. SO GOOD!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Ann! Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Paula B says
Amazing right out of tge food processor can't wait to taste them after refrigerating for 24 hours!! Made with spiced rum, red skinned roasted walnuts. Quite surprised the dough
wasn't terribly sticky making them easy to roll & coat with Coco, coconut, sprinkles & 10 X sugar. Will definitely make a double batch next time I make these! These will make Christmas extra special. Thank you Sam for creating an easy & stellar recipe!! Merry Christmas Sam!!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wow — that sounds incredible, Paula! I love all your creative twists. Merry Christmas to you too 🎄✨
Luiz says
Fantastic
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thank you so much, Luiz! So glad you enjoyed them 😊