These White Christmas Rum Balls are one of the most beloved and elegant holiday treats you can prepare — and the best part? They’re completely no-bake, incredibly easy, beautifully festive, and bursting with creamy coconut flavor. With their snowy white coating and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these rum balls look like tiny Christmas snowballs and taste like a sweet winter dream. They’re perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, gifting, holiday dessert boards, and cozy December nights.
What makes these White Christmas Rum Balls incredibly popular — especially across the USA and Australia — is the nostalgic combination of vanilla wafers, coconut, pecans, and rum, all rolled together into soft, flavorful bites. Each bite has the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, nuttiness, and warmth from the rum.
You can make them ahead of time, store them for days, and they taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Whether you’re preparing a festive dessert table, looking for holiday finger foods, or gifting homemade Christmas treats, these rum balls add a magical touch to any celebration.
They are classic. They are delicious. And they are the easiest Christmas treat you’ll make this year.
⭐ Ingredients
For the Rum Balls
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (or tea biscuits)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons white rum (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk (more if needed)
For Rolling
- Extra shredded coconut
- Powdered sugar (optional for a snowy finish)
Optional Add-Ins
- Dried cranberries (chopped)
- White chocolate chips
- Almond extract
- Orange zest
⭐ How to Make White Christmas Rum Balls
Step 1 – Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and powdered sugar. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 2 – Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the sweetened condensed milk, rum, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until a thick dough forms. If the mixture feels dry, add one extra tablespoon of condensed milk.
Step 3 – Let the Mixture Rest
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. This allows the biscuits to soften and absorb moisture, creating a smooth and cohesive dough.
Step 4 – Roll into Balls
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, take portions of the dough and roll into bite-sized balls. Aim for 1-inch diameter balls for the perfect texture.
Step 5 – Coat the Rum Balls
Roll each ball in shredded coconut until fully coated. For a snowy look, roll some balls in powdered sugar.
Step 6 – Chill and Serve
Place the rum balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. They firm up beautifully and taste even better once chilled.
⭐ Variations
1. White Chocolate Rum Balls
Add melted white chocolate to the mixture for a richer, creamier version.
2. Almond Rum Balls
Replace vanilla extract with almond extract and add slivered almonds.
3. Cranberry Coconut Rum Balls
Mix in chopped dried cranberries for a sweet-tart holiday twist.
4. No-Rum Version (Kid-Friendly)
Replace rum with:
- Orange juice
- Apple juice
- Rum extract (alcohol-free)
5. Dark Rum Balls
Use dark rum for a deeper, richer holiday flavor.
⭐ Cooking Notes
These White Christmas Rum Balls work best when the ingredients are finely textured and well-balanced. Make sure your vanilla wafers are crushed into a fine crumb for a smooth, cohesive dough. The shredded coconut should be soft and fresh to help bind the mixture without becoming grainy. For the best flavor, allow the rolled rum balls to chill for at least one hour — the rum develops, the coconut absorbs moisture, and the texture becomes perfectly tender. If the mixture feels too wet, add more crushed wafers; if it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of condensed milk until the dough becomes easy to roll.
Using high-quality rum makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor, but you can always adjust the intensity to your preference. These treats also improve after resting overnight, so preparing them in advance makes them even more delicious for holiday gatherings.
⭐ Expert Tips
- Crush the wafers finely for a smoother texture.
- Adjust rum based on preference — more for stronger flavor, less for mild.
- If mixture is too sticky, add more crushed wafers.
- If mixture is too dry, add more condensed milk.
- Chill the dough briefly before rolling if it’s too soft.
⭐ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much liquid → balls won’t hold shape.
- Not chilling before serving → flavor won’t settle.
- Using whole pieces of nuts → chop finely for best consistency.
- Rolling too lightly → coconut won’t stick well.
⭐ Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a holiday dessert board with cookies and truffles.
- Add mini cupcake liners for a professional presentation.
- Use as edible Christmas gifts wrapped in festive tins.
- Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or eggnog.
⭐ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Store in airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Keep refrigerated for best texture.
- Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw in fridge before serving.
- Flavors improve after 24 hours.
⭐ Nutrition (Approx.)
- Calories per ball: ~110
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Protein: 1g
⭐ FAQs
Can I make White Christmas Rum Balls without alcohol?
Yes! Use rum extract or fruit juice.
Why are my rum balls too sticky?
Add more crushed wafers or coconut.
Can I use bourbon instead of rum?
Absolutely — it adds a warm, caramel flavor.
Do they get stronger over time?
Yes, the rum flavor becomes more noticeable the next day.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free vanilla wafers.
💫 More Festive Recipes from FinyRecipes.com
- Kissing Santa Claus Mocktail
- Christmas Morning Punch
- Cinnamon Vanilla White Russian
- Frostbite Martini
- Peppermint White Russian
🔗 External Links
⭐ Conclusion
These White Christmas Rum Balls are creamy, festive, aromatic, and incredibly easy to prepare — the perfect no-bake treat for the holiday season. The blend of coconut, vanilla, nuts, and rum creates a flavor that feels nostalgic, warm, and wonderfully Christmasy.
Whether you make them for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying with a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace, they deliver pure holiday magic in every bite.
