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Home / Recipes
1 hour
4.35 from 38 votes
38 Comments

Chocolate Rumballs

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by: Joanna Cismaru
12.21.20
Updated: 12.21.20

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pin for chocolate rumballs.

These Chocolate Rumballs coated in shredded coconut are a delightful bite sized treat sure to make you want to reach for another and another.

closeup of chocolate rumballs on parchment paper.

I’ve been making these chocolate rumballs for quite a few years now, they’re just an absolute classic around these parts! There is no holiday at my house without these rumballs. Any potluck I ever attend, I bring chocolate rumballs, they’re just a straight up crowd pleaser that always has people coming back for more.

Let me tell you why. The secret is the rum, and I love to add a bit more rum. In the recipe I say ¼ cup of rum. But not me, I add ½ cup and when you eat one, it’s like having a chocolate rum shot. They remind me of a chocolate martini, whose else’s mouth is watering?

What Are Chocolate Rumballs?

Now you may be asking, Jo what exactly is a rumball? Well if you’re uninitiated then let me tell you, rum balls are similar to chocolate truffles in richness and decadence. They’re a little confectionery cake that is usually rolled around in chocolate sprinkles or in our case, shredded coconut.

Also there are many different variations of them. My version uses a chocolate cake mix, making these rumballs extra easy, I mean who needs more difficulties during the holidays.

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of all the ingredients needed for chocolate rumballs.
  • Cake mix – This is my fast and quick secret for these rumballs, boxed chocolate cake mix – super quick and still super tasty! Make sure you follow the instructions on the box on how to make it.
  • Wet ingredients – Eggs, vegetable oil (like canola), and milk.
  • Rum – In my world dark rum is a must, but feel free to use whichever kind you’d like, or whatever you have on hand.
  • Nuts – I used ground pecans today for texture, flavor, and structure. Walnuts also work.
  • Powders – We’re using both powdered sugar and cocoa powder to mix in with our rum and pecans, believe me you need powdered sugar rather than regular sugar.
  • Coconut – Shredded and unsweetened for our rumballs to be rolled around in.

How To Make Chocolate Rumballs

process shots showing how to make chocolate cake.
  1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Make the cake batter: In the bowl of your mixer add the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk and vegetable oil. Beat on medium for 2 minutes until well incorporated. Pour the cake batter into prepared baking pan.
  3. Bake: Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes or until cooked through. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake, if the toothpick comes out clean the cake is done. Let the cake cool completely.
  4. Make the rumball mixture: Remove the cake from the baking pan, and crumble it up in a big bowl. Add the powder sugar, rum, cocoa powder and the chopped pecans. Mix well. Initially you may think there’s not enough moisture, but as you mix it, it will all incorporate really well and you will be able to roll rumballs.
  5. Assemble the rum balls: Start rolling, the rumballs should be just a little over an inch in diameter. I usually just use my clean hands, but you may find a cookie scoop may make this easier. After you rolled them between your hands, roll them in the coconut.
detailed process shots showing how to make and form chocolate rumballs.

Not A Rum Fan?

While rum is my favorite for this recipe, you can use whichever your favorite type of liquor is for the flavor. If you’re looking for an alcohol free version, try a cake pop recipe.

How Can I Tell When My Cake Is Done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake in the pan. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is done baking. If there is any batter sticking to the toothpick, bake for 5-10 minutes at a time until the toothpick comes out clean. Use a new toothpick for each test.

chocolate rumballs arranged nicely on a serving platter.

What Else Can I Add To My Rumballs?

Well you can use whatever your mind dares to dream about! I promise not to take offense if you choose to tweak this recipe, that’s the fun with Holiday desserts – is making them your own!

  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Pistachios
  • Raisins
  • Dried cranberries
  • Chocolate sprinkles – rather than coconut on the outside
  • Vanilla

Storing Leftovers

You can store the rumballs in an airtight container in the fridge for over a week. You can also freeze them stored in an airtight container.

chocolate rumballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Craving More Holiday Sweet? Try These

  • Lemon Shortbread Cookies
  • Chocolate Sugar Cookies
  • Thumbprint Cookies
  • Classic Shortbread Cookies
  • Poppy Seed Rugelach
  • Lime Meltaways
  • Soft Oatmeal Cookies

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… My Newsletter Pinterest Facebook Instagram

closeup of chocolate rumballs on parchment paper.

Chocolate Rumballs

4.35 from 38 votes
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 1 hr
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 60
Print Pin Rate
These Chocolate Rumballs coated in shredded coconut are a delightful bite sized treat sure to make you want to reach for another and another.

Equipment

  • Glass Mixing Bowl Set (3 piece)
  • 9×13-inch Baking Pan (set of 2)

Ingredients

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup dark rum
  • 1 cup pecans or walnuts finely chopped
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups shredded coconut sweetened
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Make the cake batter: In the bowl of your mixer add the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk and vegetable oil. Beat on medium for 2 minutes until well incorporated. Pour the cake batter into prepared baking pan.
  • Bake: Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes or until cooked through. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake, if the toothpick comes out clean the cake is done. Let the cake cool completely.
  • Make the rumball mixture: Remove the cake from the baking pan, and crumble it up in a big bowl. Add the powder sugar, rum, cocoa powder and the chopped pecans. Mix well. Initially you may think there's not enough moisture, but as you mix it, it will all incorporate really well and you will be able to roll rumballs.
  • Assemble the rum balls: Start rolling, the rumballs should be just a little over an inch in diameter. I usually just use my clean hands, but you may find a cookie scoop may make this easier. After you rolled them between your hands, roll them in the coconut.

Video

Recipe Notes

  1. Make sure you follow the instructions on the cake box as the ingredients required may differ such as the amount of eggs, milk, oil, etc.
  2. If you’re looking for an alcohol free version, try a cake pop recipe.
  3. While rum is my favorite for this recipe, you can use whichever your favorite type of liquor is for the flavor.
  4. You can store the rumballs in an airtight container in the fridge for over a week. You can also freeze them stored in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1ballCalories: 102kcal (5%)Carbohydrates: 11.6g (4%)Protein: 1.4g (3%)Fat: 6g (9%)Saturated Fat: 1.8g (11%)Cholesterol: 9mg (3%)Sodium: 79mg (3%)Potassium: 63mg (2%)Fiber: 0.8g (3%)Sugar: 7.8g (9%)Calcium: 20mg (2%)
Course:Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine:American
Keyword:chocolate, holiday cookies, rumballs
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Liz Walkenshaw says

    February 4, 2021 at 9:46 am

    Im just getting around to make these rum balls. Why did you give instructions for the cake mix and not follow box instructions? I have to use a GF mix and don’t know if I should use box instructions or yours!

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      February 4, 2021 at 9:50 am

      I followed the instruction on my box! I just let others know the process of how I made it. As stated, just follow the instructions on your specific cake mix 🙂

      Reply
  2. Carole Phinney says

    December 26, 2020 at 12:09 pm

    This is the second Christmas that I have made this recipe to gift to my neighbours. They all love it.

    Reply
  3. Carol Pace says

    December 23, 2020 at 2:16 am

    Joanna, I like your way of thinking by adding a 1/2 cup of rum instead of 1/4 cup but was it to moist and if so what did you add extra to the batter to make up the difference?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      December 23, 2020 at 10:39 am

      I don’t add anything else, they do end up a bit moister but not too much. 🙂

      Reply
      • Carol Pace says

        December 26, 2020 at 8:34 am

        Thank you, I will give it a try…

  4. Stella Carella says

    December 13, 2020 at 9:42 am

    Hi Jo,
    We are currently in lockdown in Ontario and was wondering if I could use a white or golden cake box instead of chocolate.

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      December 13, 2020 at 11:25 am

      You could, they just won’t be so chocolatey.

      Reply
  5. Violet says

    December 7, 2019 at 9:39 am

    Could you use Bailey’s Irish Cream in this receipe?

    Reply
    • jo says

      December 7, 2019 at 9:51 am

      Instead of the rum? Yes that would make these rumballs really good. 🙂

      Reply
      • Violet says

        December 8, 2019 at 11:31 am

        Thank you Jo! Now I can’t wait to try this recipe. I know I am going to love it!!!!!!

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