Mary Jane's Holiday Rum Balls
From Indiana kitchens to Crystal Lake summers, the no-bake Christmas tradition that brings families together, one powdered sugar sphere at a time
Earlier this year, I shared my grandmother’s rum ball recipe, and with the holiday season upon us, I thought it was the perfect time to revisit these yummy treats. Today, I’m sharing the recipe and ideas for gifting these spirited holiday treats. Because sometimes the best presents come from our kitchen, wrapped in family stories, dusted with powdered sugar!
Grandma Mary Jane’s Holiday Rum Ball Legacy
The holidays always transport me back to the kitchens of my grandparents and great-grandparents. Among our most cherished family treasures is my Grandma Mary Jane’s rum ball recipe - a Christmas tradition that now rests in my hands after being lovingly passed down through generations.
Born in Muncie, Indiana, in 1917, my grandmother brought people together as she moved from Indiana to Wisconsin and then to San Antonio, Texas, with her powdered-sugared holiday treats celebrated at every family gathering.
Mary Jane and John raised their family in Indiana and Wisconsin before retiring in San Antonio. As the only daughter among brothers, Grandma learned to cook from her mother and her mother-in-law. While many dishes were favorites, her holiday creations stood out.
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I remember her as the epitome of grace and style, beautifully dressed and always wearing a warm smile—except when Grandpa John tested her patience. She was kind, found the good in others, and took pride in her family.
Our summer gatherings at Crystal Lake, Wisconsin, were magical. After moving to Plymouth, Grandma and Grandpa would rent a lakeside home where the whole family would unite. While the adults divided cooking duties, we kids would spend hours at the lake, swimming out to a floating barge where we’d dance in circles, singing our mangled version of “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” until someone inevitably got pushed in the water. The dinner bell would send us scrambling up the stairs, wet and hungry, for another of our family’s memorable meals.
Rum balls were Grandma’s signature—each one made with love and a generous spirit. This season, enjoy these festive treats and start your own tradition
Mary Jane’s Rum Balls
The perfect blend of sweetness, warmth, and festive cheer, with rich nutty undertones and a bold kick of rum or bourbon, these bite-sized treats are pure delight.
Makes 24
Kitchen Tools
Ingredients
1 cup vanilla wafers
1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup pecans
1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 cup rum
Directions
Pulse vanilla wafers in a food processor until finely ground
Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar; pulse to mix.
Add pecans, pulse until finely ground.
Add corn syrup and rum, pulse until combined.
Roll into balls and coat with powdered sugar.
Chill before serving
Notes
Cookie Bake: opt for organic vanilla wafers, or experiment with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or ginger snaps.
Crushing Cookies: If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Nuts: Use whatever nuts you have on hand - pecans, almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts. Toast them over low heat until aromatic, then let them cool before adding to your mix.
Shaping the Balls: Use a scoop, a teaspoon, or your hands to form the balls. A scoop ensures more precise portions.
Coating Options: Roll the balls in your choice of powdered sugar, shredded or desiccated coconut, caster sugar, dark brown sugar, cocoa, or chocolate sprinkles. Place your coating on a baking sheet or in a large bowl for easy rolling.
Syrup Alternatives: Choose organic light corn syrup, amber maple syrup, or simple syrup as a substitute for regular corn syrup.
Spirits: Traditional recipes call for dark rum, but you can try coconut rum, spiced rum, bourbon, or whiskey/whisky for a twist.
Storing & Serving: After shaping, transfer the balls to a container or a clean sheet pan and refrigerate. For extra flair, refresh the coating in powdered sugar before serving.
Shelf Life: Best enjoyed within 5-7 days. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve or gift.
Wine Pairing
Pair with a Zinfandel from Lodi or Paso Robles, California, or with a Ruby Port from Portugal.
‘Tis the Season to Give
For a thoughtful gift, pair your rum or bourbon balls with a bottle of the same spirit used in the recipe. Place both in a decorative package and include a handwritten recipe card, so the recipient can easily recreate the treat at home.
Choose a gifting method that suits your needs: place rum balls in decorative holiday tins or sturdy boxes lined with parchment paper; for single servings or party favors, use small individual boxes; or arrange the balls on a festive plate wrapped in clear plastic and tied with a red holiday bow. Include a recipe card with each gift so recipients can make the treats themselves.
Host a rum and bourbon ball candy-making party. Prepare one or two batches of each type ahead of time, then set up a station with sheet pans or bowls of various confectionery toppings. Invite friends and family to join in, decorate their treats, and create personalized gifts to share with their loved ones.
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Such a loving memory. It brings back all the family holidays from my grandparents and great grandparents it’s nice to read the stories about my family and the history. Many times I think back to my growing up and the people who have passed. But what a special treat for me to see the history and memories of my loved ones
I think sometimes we get so busy that we don’t look back at where we came from Thank you