Rum balls are a classic holiday treat that are easy to make and enjoy. They are essentially balls of cookie crumbs, nuts, and chocolate that have been moistened and rolled together, then optionally coated in things like powdered sugar or cocoa powder. The addition of rum or other spirits gives them their distinctive flavor. While rum balls are often associated with Christmas, they can be made and enjoyed any time of year.
Can You Freeze Rum Balls?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze homemade rum balls. In fact, freezing is recommended if you make a large batch or want to make them ahead of time. Properly frozen rum balls will maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Benefits of Freezing Rum Balls
There are several advantages to freezing rum balls:
- Makes ahead – You can prepare rum balls in advance for holidays, parties, gifts, etc. Then just thaw before serving.
- Extends shelf life – Frozen rum balls will keep for months instead of just days at room temperature.
- Easy to transport – You can make rum balls at home then pack them frozen to bring to a party or event.
- Saves money – Buying ingredients in bulk and freezing extra rum balls allows you to make them at a lower cost per serving.
- Allows time to develop flavor – Some bakers recommend freezing rum balls for a couple weeks before serving as this allows the flavors to meld.
How to Freeze Rum Balls
Freezing rum balls is simple:
- Make rum ball dough according to your recipe, roll into balls, and coat as desired.
- Place rum balls in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or tray and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer frozen rum balls to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Press out excess air and seal the container.
- Label package with contents and freeze-by date (3 months from when frozen).
- For best quality, store rum balls in the freezer. If needed, they can be moved to the refrigerator to thaw 24-48 hours before serving.
Tips for Freezing Rum Balls
- Use quality ingredients like fresh nuts and crumbs for best results.
- Don’t skimp on the rum or liquors as the alcohol content helps preservation.
- Freeze rum balls in a single layer until firm before packing together.
- Use freezer-safe packaging like plastic containers or heavy duty bags.
- Avoid non-airtight containers or thin plastic bags that can lead to freezer burn.
- Press out as much air as possible and seal containers tightly.
- Fill empty space in packages with wax paper to prevent rum balls from shifting.
How Long Do Frozen Rum Balls Last?
Properly stored, frozen homemade rum balls will maintain best quality for about 3 months in the freezer, though they will still be safe to eat beyond that time. Over a long freezer storage time, you may notice a slight decline in texture and flavor.
Here are some general freezer storage guidelines for rum balls:
| Freezer Time | Quality |
|---|---|
| 0-1 month | Best quality |
| 1-3 months | Good quality |
| 4-6 months | Declining quality |
| 6-12 months | Edible but noticeable decline in quality |
Rum balls may last for shorter or longer times depending on factors like recipe, rum content, quality of ingredients, freezer temperature, and packaging. Monitor your frozen rum balls and toss if you notice drying, freezer burn, or changes in color or texture.
Signs Frozen Rum Balls Have Gone Bad
Discard frozen rum balls if you notice any of the following:
- Drying or freezer burn
- Ice crystals or frost
- Odd color changes
- Shriveled appearance
- Off or moldy odors
- Soft, mushy, or hard texture
- Taste that seems off
Thawing Frozen Rum Balls
To thaw frozen rum balls properly:
- Transfer rum balls from freezer to refrigerator 24-48 hours before serving.
- Leave rum balls packaged while thawing in the refrigerator.
- TheSlow thawing helps maintain texture and prevent condensation.
- Once thawed, rum balls can be kept refrigerated for 1 week.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Do not thaw rum balls at room temperature or try to quick thaw in the microwave.
Tips for Thawing Rum Balls
- Remove only the number of rum balls needed instead of thawing the whole package.
- Re-freeze any rum balls not used after thawing.
- Consider letting rum balls come to room temperature uncovered for 10-15 minutes to recrisp coatings.
- Avoid any moisture when thawing to prevent rum balls from getting soggy.
Storing Thawed Rum Balls
Once rum balls are thawed, they can be kept refrigerated for up to 1 week before serving. To maximize their shelf life:
- Keep rum balls in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If coated in powdered sugar, cocoa, etc., wait to coat until ready to serve.
- Serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Do not refreeze thawed rum balls.
Signs Thawed Rum Balls Have Gone Bad
Discard thawed rum balls if you see:
- Mold growth
- Drying or hardening
- Unusual odors
- Crumbling, dried out, or mushy texture
- Changes in appearance or color
- Off or sour taste
RECIPE EXAMPLE: Classic Rum Balls
Try this simple recipe for tasty rum balls. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄4 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1⁄4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons rum, brandy, or other liquor
- 1⁄4 cup additional confectioners’ sugar for coating
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix wafer crumbs, walnuts, 1⁄4 cup cocoa powder, 1⁄4 cup confectioners’ sugar.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons rum until fully incorporated.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze rum balls on baking sheet until firm, about 1-2 hours.
- Put remaining 1⁄4 cup confectioners’ sugar in small bowl.
- Roll frozen rum balls in confectioners’ sugar until evenly coated.
- Return coated balls to baking sheet and freeze until ready to serve or gift.
- Store frozen rum balls in airtight container up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Roll balls and coat in sugar up to 1 month before freezing.
- Freeze coated balls in a single layer until firm before packing into an airtight container.
- Press parchment against surface of rum balls before sealing container to absorb moisture.
- Fill any empty space in container with crumpled wax paper to prevent shifting.
- Thaw rum balls overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Rum Ball FAQs
Can you freeze unbaked rum balls?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze unbaked rum balls. Simply prepare the rum ball dough, roll into balls, coat as desired, place in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. There’s no need to bake rum balls before freezing.
How do you soften frozen rum balls?
The best way to soften frozen rum balls is to thaw them slowly in the refrigerator. Transfer frozen rum balls to the refrigerator and allow to thaw overnight, about 12-24 hours. Thawing at room temperature is not recommended as this can lead to condensation and soggy rum balls. If needed sooner, thaw for 1-2 hours on the countertop then briefly roll between your hands to soften further before serving.
Can rum balls be refrozen after thawing?
It is not recommended to refreeze rum balls after they have been thawed. Any thawed rum balls that are not used should be discarded. Refreezing can lead to further degradation in texture and flavor. For best quality, thaw only the number of rum balls that will be consumed and do not refreeze any leftovers.
How do you store softened rum balls?
Thawed, softened rum balls that won’t be served right away can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Ensure rum balls are in a single layer, not touching each other, and with minimal air space in the container. Pressing parchment or wax paper directly against the surface will help absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. Consume refrigerated, softened rum balls within 5-7 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Do rum balls need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is highly recommended for both uncooked and thawed rum balls to maximize freshness. Uncooked rum balls can be left at room temperature for up to 1-2 days, but after that should be refrigerated in an airtight container for 5-7 days maximum. Thawed rum balls should always be refrigerated and consumed within 5-7 days. Refrigeration prevents premature drying and structural collapse of rum balls. For long term storage, rum balls should be stored frozen.
Can I coat rum balls in chocolate?
Coating rum balls in chocolate is absolutely an option, but the chocolate coating may affect how long they keep compared to a simple dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa. With a chocolate coating, store rum balls in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Chocolate-coated rum balls can also be frozen; simply let the chocolate coating harden before freezing. When thawing, allow a bit more time for the chocolate to soften.
How long do baked rum balls last?
While rum balls are no-bake cookies, some recipes call for baking. Baked rum balls properly stored in the refrigerator will last 5-7 days. To extend their shelf life, freeze baked rum balls for up to 2-3 months. Freeze in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight freezer container. Thaw baked rum balls overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can you ship frozen rum balls?
Yes, it is possible to ship frozen rum balls to friends and family across the country. The key is using an insulated container and overnight shipping with expedited delivery time. Wrap rum balls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in air-tight rigid plastic containers or high quality insulated shipping boxes with plenty of freezer packs. Ship overnight and provide the recipient with instructions to immediately freeze or refrigerate upon arrival.
Conclusion
Rum balls are a timeless holiday treat that can easily be made ahead and enjoy over time. Freezing them for 1-3 months is an ideal storage method to have delicious rum balls on hand through holiday party season. Follow proper freezing, thawing, and storage guidelines for best quality and food safety. When preparing to serve or gift rum balls, allow time for thorough thawing in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying their rich, decadent flavor.