Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, vanilla wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir everything together until it’s well-mixed. The shredded coconut and the vanilla wafer crumbs will form the base of your rum balls, while the cocoa powder adds depth of flavor and a bit of chocolatey richness.

If you want to make the rum balls extra coconutty, you can reserve a bit of the shredded coconut to roll the balls in later. This will give the rum balls an extra layer of coconut flavor and a festive snow-like appearance.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

To the dry mixture, add the dark rum, honey, coconut milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract. The rum is what gives the balls their signature boozy kick, so adjust the amount to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can start with less rum and add more as needed. The honey (or maple syrup) acts as a natural sweetener that balances the rum’s sharpness, while the coconut milk or heavy cream adds richness to the mixture.

Stir everything together until all of the ingredients are fully combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a little more coconut milk or rum to help bind it together. If it’s too wet, add a few more vanilla wafer crumbs or shredded coconut to firm it up.

Step 3: Roll the Rum Balls

Once your mixture is fully combined and the texture feels right, it’s time to roll the rum balls. Using your hands, scoop out a small amount of the mixture (about one tablespoon) and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Try to make each ball about the size of a marble or a small walnut for bite-sized treats.

As you form the balls, you can roll them in additional shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar, depending on the coating you prefer. The coconut adds a lovely chewy texture and extra flavor, while the cocoa powder gives them a rich, chocolatey finish, and the powdered sugar adds a sweet dusting.

Step 4: Chill the Rum Balls

Once all of the rum balls are rolled and coated, place them on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate the rum balls for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm and set. This chilling step is essential for ensuring the rum balls hold their shape when served, and it also allows the flavors to meld together.

If you’re in a hurry, you can chill them for 30 minutes in the freezer to speed up the process, but the longer you let them set, the better the flavors will be.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, your coconut rum balls are ready to serve! They’re perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family. You can also package them in decorative tins or gift boxes to give as homemade gifts during the holiday season.

To serve, arrange the rum balls on a festive tray or in a cute serving bowl, and enjoy their delightful coconutty, rum-infused sweetness. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, a glass of mulled wine, or a warm holiday cocktail.