No-Bake Oreo Rum Balls

Here’s my go-to recipe for Oreo rum balls – a super simple, no-bake treat made with crushed Oreos, pecans, rum, and a coating of powdered sugar or chocolate sprinkles.

These little treats have become my holiday party trademark, and I always get asked to bring them to gatherings. I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly – plus, they actually taste even better after a day or two in the fridge!

Which Kind of Oreos Should I Use?

Regular classic Oreos are perfect for this recipe, but you’ve got plenty of options to play around with. Double Stuf Oreos will make your rum balls a bit sweeter and creamier, while Thin Oreos might need a touch more cream cheese to reach the right consistency. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try different Oreo flavors like Dark Chocolate or Golden Oreos – just keep in mind that using flavored varieties will change the final taste of your rum balls. When crushing your cookies, aim for fine crumbs rather than chunks to help everything stick together better. A food processor works great for this, but you can also place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Options for Substitutions

These no-bake treats are pretty flexible and can be customized with several swaps:

• Oreos: Any chocolate sandwich cookie works great here – try generic brands, chocolate wafers, or even chocolate graham crackers. Just make sure to keep the cream filling if using sandwich cookies, as it helps bind everything together.
• Instant espresso: You can skip this if you’re not a coffee fan, or replace it with instant coffee powder. For a different flavor twist, try using vanilla powder or cocoa powder instead.
• Cream cheese: Mascarpone cheese makes a good substitute, or try using softened butter if you’re out of cream cheese. Just make sure whatever you use is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Rum: For an alcohol-free version, orange juice works perfectly. You could also try coffee, vanilla extract mixed with water, or even coconut milk for different flavor profiles.
• Rolling coatings: The coating options are endless! Try sprinkles, powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers, or even mini chocolate chips. Just pick something that will stick well to the outside of the balls.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making Oreo rum balls is getting the right consistency – too much liquid makes them impossible to roll, while too little leaves them crumbly and dry. Start with 2 tablespoons of rum and add more only if needed, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the mixture holds together when pressed. The second common mistake is not crushing the Oreos finely enough – large chunks will make your rum balls fall apart, so pulse them in the food processor until you get very fine crumbs. When rolling the balls, your hands can get sticky and messy – try coating your palms with a little cocoa powder or wearing food-safe gloves, and chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes if it becomes too soft to work with. For the best flavor development, let these treats rest in the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving – they’ll taste even better as the rum melds with the other ingredients.

What to Serve With Rum Balls?

These sweet little treats are perfect for serving alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso, which really brings out their chocolate-y flavor. I like to put them out on a dessert platter with other bite-sized sweets like chocolate truffles or cookies for a nice variety. Since rum balls have a rich flavor, they pair really nicely with a glass of cold milk or even a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream if you’re feeling fancy. For holiday parties, I arrange them on a tiered serving plate with some fresh mint leaves for a simple but pretty presentation.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These tasty Oreo rum balls stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. They actually taste even better after a day or two when the flavors have had time to mingle!

Freeze: Want to make these ahead? Pop them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. They’re perfect for making ahead for parties or when you want a sweet treat on hand.

Serve: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen rum balls, just transfer them to the fridge the night before. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving – they taste best when they’re not too cold!

Preparation Time	10-20 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	10-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1300-1500
• Protein: 10-15 g
• Fat: 60-70 g
• Carbohydrates: 180-210 g

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups oreos
• Pinch of salt
• Instant espresso
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 2 to 3 tablespoons rum or orange juice
• Cocoa, cacao, coconut, or crushed nuts (for rolling)

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crumb Mixture

Begin by crushing 2 and 1/2 cups of Oreos into fine crumbs.

You can do this using a food processor or by placing the Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin.

Once crushed, transfer the Oreo crumbs into a bowl.

Add a pinch of salt and a dash of instant espresso to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Step 2: Bind the Ingredients

Add 2 tablespoons of room temperature cream cheese to the Oreo mixture.

Pour in 2 to 3 tablespoons of rum for an adult twist, or opt for orange juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients bind together to form a cohesive, moldable mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Truffle Balls

Using a spoon, scoop portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form small, even-sized balls.

Make sure each ball is compact and smooth for easy coating.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Coating

Once formed, roll each Oreo ball in your choice of coating.

Options include cocoa powder, cacao, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts.

Ensure the balls are entirely covered with the coating for added flavor and texture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Place the coated Oreo truffles on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.

Once set, serve these delightful treats and enjoy!