Grandma 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 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 Munchie Indiana, in 1917, my grandmother had a special gift for bringing people together. Her journey took her from Indiana to Wisconsin, and eventually to San Antonio, Texas. Along the way, those little powdered-sugared spheres of holiday cheer became celebrated at countless family gatherings.
Mary Jane and John raised their children in Hagerstown, Indiana, then Racine and Plymouth, Wisconsin, before retiring in San Antonio, where they strolled the famous River Walk and visited the Alamo. As the eldest and only daughter in a family of boys, Grandma was a natural in the kitchen, learning invaluable tips from her mother, Helen Carnes, and mother-in-law, Clara Baker. While her fried chicken, green beans, chocolate cakes, and dumplings were family favorites, it was during the holidays that her culinary talents truly shone.
I'm excited to share even more discoveries as we head into the holiday season. Join me in preserving these precious family recipes. Subscribe now for special holiday pricing 🎁
I remember her as the epitome of grace and style, always beautifully dressed from head to toe, wearing a warm smile unless Grandpa John had tried her patience. She was kind, always seeing the good in others and proudly showing off her children and grandchildren to friends and co-workers.
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 families’ memorable meals.
But it was the rum balls that became one of Grandma’s signature dishes - each one rolled with love and a generous spirit, both in mind and pour. So, this holiday season, embrace her spirit: enjoy two, three, or even four of these festive treats, and let the gatherings begin!
Grandma Mary Jane’s Rum Ball Recipe
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 about 24
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 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, coat in 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, 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
Pair your rum or bourbon balls with a bottle of the spirit you used to make them then wrap beautifully and include a handwritten card with the recipe so the recipient can recreate the treat at home.
Gift in decorative holiday tins or sturdy boxes lined with parchment paper; pack in small individual boxes for single-serving gifts or party favors; or arrange balls on a festive plate wrapped in clear plastic tied with a red holiday bow.
Host a rum and bourbon ball candy-making party. Prepare one or two batches of each type ahead of time, then setup a station with sheet pans or bowls of various confectionary toppings. Invite friends and family to join in, decorate their treats, and create personalized gifts to share with their loved ones.
Leave a comment, show the love, or spread the joy with a gift subscription!
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