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Delicious traditional German Rum Balls (Rumkugeln) decorated with chocolate sprinkles.

German Rum Balls (Rumkugeln)

A quick and easy no-bake treat made from fine cake crumbs, nuts, and cocoa, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a baking fuss.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups fine cake crumbs or crushed chocolate cookies
  • 1 cup ground nuts (hazelnuts or almonds are classic)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, plus extra for rolling
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup or honey helps bind
  • 1 to 3 tablespoons rum, to taste
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or strong coffee, as needed
  • 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate (optional) for extra richness
Coating Options
  • cocoa powder, chocolate sprinkles, shredded coconut, or finely grated chocolate

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix fine cake crumbs, ground nuts, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in a big bowl.
  2. Add corn syrup or honey and stir. It will look dry at first.
  3. Gradually add rum, and then add cream or coffee one spoon at a time until the mixture clumps when pressed.
  4. If using melted chocolate, stir it in now.
  5. Chill the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes if it feels too sticky.
  6. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch each.
  7. Roll in your choice of coating and place on a plate or tray.
  8. Chill the rum balls for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture.

Notes

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well; freeze in a single layer first, then move to a bag.