No-Bake Booze Balls Recipe
Introduction
No-Bake Booze Balls are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines rich flavors and boozy warmth in bite-sized form. Perfect for parties or as a casual dessert, these sweet, nutty balls require no oven time and come together quickly for a fuss-free indulgence.

Ingredients
- 3 cups vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies, crushed
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
- 2 1/3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/2 cup rum, bourbon, Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or orange juice (choose one)
- 1/2 cup additional powdered sugar, cocoa, finely chopped nuts, coconut, sugar, or sprinkles for coating
Instructions
- Step 1: Crush the vanilla wafers finely by placing them in a resealable bag and rolling with a rolling pin or wine bottle, or use a food processor or blender if available.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed wafers, powdered sugar, chopped nuts, and cocoa powder. Mix well to blend the dry ingredients.
- Step 3: In a small cup, mix the corn syrup with your choice of alcohol or orange juice to thin the syrup. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly; the mixture will be stiff.
- Step 4: For the traditional method, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll each in powdered sugar or your desired coating.
- Step 5: For an easier method, sprinkle an ungreased 8″x8″ pan with powdered sugar or cocoa. Press the mixture evenly into the pan, then sprinkle the top with powdered sugar, cocoa, nuts, or sprinkles. Cut into 3/4-inch squares once set.
- Step 6: Place the balls or squares on a plate or waxed paper and let them dry for 1 hour. Store in a tightly lidded container or resealable bag.
Tips & Variations
- Use different nuts or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Substitute orange juice for alcohol to keep it kid-friendly or alcohol-free.
- Try rolling the balls in shredded coconut or colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
- For a smoother texture, pulse the nuts finely in a food processor before mixing.
Storage
Store Booze Balls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving. They hold up well and drying time helps them firm up, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of alcohol?
Yes, you can choose rum, bourbon, Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or any other preferred liquor to customize the flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, orange juice works well.
How long do the Booze Balls last?
They can be kept for about one week at room temperature in a sealed container. Refrigeration can extend their freshness, but allow them to warm slightly before serving for best texture.
Print
No-Bake Booze Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including drying time)
- Yield: Approximately 30 balls or 36 squares 1x
Description
No-Bake Booze Balls are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that combines the crunch of crushed vanilla wafers with the rich flavor of your choice of rum, bourbon, Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or a non-alcoholic orange juice option. These no-bake dessert balls are sweetened with powdered sugar, enriched with chopped nuts, and coated with a flavorful dusting. Perfect for quick holiday parties or anytime you want a boozy sweet bite without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies, crushed
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
- 2 1/3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/2 cup rum, bourbon, Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or orange juice (choose one)
Coating Options
- 1/2 cup additional powdered sugar, cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, granulated sugar, or sprinkles (for rolling or dusting)
Instructions
- Crush the Cookies: Place the vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies in a resealable plastic bag. Use a rolling pin or wine bottle to crush them finely until you have a crumbly texture. Alternatively, pulse briefly in a food processor or blender if available.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Transfer the crushed cookies to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar, finely chopped nuts, and cocoa powder. Stir thoroughly to combine all dry ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small cup, mix the corn syrup with your chosen alcohol or orange juice. The addition of liquid helps to thin the corn syrup, making it easier to incorporate into the dry mixture.
- Form the Mixture: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until the dough is uniformly moistened; it will be quite stiff.
- Shape the Balls (Traditional Method): Using your hands, shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Roll each ball in your chosen coating—powdered sugar, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, coconut, sugar, or sprinkles—to coat evenly.
- Or Press and Cut (Easier Method): Alternatively, lightly sprinkle an ungreased 8 by 8-inch pan with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Sprinkle the top with your chosen dusting ingredients, then cut into 3/4-inch squares.
- Dry and Store: Place the formed balls or cut squares on a plate or piece of waxed paper. Allow them to dry at room temperature for about 1 hour to set. Store in a tightly lidded container or resealable bag to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can choose any liquor or orange juice based on preference; alcohol adds depth while orange juice makes it non-alcoholic and kid-friendly.
- For finer texture, pulse the nuts in a food processor, but avoid turning them into powder.
- Adjust coating ingredients to suit your flavor or dietary preferences, such as using shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- These treats can be kept refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more corn syrup or liquid; if too wet, add crushed wafers or powdered sugar incrementally.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no-bake desserts, booze balls, vanilla wafer treats, holiday sweets, easy dessert bites, rum balls, bourbon treats

