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
Scale
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
