Some treats are just too good to resist—especially when they’re bite-sized, easy to make, and perfect for sharing! These No-Rum Kid-Friendly Balls are a delightful twist on classic rum balls, minus the alcohol, making them safe and fun for the whole family. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolatey goodness, with just the right amount of crunch.
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Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a school treat, or just a fun weekend activity with the kids, these little bites of joy will be a hit. Plus, they require no baking, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love No-Rum Kid-Friendly Balls
Easy & No-Bake: No oven? No problem! These treats come together in minutes with simple mixing and rolling.
Kid-Approved: Sweet, chocolatey, and fun to eat—what’s not to love? Kids will enjoy both making and devouring these little treats.
Customizable: You can roll them in cocoa powder, sprinkles, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts for endless flavor variations.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for lunchboxes, party trays, or even as a quick grab-and-go snack.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, so no need for a special shopping trip.
Ingredients in No-Rum Kid-Friendly Balls
These little chocolate treats are made with a handful of simple ingredients that pack a big flavor punch.
Crushed Cookies: The base of the balls, giving them structure and a delightful crunch. Digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or vanilla wafers work well.
Cocoa Powder: Brings deep, rich chocolate flavor to every bite.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Acts as the binding agent while adding a creamy sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, subtle sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture.
Optional Coatings: Roll the balls in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or colorful sprinkles for extra fun!
How to Make No-Rum Kid-Friendly Balls
Let’s dive into the steps to make these chocolatey treats:
Crush the Cookies: Place the cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. If you don’t have a processor, pop them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up. This makes rolling much easier.
Shape the Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. If the dough sticks, lightly dust your palms with cocoa powder or use slightly damp hands.
Roll in Toppings: Coat each ball in your chosen topping—coconut, sprinkles, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts.
Let Them Set: Place the finished balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: These treats are best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge!
How to Serve No-Rum Kid-Friendly Balls
These no-bake treats are incredibly versatile and perfect for:
Party Platters: Arrange them on a serving tray for an eye-catching dessert spread.
Lunchbox Treats: Pack a few in a small container for a fun school snack.
Gift Giving: Place them in decorative tins or wrap in cellophane bags for homemade gifts.
Snack Time: Enjoy one (or a few!) with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
Additional Tips
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
Add a Crunch: Mix in finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
Make It Extra Chocolatey: Drizzle melted chocolate over the balls before chilling.
Storage Tips: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Double the Batch: These disappear fast, so consider making extra!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these without sweetened condensed milk?
A1: Yes! You can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or a mix of melted chocolate and milk.
Q2: How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
A2: Lightly dust your hands with cocoa powder or keep them slightly damp while rolling.
Q3: Can I use different types of cookies?
A3: Absolutely! Try Oreos for a richer chocolate flavor or vanilla wafers for a milder taste.
Q4: Are these freezer-friendly?
A4: Yes! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q5: Can I add protein powder for a healthier twist?
A5: Yes! A scoop of chocolate protein powder blends in well without altering the taste too much.
Q6: Can kids help make these?
A6: Definitely! This is a great recipe for kids—they can mix, roll, and decorate their own treats.
Q7: How do I make them less sweet?
A7: Use unsweetened cocoa powder and choose a less sweet cookie base.
Q8: Can I add peanut butter?
A8: Yes! Stir in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
Q9: Do they need to be refrigerated?
A9: Yes, keeping them chilled helps them hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
Q10: Can I coat them in melted chocolate?
A10: Absolutely! Dip them in melted chocolate for a delicious outer shell.
Final Thoughts
These No-Rum Kid-Friendly Balls are the perfect little treat—fun to make, delicious to eat, and great for any occasion. They’re a no-bake dream that’s chocolatey, customizable, and impossible to resist.
Print
No-Rum Kid-Friendly Balls
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 30 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Description
These no-bake Kid-Friendly Rum Balls are the perfect easy treat for lunch boxes, parties, or after-school snacks! Made with crushed biscuits, cocoa, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, they’re ready in just 5 minutes—no baking required.
Ingredients
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250g plain sweet biscuits (e.g., Digestives or Graham crackers)
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395g sweetened condensed milk
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85g (1 cup) desiccated coconut
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25g (1/4 cup) cocoa powder
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130g (1 1/2 cups) extra desiccated coconut (for rolling)
Instructions
Conventional Method
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Crush biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor, blender, or rolling pin. Transfer to a large bowl.
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Mix in cocoa powder, coconut, and condensed milk until fully combined.
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Roll heaped teaspoons of mixture into balls, then coat in extra coconut.
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Chill in an airtight container for 1 hour (or enjoy straight away!). Stores for 2 weeks in the fridge or 2 months frozen.
Thermomix Method
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Crush biscuits in the Thermomix (Speed 8, 10 sec). Scrape bowl.
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Add cocoa, coconut, and condensed milk. Mix (Reverse, Speed 4, 10 sec). Repeat if needed.
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Roll into balls, coat in coconut, and store as above.
Notes
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No food processor? Place biscuits in a zip-lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
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Variations: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract or swap cocoa for Milo for a malt flavor.
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Allergy-friendly: Use gluten-free biscuits if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (30g)
- Calories: 133
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg