Pour the crushed vanilla wafers in a large mixing bowl.
Add the pecan pieces to the crushed vanilla wafers.
Add 1 cup of the confectioners' sugar to the mixture.
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa and mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Pour in 1 tablespoon vanilla flavoring.
Add 4 tablespoons syrup to the mixture and stir.
Pour in the rum and mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into a small ball and then roll the ball in confectioners' sugar.
Place each ball onto waxed paper and continuing making balls until you run out of mixture.
Let the balls sit for about an hour and then roll them again in confectioners' sugar.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
Any type of rum can be used in making these balls.
Honey, maple syrup, or light Karo syrup can be substituted for the syrup.
It is not necessary to refrigerate the rum balls, but if you do, they will last longer.