Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls
Wholesome, no-bake energy balls made with dates, hazelnuts, and cocoa. These plant-based snacks are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, making them perfect for quick bites, meal prep, or a nutritious snack anytime.
Equipment
- Small bowl (1)
- Food processor (1)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 10 medium pitted dates
- ⅓ cup hazelnuts plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
- ¼ cup chocolate hazelnut butter e.g., Justin’s
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Soak the Dates: Begin by placing all 10 pitted dates into a small mixing bowl. Pour enough hot water over them to just cover, allowing the dates to soften. Let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps break down the dates’ natural sugars and makes them easier to blend smoothly into the mixture, resulting in a cohesive, slightly sticky texture that will hold together when rolled into balls.
- Prepare the Hazelnuts: While the dates are soaking, measure out ⅓ cup of hazelnuts. Add them to a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. You want small, slightly uneven pieces to give the energy balls a pleasant crunch. Avoid over-processing at this stage, as finely ground nuts can make the texture too dense.
- Combine Ingredients in Food Processor: Once the dates have softened, drain them, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the soaking water. Add the softened dates to the food processor with the chopped hazelnuts. Then, add ¼ cup of chocolate hazelnut butter, 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend all ingredients until the mixture becomes thick, sticky, and uniform. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing. The reserved soaking water can be added gradually if the mixture feels too dry, helping achieve the perfect pliable consistency.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer the blended mixture to a small bowl and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes. Chilling firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and roll into balls. This step also allows the flavors of the dates, hazelnuts, and cocoa to meld beautifully, intensifying the overall taste.
- Form the Energy Balls: Once the mixture is chilled and firm, scoop approximately 1 scant tablespoon of mixture at a time. Roll each portion between the palms of your hands into a smooth, even ball. Continue until all the mixture has been shaped into 12 balls. This step is the most satisfying, as you can see the ingredients transform into perfectly bite-sized snacks.
- Garnish with Hazelnuts: Chop the remaining 2 tablespoons of hazelnuts finely. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top of each ball, pressing gently to adhere. This adds a delicate crunch and a visually appealing finishing touch. The garnish also enhances the nutty aroma, complementing the rich chocolate flavor.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the finished energy balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow them to firm up completely. The balls will hold their shape better and develop a slightly firmer texture, making them perfect for snacking, meal prep, or gifting.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately after chilling for a quick energy boost, or store the energy balls in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, they can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to one month. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature for a few minutes for a soft, chewy texture.
Notes
- Make sure to soak the dates in hot water; this softens them and ensures the mixture blends smoothly.
- Pulse the hazelnuts just until coarsely chopped; over-processing can create a paste rather than crunchy bits.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add the reserved soaking water gradually, one teaspoon at a time.
- Roll the balls firmly but gently; too much pressure can cause them to crumble, while too little can make them sticky.
- Garnish with extra chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder for added texture and presentation.
- Refrigeration is key for shaping and storing—this keeps the energy balls firm and easy to handle.
