I had been running out of snack ideas to take to work, so I came up with this recipe for a midday pick-me-up. They're easy to make, require only a few minutes of time on the stove (perfect for the hot days of summer), and last for the whole week in the fridge. Plus, if you enjoy getting your hands dirty, this one is for you — it is also a fun recipe to make with kids!
Keep in mind that each Cocoa Date Ball counts as a serving. As good as they taste, try not to go bonkers and eat all of them at once! Also note that the recipes calls for unsweetened varieties of cocoa powder and coconut flakes. The dates do a fine job at bringing in all the sweetness needed for this recipe.
Cocoa Date Balls 
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- ¼ cup pecans
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 ounces dark chocolate
Directions
- Soak pitted dates in a bowl filled with warm water for at least 1 hour. Drain.
- Add soaked dates and pecans to a food processor or blender. Blend for a short amount of time, until you it becomes the consistency of chunky paste.
- Remove the pecan-date mix from the blender and scoop into a bowl.
- With clean hands, mold pecan-date mix into 9 to 10 small balls.
- Pour cocoa powder into a bowl. Dip each ball into the bowl and evenly coat.
- Using your hands, press coconut flakes into each cocoa balls.
- Place date balls on a large dish or plate as you melt dark chocolate on low heat. Drizzle melted chocolate over date balls.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so the balls can stiffen and the chocolate can harden. Serves 9 to 10.
Cooking Notes
- Store Cocoa Date Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- If you have one, use a double boiler to melt chocolate.
Wendy Lopez, MS, RD, is an outpatient dietitian based in New York City. She is co-founder of Food Heaven Made Easy. Follow her on Instagram.
