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Hazelnut Chocolate Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 129 reviews

These Hazelnut Chocolate Balls are a rich and healthy snack, combining roasted hazelnuts, Medjool dates, and dark chocolate to create a naturally sweet, vegan, and gluten-free treat. Perfect for energy boosts, they feature a creamy chocolate center and a decadent drizzle of dark chocolate on top.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Medjool Dates (about 8 dates, 4.7 oz)
  • 1 cup Hazelnuts
  • 1 oz Dark Chocolate (85% Lindt or vegan dark chocolate chips)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil (or Cocoa Butter)
  • 1 teaspoon Almond Milk (optional, if the dough is too dry)

For Assembly and Decoration

  • 10 Hazelnuts (to place in the center of each ball)
  • 3 oz Dark Chocolate (to drizzle or dip balls)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Roast Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the hazelnuts evenly on the tray, then bake them for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes after baking.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Coconut Oil: Place the 1 oz of dark chocolate and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a small bowl and gently melt either using a microwave in short bursts or a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  3. Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, combine the roasted hazelnuts (slightly warm), pitted Medjool dates, vanilla extract, and the melted chocolate-coconut oil mixture. Process for 2-3 minutes until the mixture forms a sticky batter. If the dough feels too dry and doesn’t stick together well, add 1 teaspoon of almond milk or water and blend again to achieve the desired consistency.
  4. Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough to a bowl and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.
  5. Form the Balls: Roll the dough into 10 equal-sized balls. Place one whole hazelnut into the center of each ball by flattening the dough slightly, inserting the hazelnut, and reshaping the ball around it. Arrange the balls on a plate lined with parchment paper.
  6. Decorate with Chocolate: Melt the remaining 3 oz of dark chocolate for drizzling or dipping. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the balls or dip the balls partially. Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped hazelnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
  7. Store Properly: Keep the hazelnut chocolate balls refrigerated in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 10 days.

Notes

  • Ensure dates are pitted before using to avoid any hard bits.
  • If you do not have almond milk, water or any plant-based milk can be substituted to adjust dough texture.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 85% cacao for a rich, slightly bitter flavor and healthier antioxidants.
  • These balls can be frozen for longer storage; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • The recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugars, making it a nutritious snack option.

Keywords: hazelnut chocolate balls, vegan snack, energy balls, gluten-free dessert, healthy chocolate treat, date balls, no-bake snack

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/hazelnut-chocolate-balls-recipe/