![- 1 cup hazelnuts, roasted - 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder - 1 tablespoon almond butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of sea salt - Optional: 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips Gather these simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the energy balls tasty and energizing. Hazelnuts add a rich, nutty flavor. Roasting them brings out their natural oils. Medjool dates are sweet and sticky. They help bind the mixture and add natural sweetness. Rolled oats give texture and help with energy. They are a great source of fiber. Cocoa powder adds a deep chocolate flavor. Choose unsweetened for a healthier option. Almond butter adds creaminess. It also provides healthy fats and protein. Vanilla extract gives a warm, inviting aroma. It enhances the overall flavor profile. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors. For a little extra fun, add mini dark chocolate chips. They are not necessary, but they do add sweetness and texture. You can find the full recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls in the recipe section. To prepare the hazelnuts, start with roasted ones. You can buy them or roast raw hazelnuts yourself in the oven. Just spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Let them cool before using. Next, process the dates. Use Medjool dates for the best flavor. Remove the pits and place them in a food processor. Add the rolled oats, cocoa powder, almond butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until the mixture gets sticky and holds together when pressed. This step is key for the energy balls to stick well. Now, combine the chopped hazelnuts with the sticky mixture. Pulse it a few times in the food processor. This ensures the hazelnuts mix evenly throughout the energy balls. If you like a bit of chocolate, fold in mini dark chocolate chips at this stage. Next, it’s time to form the energy balls. Use your hands to scoop out small portions. Roll them into about 1-inch balls. Keep your hands slightly damp if the mixture sticks too much. This makes rolling easier and more fun! Once you have rolled all your energy balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up nicely. For storage, transfer the energy balls to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks. Enjoy your healthy treat anytime you need a boost! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To adjust for stickiness, you can add more oats. If the mixture feels too wet, a little extra cocoa powder helps too. You want it sticky but not gooey. For the right consistency, pulse the hazelnuts just enough to chop, not turn into paste. When you mix the dates and oats, process until it holds together. If it crumbles, add a splash of water or almond butter. You can add seeds like chia or flax for extra nutrition. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can also boost flavor. If you need a nut-free version, try sunflower seeds instead. For dietary tweaks, use maple syrup instead of dates for sweetness. This way, you can cater to your needs without losing taste. To serve, roll the energy balls in cocoa powder or shredded coconut for a fun look. You can even place them in mini cupcake liners for a nice touch. For storage, use glass jars or airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and makes them easy to grab. You can also freeze them for later, just remember to thaw before serving. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your tasty energy balls! {{image_2}} You can change up the nuts and seeds in this recipe. Try using almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Each nut adds a unique taste and texture. If you want to use seeds, consider sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Mixing and matching flavors can create new favorites. For example, pair hazelnuts with almonds for a rich, nutty blend. If you like it sweeter, add more dates or use honey. You can also reduce the sweetness by cutting back on the dates. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave work well too. Remember to adjust the other ingredients to keep the right texture. Taste as you mix to find your perfect balance. To satisfy a chocolate craving, try different types of chocolate. Dark, milk, or white chocolate can change the flavor. You can also create a chocolate coating by melting chocolate and dipping the balls. This adds a delicious crunch and makes them look fancy. Just let the coating cool before serving. For a complete guide on making these delightful treats, check the Full Recipe. To keep your Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars work well, but plastic containers are also fine. Make sure the lid seals tightly to keep air out. Store them in the refrigerator. This keeps them firm and tasty for longer. You can freeze these energy balls for up to three months. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight bag or container. For thawing, take out a few balls and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This way, they taste fresh and soft. In the fridge, these energy balls can last up to two weeks. If you see any mold or a change in smell, it’s best to throw them out. Signs of spoilage include a dry, crumbly texture or off flavors. Enjoy your tasty treat while it’s fresh! For the full recipe, check the section above. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to chill. So, in 45 minutes, you can enjoy these tasty bites. First, gather your ingredients. Then, mix them in a food processor. After that, roll them into balls. Finally, let them chill in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend and makes them firm. Yes, you can make these energy balls vegan. Just use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free if you add them. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly. This way, everyone can enjoy these treats. Energy balls are packed with nutrition. They are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Hazelnuts add good fats and vitamin E. Dates give you natural sweetness and fiber. Oats provide lasting energy and help with digestion. These energy balls can help keep you full and satisfied. Yes, you can use other fruits if you want. Dried figs or apricots work well as substitutes. They will change the taste a bit, but that’s okay! Just remember to pit them if needed. This might change the texture too, making it less sticky. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dried fruits! You’ve learned how to make tasty Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step prep, and storage tips. You can adjust sweetness, swap nuts, or enhance flavors too. This recipe is flexible and fun. Enjoy experimenting with it! Whether for a quick snack or a sweet treat, these energy balls fit many needs. Make them your own and share them with friends. Enjoy the energy boost these snacks bring to your day!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2bae0f9c-2359-4362-a8f8-ce2c248e6efe.webp)
Ingredients
Method
In a food processor, pulse the roasted hazelnuts until finely chopped, but stop before they become a paste. Scoop into a bowl and set aside.
In the same food processor, combine the pitted Medjool dates, rolled oats, cocoa powder, almond butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed.
Add the chopped hazelnuts into the mixture and blend again until evenly distributed. (If using chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.)
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the rolled energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Once firm, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 energy balls