Name: Cocoa Energy Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup Medjool Dates ((note 1)); 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder ((note 2)); 1/2 cup Rolled Oats ((note 3)); 1/2 cup Walnuts ((note 4)); 1/3 cup Dark Chocolate Chips ((note 5)); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

These Cocoa Energy Balls are simple 4-ingredient snacks with just 100 Calories, and made with no added sugar in under 10 minutes.

While the whole recipe is just below, don’t miss all my tips further down, including ingredient swaps, my cooking tips, and step-by-step shots!

Like This Recipe?

Leave a comment below or head to our Facebook page where I reply to (almost) all comments, our Instagram page for inspiration, or our Pinterest for saving recipes!

Cocoa Energy Balls

These Cocoa Energy Balls are simple 4-ingredient snacks with just 100 Calories, and made with no added sugar in under 10 minutes.

No ratings yet

Print Review Save

Pin Save in Email

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 balls

Calories: 102.3 kcal

Author: Carine Claudepierre

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

▢ 1 ½ cup Medjool Dates - (note 1)
▢ ¼ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - (note 2)
▢ ½ cup Rolled Oats - (note 3)
▢ ½ cup Walnuts - (note 4)

Optional

▢ ⅓ cup Dark Chocolate Chips - (note 5)
▢ 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, add the pitted Medjool dates. Cover with boiled water. Set aside 5 minutes.
Drain the soaked dates over a sieve, and discard the water.
Place softened dates in a food processor with cocoa powder, rolled oats, walnuts, and vanilla, if used.
Process in 30-second bursts, on medium-high speed, stop the food processor, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, and repeat these steps a few times, until it comes into a sticky, consistent chocolate batter.
Add chocolate chips if you like, pulse a few times to incorporate. They add sweetness, and I highly recommend it as the batter has no added sugar apart from the dates.
Lightly oil your hands, and use a tablespoon to scoop out some batter. Roll into ball between your oiled hands.
If you like, roll in unsweetened desiccated coconut, or keep plain.
Place them in a airtight container.

Notes

Note 1: The recipe should work well with any variety of dates. Some are less ‘juicy’ than Medjool and will require a little water to bring the dough together.

Note 2: Or cacao powder, or carob powder, but it won’t have a chocolate flavor.

Note 3: Or quinoa flakes, or puffed rice for gluten-free options.

Note 4: Or other nuts like pecan, walnuts, or seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds.

Note 5: Add for sweetness and extra chocolate flavors. The batter is not very sweet without chocolate chips.

Storage: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Pin Recipe

Nutrition

Ingredients and Substitutions

This paragraph gives you all my tips about picking the right ingredients. For the full recipe with measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post!Go to Full Recipe

You only need four simple ingredients to make this recipe. Here’s how to pick and swap them.

Medjool Dates – These provide natural sweetness and a sticky binder for the energy balls. You can also use other date varieties, but some might need a little extra water to help the dough come together.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This gives the energy balls their rich chocolate flavor. You can also use cacao powder for a similar taste, or carob powder if you prefer, but it won’t taste like chocolate.
Rolled Oats – These add bulk and a slight chewiness to the energy balls. Quinoa flakes or puffed rice also work if you’re looking for different textures or gluten-friendly options.
Walnuts – These contribute a nice crunch and healthy fats to the energy balls. Other nuts like pecans or seeds such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are fine too.
Dark Chocolate Chips – These add extra sweetness and a more intense chocolate taste to the energy balls.

How to Make Cocoa Energy Balls

These balls are so easy to make, here’s how in pictures.

Cocoa Energy Ball ingredients in a food processor.

Pour all the ingredients in a food processor.

Cocoa Energy Ball batter ready to be rolled.

Blend on high speed and roll into balls.

Carine’s Tips

Let me share a few more tips for a perfect energy balls.

Adjust Sweetness – If you like your energy balls sweeter, you can pulse in the optional chocolate chips. Alternatively, you can stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and increase the rolled oats to ⅔ cup to account for the added liquid.
Flavor Boost – A touch of vanilla extract really brings out the other flavors in these energy balls.
Nut-Free Option – If you need a nut-free snack, swap the walnuts for seeds. Pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, or sunflower seeds work particularly well.
Consistent Balls – For uniformly sized energy balls, use a measuring spoon, like a tablespoon, to scoop out the batter before rolling.
Prevent Sticking – Lightly oiling your hands before rolling the balls will prevent the mixture from sticking to them and make the process much smoother.
Texture Control – If your mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time and process until it reaches a sticky, workable consistency. If it’s too wet, add a little more rolled oats.