chocolate hazelnut energy balls

Banana Bread

Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls

These energy balls marry the flavors of nutty hazelnuts with rich chocolate. They're chewy with a slight crunch and have just enough sweetness to curb a midday or post-dinner sweet tooth.

Ingredients

10 medium pitted dates
⅓ cup hazelnuts, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
¼ cup chocolate hazelnut butter, such as justin's
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 pinch of salt

Directions

Place dates in a small bowl. Cover with hot water and soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, pulse hazelnuts in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add the dates and 1 tablespoon of the soaking water to the food processor. Add nut butter, cocoa and salt. Process until the nuts are finely chopped. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes.
Roll the mixture into 12 balls (about 1 scant tablespoon each). Chop the remaining 2 tablespoons hazelnuts and sprinkle over top, pressing slightly to adhere, if desired. Refrigerate the balls for at least 15 minutes and up to 1 week.