Date Energy Balls (Gluten-Free!)
These no-bake date energy balls taste just like Samoas Girl Scout cookies — made with Medjool dates, peanuts, coconut, and chocolate chips in just 10 minutes. Naturally sweetened, gluten-free, grain-free, and kid-approved.
Equipment
- Cookie scooper optional
- Dairy-free chocolate chips optional
- Sugar-free chocolate chips optional
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsweetened dried coconut chips or flakes
- ¾ cup dry roasted peanuts
- 1 ⅔ cups pitted Medjool dates
- ⅔ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Process the peanuts and coconut in a food processor for 15–20 seconds until the texture of large pieces of sand or small pebbles.
- Add the pitted dates to the food processor. Blend for 15–30 seconds until the dates are broken down and blended into the nut and coconut mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a medium mixing bowl.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a large cookie scoop or your hands, roll and press the mixture into 2-tablespoon-size balls. If the mixture looks crumbly, just squeeze firmly — the dates are very sticky, and the balls will hold together when pressed.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up
Notes
- Medjool dates only — Deglet Noor and other small dry dates won't blend properly or hold together.
- Unsweetened coconut — Check the label; many brands add sugar.
- Nut substitutions — Cashews or almonds work in place of peanuts. If using almonds, blend them alone for 15-30 seconds first.
- Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Processed sugar-free: Use Lily's or another sugar-free chocolate chip variety.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
- Soften hard dates: Soak in warm water for 10 minutes, drain, and pat dry before using.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ballCalories: 136kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 10mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15g
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