Description
Delicious and healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles made with raw hazelnuts, Medjool dates, and rich cocoa powder. These no-bake truffles are naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, lightly flavored with vanilla, and coated optionally with nuts, coconut flakes, or a spicy cocoa mix. Perfect for a guilt-free snack or dessert, ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup raw hazelnuts
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
Optional Coatings
- ¼ cup hazelnuts or almonds, ground
- ¼ cup finely shredded coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Soak Dates: Place the pitted dates in a small bowl filled with warm water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes to soften.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper and set it aside for the finished truffles.
- Arrange Coatings: Pour each chosen coating onto a separate shallow, rimmed plate for easy rolling of the truffles.
- Grind Hazelnuts: Add the raw hazelnuts to a food processor and process until finely ground.
- Drain Dates: Remove the softened dates from the water and drain off any excess before adding to the processor.
- Blend Dates and Cocoa: Add the drained dates and cocoa powder to the food processor. Blend until smooth, approximately 3-4 minutes, scraping sides as needed. Add a few drops of water if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency, but avoid adding too much.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the date and cocoa mixture, add coconut flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Process until all ingredients are well combined into a dough-like consistency.
- Portion Dough: Remove the mixture from the food processor and divide it into 15-18 equal portions.
- Shape Truffles: Roll each portion into a ball shape, then roll the balls into your chosen coating to cover them evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Place the coated truffles on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for several minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the dates is essential to soften them for blending, ensuring a smooth truffle texture.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add water one drop at a time while blending.
- Optional coatings add flavor and texture variation; try mixing cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use raw nuts and pure maple syrup for the best natural flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
