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To make tasty chocolate hazelnut energy balls, you need these key ingredients: - 1 cup raw hazelnuts - 1 cup pitted medjool dates - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup rolled oats - 2 tablespoons almond butter - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate (optional) Each ingredient plays a role in flavor and texture. For example, hazelnuts give a rich taste and crunch. Medjool dates add natural sweetness and stickiness, making the balls hold together. Unsweetened cocoa powder brings that chocolate flavor without extra sugar. Rolled oats add fiber and a bit of chewiness. Almond butter gives creaminess and a nutty taste. Vanilla extract adds depth, while sea salt enhances all the flavors. If you want to make them even more special, a drizzle of dark chocolate on top is a fun touch. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in taste. You can find most of these items at your local grocery store or health food store. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create your energy balls. - Prepare the Hazelnuts: Start by adding the raw hazelnuts to your food processor. Pulse them gently until they become fine and crumbly. You want a grainy texture, not nut butter. This gives your bliss balls a nice crunch. - Combine Ingredients: Now, it's time to mix! Add the pitted medjool dates, cocoa powder, rolled oats, almond butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt into the food processor. Blend until everything is sticky and well combined. Don't forget to stop and scrape down the sides to mix evenly. - Form the Bliss Balls: When your mixture is thick and sticky, take a tablespoon of it. Roll it into a ball shape using your hands. Each ball should be about the size of a tablespoon. Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Add a Chocolate Drizzle (Optional): Want a little extra treat? Melt some dark chocolate in the microwave or a double boiler until smooth. Using a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over each bliss ball for a sweet touch. - Chill and Store: Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Let the bliss balls chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up. After they set, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a week. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment. You can find the full recipe for these delightful snacks and more tips in the linked article. Achieving the Ideal Texture To get the best texture, you want a nice crunch. Start with raw hazelnuts. Grind them just enough to be crumbly, not smooth. This gives your energy balls a delightful bite. When you mix in the other ingredients, blend until you have a sticky mix. If it feels too dry, add a little more almond butter. This will help your balls hold together better. Storing Your Bliss Balls for Freshness Keep your energy balls fresh by storing them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for about a week. If you want to save some for later, freeze them. Just place the balls in a single layer on a tray. Once they are frozen, you can move them to a bag. This keeps them from sticking together. Presentation Tips for Serving Make your energy balls look great on the table! Place them on a nice plate. Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or cocoa powder on top for flair. You can also use mini cupcake liners to make them look fancy. This adds a fun touch when serving to friends or family. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. {{image_4}} You can easily mix things up with your chocolate hazelnut energy balls. Here are some fun ideas that can change the flavor and texture. - Different Nuts and Nut Butters: If hazelnuts aren’t your favorite, try walnuts or almonds. You can use peanut butter or cashew butter instead of almond butter. Each nut gives a unique taste and texture. - Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancements: Instead of medjool dates, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. This will make the balls sweeter and change the texture a bit. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also bring new flavors. - Additional Mix-Ins: Want to add more crunch? Try adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can give your energy balls a chewy texture and a burst of natural sweetness. These variations let you customize your snack to fit your taste and diet. You can explore and find your favorite combo! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Refrigeration Tips After making your chocolate hazelnut energy balls, chill them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. This method helps maintain the flavor and texture. I recommend eating them within a week for the best taste. Freezing for Long-Term Storage To store your energy balls for longer, freeze them. Place the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This allows you to enjoy a quick snack later. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Shelf Life Expectations Generally, chocolate hazelnut energy balls last about one week in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can stay good for about three months. Always check for any changes in texture or smell before eating. Keeping track of these tips ensures you enjoy every bite! How long do these energy balls last? These energy balls can last up to a week in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can keep for months. Just store them in an airtight container. Can I make them vegan? Yes, you can easily make these energy balls vegan. Just use a plant-based nut butter. Almond butter works great here. What can I use instead of hazelnuts? You can swap hazelnuts for almonds or walnuts. Each nut brings a different flavor. Experiment to find your favorite! Are there gluten-free options available? Absolutely! The ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten. Can I substitute medjool dates with another sweetener? Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup. Adjust the amount since these liquids are sweeter than dates. You now know how to make delicious chocolate hazelnut energy balls. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips. You can get creative with variations and add your favorite nuts or sweeteners. Storing them properly keeps them fresh and tasty. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these energy balls are fun to make. They offer a tasty and healthy treat for snacks or desserts. Give them a try, and enjoy the amazing flavors you create!

Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls

Indulge in the deliciousness of Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Balls! These no-bake treats are packed with raw hazelnuts, medjool dates, and rich cocoa powder for a perfect blend of flavors. Easy to make and great for snacking, just blend, roll, and chill! Whether you're looking for a quick energy boost or a sweet treat, these bliss balls are a must-try. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your own today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup raw hazelnuts

1 cup pitted medjool dates

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup rolled oats

2 tablespoons almond butter

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Hazelnuts: Start by adding the raw hazelnuts to your food processor. Pulse them gently until they reach a fine, crumbly consistency—aiming for a texture that is slightly grainy instead of turning them into a smooth nut butter. This will provide a delightful crunch in your bliss balls.

    Combine Ingredients: Next, incorporate the pitted medjool dates, cocoa powder, rolled oats, almond butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt into the food processor. Blend all the ingredients together until they are well mixed and the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive. Don't forget to pause periodically to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

      Form the Bliss Balls: Once your mixture has reached a thick and sticky consistency, take a tablespoon of it and use your hands to roll it into a ball shape. Aim for each ball to be about the size of a tablespoon for easy snacking. As you create them, place the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

        Add a Chocolate Drizzle (Optional): If you'd like to elevate your bliss balls with a chocolate drizzle, melt the dark chocolate. You can do this by microwaving it in short intervals or using a double boiler until it's smooth and glossy. Using a spoon, delicately drizzle the melted chocolate over each formed energy ball.

          Chill and Store: Transfer the baking sheet with the bliss balls to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up nicely. Once set, store your bliss balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting enjoyment.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12-15 bliss balls

              - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the bliss balls on a decorative plate and sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts or cocoa powder on top. You can also place them in mini cupcake liners for an elegant touch.