No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites

Elizabeth Eats

Tired of boring health food snacks? Try these easy, addictive, on-the-go energy bites; we've heard people call them a party-in-your-mouth. Using fiber and mineral-rich dates as a base, this chocolatey snack satisfies your sweet tooth and provides extra energy for your busy lifestyle.

Makes: 24 balls

Ingredients

(use organic ingredients where possible)

• ¼ cup hazelnuts
• 15 dates, pitted
• 2 tbsp cacao (raw chocolate) powder or substitute unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond butter
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• Sea salt

Directions

1. In a food processor, blend the hazelnuts into a medium-fine powder. Overall, it should be an even grind.
2. Remove the blade from the food processor and transfer the ground hazelnuts to a plate, where the energy bites will be rolled out.
3. Put the blade back in your food processor and add dates, raw cacao, almond butter, chia seeds, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
4. Run the food processor for a minute, then stop and scrape down the sides, this may be repeated once or twice. Once the mixture forms a ball, it should be done.
5. Transfer the mixture to your cutting board. Scoop into the mixture, roll into a ball with the palms of your hands, then coat the balls in the ground hazelnuts until evenly coated.
6. Place all the energy bites on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
7. Store in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to one week.