Description
These Healthy Peanut Butter Balls are a delicious and nutritious snack made with medjool dates, oats, natural peanut butter, and coated in rich dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a guilt-free treat, they combine natural sweetness with wholesome ingredients. No baking required, these bite-sized delights are easy to prepare and great for on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 10 medjool dates (Natural Delights preferred)
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup natural salted peanut butter
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark or milk, Lily’s recommended)
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Date and Oat Mixture: Add the medjool dates to a food processor or mini chopper and pulse until the dates are finely chopped and sticky, forming a ball. Then add the rolled oats and pulse a few more times until everything is combined evenly.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter: Add the natural salted peanut butter to the date and oat mixture in the processor. Process until fully combined into a cohesive dough-like consistency.
- Form Peanut Butter Balls: Scoop out the peanut butter dough by the tablespoon and roll into balls with your hands. Place them on parchment paper and chill in the freezer until firm, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. This firmness helps during the chocolate dipping step.
- Melt the Chocolate Coating: Shortly before removing the peanut butter balls from the freezer, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Melt the mixture using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Dip and Coat the Balls: Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, rolling them around to ensure they are fully coated. Place the chocolate-covered balls back onto parchment paper.
- Set the Chocolate: Once all balls are coated, place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate has fully set. Store the finished peanut butter balls in the fridge until ready to enjoy to keep them firm and fresh.
Notes
- Medjool dates should be soft and pitted for best results.
- Freezing balls before dipping in chocolate makes handling easier and prevents melting.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
- Lily’s chocolate chips are recommended as they are sugar-free and lower in calories.
- Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For vegan option, ensure chocolate chips used are dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
