Making these energy balls is incredibly simple and quick. You won’t believe how effortlessly these ingredients transform into a delicious and satisfying snack! Get ready to be amazed by the ease of this recipe.

1. Prepare the Dates: If your dates are on the drier side, it’s a good idea to soak them in hot water for about 5-10 minutes to soften them up. This will make them easier to blend and result in a smoother texture. Simply place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them sit while you gather the rest of your ingredients. After soaking, drain the dates thoroughly, reserving a tablespoon or two of the soaking water in case you need to adjust the consistency later. If your dates are already soft and moist, you can skip this soaking step.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor: This is where the magic happens! Place the soaked and drained dates (or directly pitted dates if not soaking), desiccated coconut, almonds, chia seeds, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt (if using) into a food processor.
3. Process Until Combined: Pulse the food processor a few times to coarsely chop the almonds and dates. Then, process continuously until the mixture comes together and forms a sticky dough-like consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be sticky enough to easily roll into balls. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of the reserved date soaking water (or regular water) at a time, processing after each addition, until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make the mixture too wet and difficult to roll.
4. Roll into Balls: Once the mixture is ready, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form a ball. You can make them any size you like, but tablespoon-sized balls are a good starting point.
5. Coat in Coconut (Optional): For an extra touch of coconut flavor and a beautiful finish, you can roll the energy balls in extra desiccated coconut. Simply place some desiccated coconut in a shallow bowl and roll each energy ball in it until it’s evenly coated. This is optional, but it adds a lovely texture and visual appeal.
6. Chill and Enjoy! Place the finished energy balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Chilling also helps to enhance the flavors and makes them even more enjoyable. Once chilled, they are ready to be devoured! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer storage.