Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa Dust

Rich, naturally sweet truffles featuring dates, toasted walnuts, and a dusting of cocoa powder—perfect for a healthy treat or gift.

I first made these date & walnut truffles for a holiday gift exchange and everyone loved the combination of chewy dates and crunchy toasted nuts. The cocoa dusting gives them an elegant finish without extra sugar.

Ingredients

• Walnuts: 1 cup (120 g), toasted
• Medjool dates: 1 cup (180 g), pitted (about 10–12 large dates)
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Sea salt: 1/4 tsp
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tbsp, for coating

Instructions

Toast Walnuts:

Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Allow to cool.

Grind Walnuts:

Place the toasted walnuts in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground.

Blend Ingredients:

Add the pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough and starts to come together.

Shape Truffles:

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into balls using your hands.

Coat with Cocoa:

Place the cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder until evenly coated.

Chill:

Refrigerate the truffles for at least 20 minutes before serving to firm up.

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My kids love helping roll the truffles, and it has become a fun weekend activity for us, especially around the festive seasons.

Required Tools

You will need a food processor for blending, a skillet for toasting the walnuts, and a mixing bowl to coat the truffles with cocoa powder.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains tree nuts (walnuts) and is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Always check ingredient labels if substitutions are made.

Nutritional Information

Each truffle contains approximately 70 calories, 4.5 g total fat, 7 g carbohydrates, and 1.2 g protein.

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Enjoy these truffles chilled for maximum fudgy texture, or pack them into a pretty box for a homemade gift.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be substituted to suit your preference, providing a different but delicious flavor profile.

→ How do I toast walnuts properly?

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and lightly browned.

→ What makes Medjool dates ideal for these treats?

Medjool dates are soft, naturally sweet, and sticky, helping bind ingredients together while adding rich flavor.

→ Can these balls be stored for later use?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.

→ Is cocoa powder used for flavor or decoration?

The cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate taste and a dusted finish that complements the sweetness of dates and nuts.