Hazelnut Chocolate Energy Balls

These Hazelnut Chocolate Energy Balls make a delicious quick and easy snack or breakfast to keep you fuelled throughout the day!

Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Bueno, Nutella, and anything hazelnut chocolate has always been my favorite. I remember when I was a teenager I’d go over to my friend’s house who always had Nutella and we’d eat it by the spoonful. That was before I was vegan, but I’m confident that if Nutella was vegan, I’d still do that!

I’m a huge advocate of having healthy, nourishing snacks on hand to help power us through the day. I think we’ve all had those times when we go a little too long between meals or don’t quite eat enough at lunch, and it leaves us feeling low energy, sluggish or irritable. When our blood sugar is low like this, we tend to reach for snacks that aren’t as nourishing. While this is completely fine and happens to all of us, we can prevent this by having quick, easy and nourishing snacks on hand that give us the energy boost we need, that are filled with fiber and healthy fat to keep us feeling fuelled for longer!

That’s why I’m so excited to be sharing these Hazelnut Chocolate Energy Balls with you today- they’re my favorite hazelnut chocolate combination, but they’re also packed with fiber and healthy fat to keep you energized throughout the day. Plus, they almost taste like Ferrero Rocher, which is a huge plus.

Why I love these Hazelnut Chocolate Energy Balls:

• They’re absolutely delicious. The chocolate hazelnut combo along with the sweetness of the dates makes them the perfect sweet snack.
• They’re packed with plant-based protein, fiber and healthy fats to keep you feeling fuelled and energized throughout the day.
• They make an amazing grab and go snack, or you can even eat a few for breakfast.
• They’re so easy to make, especially if you have a food processor!
• They can be made in a large batch and frozen, so you always have them on hand!

Main Ingredients:

Dates: I used Medjool dates in this recipe, but feel free to use other types of dates if that’s all you have on hand. If your dates aren’t very soft, cover them in boiling water for 10-15 minutes to soften. Dates are an incredible source of energizing carbohydrates and fiber, and they’re naturally sweet meaning we don’t need to add any sugar to this recipe. Make sure you pit your dates before using them!

Hazelnuts: I’ve used a mixture of whole hazelnuts and crushed hazelnuts in this recipe. The whole hazelnuts go inside of the energy balls, similar to Ferrero Rocher, and I’ve also rolled the energy balls in crushed hazelnuts for some extra crunch and flavor.

Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is what gives these energy balls their chocolatey taste without adding any sugar. Cocoa powder is also high in iron and magnesium.

Chia Seeds: I’ve added chia seeds to this recipe for an extra boost of omega-3’s, and to help the balls stay together. Chia seeds are also a great source of calcium.

Salt: Whenever I’m making something sweet I love to add a little bit of salt to it to bring out the sweetness even further.

How to Make these Energy Balls:

1. If you have a food processor, add dates, melted coconut oil, 1/3 cup of hazelnuts, cocoa powder, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt and process until they form a single ball.
2. If you don’t have a food processor, chop dates and 1/3 cup of hazelnuts finely. Combine chopped dates, melted coconut oil, chopped hazelnuts, cocoa powder, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. Use hands to combine all ingredients.
3. After step 1 or 2, take about two tablespoons of energy ball batter and form around a whole hazelnut.
4. Roll energy balls in crushed hazelnuts and place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to set. Enjoy!

These energy balls can be frozen so you always have an easy snack on hand!

Nourish to Thrive 2021 January Challenge

I also wanted to remind you that you can now join the Nourish to Thrive 2021 January Challenge! Enrollment is only open until December 31st. It’s a four-week challenge starting January 4th where I share tons of plant-based tips and tricks, encouragement, and expertise to help you feel your absolute best coming into the new year.

I developed this challenge to combat all the diet messaging that we’re inundated with in the new year, to instead focus on what we’re adding to our eating pattern rather than taking away to help you feel more energized, nourished, and confident in your plant-based journey. And no, you don’t need to be vegan or vegetarian to join the challenge! It’s for everyone. With the challenge you get:

• a 30+ page PDF filled with the four weekly challenges, plant-based tips and tricks, and personal reflections
• Weekly emails filled with encouragement and information about the weekly challenges
• A 5-day meal guide with a complete grocery list
• Access to the exclusive Facebook group where you can ask me questions

The best part? It’s just $10! Basically the price of one holiday Starbucks drink, so it’s kind of a no-brainer to join! Join the challenge now- I can’t wait to have you! Enrollment is only open until December 31st, so grab your spot now!

Okay, now back to the Hazelnut Chocolate Energy Balls! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! Make sure you leave me a rating and review if you try it out, and tag me in your photos on Instagram or Pinterest!

Enroll in the Thriving in Veganuary 2021 Challenge now!

To learn how to thrive on a plant-based diet, check out my online program! The waitlist is now open for January 2021 enrollment for Thriving on Plant-Based Fundamentals! Enrollment opens January 1, 2021.

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