Name: Easy Cocoa Date Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 cup dates, pitted; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/3 cup dark chocolate, chopped; 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional); 1/2 teaspoon flavored extract (such as raspberry, orange, coconut or peppermint); 1/4 cup flaky sea salt, shredded coconut, chopped nuts or freeze dried fruit (for topping or rolling)

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Introduction

These easy cocoa date truffles are a delightfully rich and naturally sweet treat that come together in under 30 minutes. Packed with wholesome ingredients like dates and dark chocolate, they make a perfect snack or elegant dessert.

The image shows a white bowl filled with six round dark chocolate truffles, each coated smoothly with a shiny chocolate layer and sprinkled lightly with white sea salt on top. One truffle at the top of the bowl is bitten, revealing a dense, rich, dark chocolate fudge center inside. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface, there are three more truffles, each with a shiny chocolate coating and a small sprinkle of sea salt. Small round dark chocolate chips are scattered loosely near the truffles. A white cloth with red stripes partially covers the background adding a soft contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup dates, pitted
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup dark chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
1/2 teaspoon flavored extract (such as raspberry, orange, coconut, or peppermint)
1/4 cup flaky sea salt, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or freeze-dried fruit (for topping or rolling)

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the dates in boiling water for five minutes to soften them, then drain and reserve the soaking water.
Step 2: In a food processor, combine the dates, cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved soaking water. Add any flavored extract if using. Process for 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until very smooth. Add more soaking water a teaspoon at a time if the mixture is too thick; it should be slightly thinner than cookie dough.
Step 3: Scoop the mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet pan using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. The batter will be soft and won’t roll easily yet. Freeze the scoops for 10 minutes until firm enough to handle.
Step 4: While chilling the truffles, melt the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 60 seconds, stir, then continue to microwave in 15-second intervals as needed until fully melted and smooth. Set aside.
Step 5: Roll the chilled truffle scoops between your palms into smooth balls. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Tap off excess chocolate by tapping the fork on the edge of the bowl, then place the truffle back on the parchment paper.
Step 6: If desired, immediately sprinkle toppings like sea salt, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or freeze-dried fruit onto the coated truffles before the chocolate sets. Return the truffles to the freezer for 5 minutes to harden the chocolate completely.

Tips & Variations

Use different flavored extracts to customize the truffles, such as peppermint for a festive twist or orange for a bright citrus note.
If you prefer a nutty texture, fold in finely chopped nuts into the date mixture before chilling.
For a creamier texture, try substituting part of the soaking water with a splash of almond or coconut milk.
Store leftover toppings in airtight containers to keep them fresh and crunchy for future batches.

Storage

Store the finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer in a sealed container for up to three months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes for the best texture. Reheating is not necessary.

How to Serve

A small white bowl holds about seven round chocolate balls with a smooth, dark brown chocolate coating, sprinkled lightly with coarse sea salt flakes on top. Two chocolate balls lie outside the bowl on a white marbled surface, surrounded by scattered dark chocolate chips. A red and white striped cloth is casually placed behind and to the side of the bowl, adding a cozy touch to the scene. The chocolate balls appear rich and glossy, showing a few small dimples and bumps from the coating. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these truffles without a food processor?

A food processor is recommended for achieving a smooth, well-blended texture. If you don’t have one, you could try finely chopping the dates and mixing thoroughly, but the truffles will be more rustic and less smooth.

Are these truffles vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, these truffles are naturally vegan and gluten-free, as they contain no animal products or gluten ingredients. Just be sure to use gluten-free chocolate and toppings if you have dietary restrictions.