Favorite Chocolate Balls No Bake

Chocolate Balls

I love an easy recipe that doesn’t require turning on the oven, and this one is seriously satisfying. These easy cookies for kids are so easy to make and basically taste like a brownie bite. They have a not-too-sweet cocoa flavor and store so well in the fridge, so you can pull out one (or a few!) whenever the mood strikes. These are yummy with vanilla milk, healthy homemade hot cocoa, or with a simple side of berries. Or you can enjoy them on their own, of course. These cookies are sweetened with dates and have a pleasant cocoa flavor. I’m always surprised at how delicious these are, even though they have so few ingredients. (My oldest daughter has renamed these “brownie bites” in our house!) And most importantly, they don’t even need to be baked! (And you can safely taste the batter, just like with my Chocolate Granola Bars, Bliss Balls, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls, and Fruit and Nut Bars.)

Ingredients You Need

To make these chocolate balls you’ll need the following ingredients on hand.

Medjool dates: Choose pitted ones to save a step. These are often sold in the produce section. I don’t always have dates on hand, but one package usually makes two batches of these—and they last for months in the fridge, so I don’t have to worry about wasting them. Raw cashews: When raw cashews are soaked in water, they soften and become easy to blend. They also have a subtle flavor that is nice in the mix with other ingredients here. Cocoa powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder from any brand you prefer. I usually buy SACO or Hershey’s Special Dark. Vanilla extract: A little vanilla extract adds flavor to this recipe so do add it. Shredded unsweetened coconut: This ingredients helps the cookie bites to be the texture of cookie dough and not too sticky. If you aren’t a fan of coconut, substitute rolled oats.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s an overview of how to make these easy no-bake chocolate balls so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full recipe. Use a measuring spoon to portion out the dough and roll into balls. You can press some sprinkles into the top of each to add some color if you like. If the dough starts to get too sticky while rolling it, pop it into the fridge to chill or simply wash your hands and start again.

How to Store

These no bake chocolate balls will stay fresh for up to a month in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend serving them cold, as they soften a bit at room temperature. (They hold together fine at room temperature but will last longer if chilled.)

Best Tips for Success

Soak the nuts so they’re soft and easy to blend in the chocolate balls recipe. Chill the mixture if you find it too sticky to roll into balls, or wash your hands halfway through. Roll in cocoa powder or shredded unsweetened coconut if desired. Press into silicone mini molds to make fun shapes such as hearts or stars. Roll them into balls or flatten them slightly into cookies depending on how your kids might like them best.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment below with your thoughts!