1. Main
  2. Dishes
  3. Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa

Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa

Featured in: Sweet Treats

These luscious date and walnut balls combine toasted nuts with naturally sweet Medjool dates, blended into a sticky dough. Rolled in unsweetened cocoa powder, they create a rich, healthy delight that’s easy to prepare. Simply toast walnuts until fragrant, pulse with dates and vanilla, then shape and dust with cocoa. Vegan and gluten-free, they make a perfect snack or thoughtful gift. Variations like cinnamon or cayenne enhance the flavor, while refrigeration firms them up for an ideal texture.

Save Share Email Print Skip to recipe
Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:24:00 GMT
Date & Walnut Truffles rolled in cocoa powder, offering a delightful treat with a perfect, rich texture. Save
Date & Walnut Truffles rolled in cocoa powder, offering a delightful treat with a perfect, rich texture. | griddleglory.com

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

I first learned to make these date & walnut truffles when searching for an easy dessert to share with vegan friends. They vanished quickly at gatherings and became a favorite healthy treat in our home.

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
  • Cocoa powder: 2 tbsp, unsweetened

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.
Make Dough
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.
Roll in 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.
Save
| griddleglory.com

These truffles are now a holiday staple in our house. My kids love helping shape the mixture into balls, and we gift batches to family and friends each season.

Required Tools

You'll need a food processor, skillet, mixing bowl, and measuring cups and spoons for this recipe.

Nutritional Information

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

Variations

Try adding 1 tsp ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. Substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts if preferred.

The irresistible Date & Walnut Truffles, displayed ready to eat, dusted with cocoa and perfect for a snack. Save
The irresistible Date & Walnut Truffles, displayed ready to eat, dusted with cocoa and perfect for a snack. | griddleglory.com

Enjoy these wholesome truffles as a snack or dessert. They make delightful homemade gifts and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Cooking Questions

→ How do I toast walnuts properly?

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant to enhance flavor and crunch.

→ Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be used instead, offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

→ What is the best way to shape the truffles?

Use about a tablespoon of the mixture, rolling it between your palms until smooth and uniform in size.

→ How should the cocoa powder be applied?

Place cocoa powder in a shallow bowl and roll each ball until evenly coated for a rich, chocolatey finish.

→ How long can the finished treats be stored?

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

→ Are these sweet balls suitable for special diets?

Yes, they are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, accommodating many dietary preferences and restrictions.

Date Walnut Truffles Cocoa

Sweet date and toasted walnut balls coated in rich cocoa powder, ideal for a wholesome treat.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
5 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage International

Output 16 Portions

Nutrition specifications Plant-Based, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Nuts & Dried Fruit

01 1 cup walnuts (120 g)
02 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10–12 large dates, 180 g)

Flavorings

01 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
02 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Coating

01 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

Phase 01

Toast Walnuts: Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the walnuts for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant, then set aside to cool.

Phase 02

Grind Walnuts: Place the cooled walnuts into a food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Phase 03

Combine Ingredients: Add the pitted dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor. Process until a sticky, cohesive dough forms.

Phase 04

Form Balls: Using approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture, roll into small balls with your hands.

Phase 05

Coat Truffles: Place cocoa powder in a shallow bowl and roll each ball until evenly coated.

Phase 06

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

Necessary tools

  • Food processor
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Check labels for gluten or dairy in cocoa powder and vanilla extract.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 70
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 1.2 g