Peanut Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
on Jan 12, 2021, Updated Aug 27, 2024
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These no-bake peanut chocolate chip energy balls are easy to make with just 3 simple ingredients and perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.

These little snack bites are vegan, gluten-free and are super easy to whip up, no baking needed! Perfect for snacking on-the-go, take them along on busy days, road trips and hikes for all your snacking needs.
No-bake energy balls and bars are some of my favourite things to create. Some of my most popular recipes are these No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls, No-Bake Goji Berry Balls and Chocolate Date Balls. If you need a nut-free recipe, you can try these Cranberry Sunflower Seed Energy Balls or No-Bake Cinnamon Energy Balls.
Ingredients
- Peanuts: I used unsalted blanched peanuts but salted blanched, raw peanuts or dry roasted salted or unsalted peanuts all work. You can swap these for any other nuts like cashews, pecans or walnuts.
- Dates: Any variety works as long as they’re soft and moist.
- Chocolate Chips: I used Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Chips but any chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate chocolate works.
This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Add the dates, peanuts and chocolate chips to a food processor and blend into a sticky dough.
Quick Tip: After blending, squeeze some of the dough between your fingers. You should easily be able to roll it into a little ball. If the dough is too crumbly, which can happen if your dates were too dry, add 1-2 tbsp water and blend again. That should do it!
Step 2. Use your hands to roll the dough into approximately 21 balls. Enjoy for a sweet snack or dessert any time of day!
Quick Tip: I like to use a cookie scoop to help keep the balls roughly the same size. You can make them as big or as small as you like but mine are usually around 1 inch.
FAQs
Sure! To make these peanut-free, substitute the peanuts with almonds or cashews.
If your dates are overly dry, I would recommend soaking them in hot water for 15 minutes then draining well before use. If your dates are soft, go ahead without soaking and if needed, you can add 1-2 tbsp of water to the recipe.
These can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months. If taking to-go, they’re fine for a day or two but will start to get soft if it’s warm. Keep cool for best results! I like to store them in the freezer.
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Ingredients
- 1.5 cups packed soft pitted dates, 330 g
- 1.5 cups peanuts, 225 g
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 90 g
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, optional, only use if using unsalted peanuts
Instructions
- Place ingredients in a food processor and mix until it forms a thick dough. You should easily be able to pinch the dough into a little ball. If it seems too crumbly to roll (this can happen if your dates were too dry), add 1-2 tbsp water and blend again.
- Use your hands to roll the dough into approximately 22 balls, about 1-inch each in diameter.
Notes
Nutrition
Updated January 2021 with new photos and text.
Delicious. Simple. Kids love them. I love them. Think I will add some dried blueberries or cherries next time.
Perfect! So glad they were enjoyed.
Could something else be used besides dates? Dates break me out!ย
Possibly soaked raisins but I havenโt tried it. Thanks!
I love energy balls so thank you for the recipe. I stupidly forgot the salt but may just add a sprinkle after. Theyโre currently in the fridge to harden slightly. Canโt wait to try them. They look delicious!ย
Hope you enjoy them! The salt is no big deal but ya, a little sprinkle afterwards would be yummy!
I added a few scoops of chocolate protein powder (and therefore had to add some water), and they turned out delicious! They were very easy and quick to make. I will definitely be making these again in the future!
How exactly do I make these? I cannot seem to get this “dough” your mentioning in the recipe. I’ve tried twice and freezing it just to have cold or frozen date butter…. using 1.5 cups of pitted mejule. I didn’t have peanuts so I used white chocolate chips both times but both time it is just a good mess in a tray that will not turn into bars.
I don’t think white chocolate chips would work as the base of this recipe. You really need the nuts mixed with the dates to create the sticky, doughy texture.
Lol wouldn’t it be 3 ingredients? Does the salt not count?
Salt is not typically counted as an ingredient as it’s something everyone has on hand and it’s not required for the recipe.
These look amazing! We have an Omnitec blender, which I think will be up for the job. I’m definitely going to give them a go. ๐
This is a perfect treat for the children and adults too! I’d love to try one on my own ASAP!
Hi Deryn!
this recipe looks so great! I would ask you: what do you think if then I deep this bars into melted unsweetened dark chocolate ?
Thank you :*
I think that would be amazing!
YUM! I love dates too. Perfect for pre-workout since I work out right after waking. I need something small with quick carbs for energy, and dates are perfect. I know I’d love these bars because I love the peanut-date Larabar. I bet these crumbled atop a smoothie bowl are amazing!
I LOVE them on top of my smoothie bowls, so good!