Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls
Chocolate hazelnut energy balls are a no-bake snack made from blanched hazelnuts, sticky Medjool dates, cocoa powder and natural vanilla extract. The Thermomix grinds and blends everything into a fudgy, rollable mixture in minutes. Perfect as a pre-workout bite, lunchbox treat or healthier afternoon pick-me-up, ready without turning on the oven.
About this recipe
Chocolate hazelnut energy balls with the Thermomix TM7 are the kind of quick, no-bake snack that disappears within a day. Searching for an easy energy ball recipe for your all-in-one kitchen machine? This one uses just five ingredients: blanched hazelnuts, soft Medjool dates, cocoa powder, natural vanilla extract and a splash of water. The TM7 first grinds the hazelnuts into a coarse, sandy base, then blends in the dates until the mixture turns dark, fudgy and rollable between your palms. Because there is no baking involved, they are ideal for meal prep Sundays, lunchboxes, or a pre-gym bite. The cocoa delivers deep chocolate richness while the dates provide all the sweetness, meaning no added sugar is needed. Coat them in extra hazelnut crumbs or cocoa for a truffle-like finish that looks impressive at parties yet takes only minutes of hands-on effort.
Preparation tips
- Use soft, sticky Medjool dates for the best binding. If your dates feel dry, soak them in warm water beforehand and pat them dry, so the TM7 blends them into a fudgy, cohesive mass with the hazelnuts.
- Roll the mixture with slightly damp hands to prevent it sticking to your palms. Aim for balls roughly the size of a walnut, then chill them so the cocoa and hazelnut flavours firm up and intensify.
- For extra indulgence, roll the finished energy balls in grated dark chocolate, desiccated coconut or extra cocoa powder. Chopped hazelnut crumbs also make a lovely crunchy coating for a truffle-style presentation.
Recipe variations
- Make a mocha version by adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder together with the cocoa; the coffee deepens the chocolate flavour of the hazelnut and date base beautifully.
- For a festive variation, add a pinch of ground cinnamon and orange zest to the mixture, then roll the balls in cocoa for a Christmas-themed treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Grinding precision - The TM7 grinds blanched hazelnuts into an even, sandy crumb that binds seamlessly with the dates. [Grinding]. [Precision Control]
- Weighing convenience - The built-in scale of the Thermomix weighs the dates and cocoa directly in the bowl, saving washing up. [Weighing]. [Built-in Scale]
- Even chopping - The Thermomix chops the sticky Medjool dates into a uniform paste without leaving tough, stringy pieces behind. [Chopping]. [Multi-Function]
- Silky mixing - The TM7 mixes dates, cocoa and vanilla into a homogeneous, fudgy dough ready for rolling in seconds. [Mixing]. [Multi-Function]
- Extra whipping option - Whip coconut cream with the butterfly whisk of the Thermomix as a light dip alongside the energy balls. [Whipping]. [Multi-Function]
Ingredients
- blanched hazelnuts
- Medjool dates
- cocoa powder
- natural vanilla extract
- water