Cocoa Crispies Date Balls (Snowballs)

These date balls are chewy and crunchy at the same time and the perfect bite sized holiday treat. They get a soft sweet chewiness from the dates and crispy crunchiness and chocolate wonderfulness from the rice cereal.

Besides being super easy to make with only 6 ingredients, they also don’t require any baking. That’s right, no need to turn the oven on!  They make a great holiday gift for your friends, family, and neighbors. Don’t know what to give your kid’s teacher? Or your uber picky boss? These are a no-brainer. They take about half an hour to make from start to finish and no one can resist them. Even that curmudgeon of a neighbor might smile a little when handed a tin of these beauties.  They can be made in double, triple or even quadruple batches.

I got the Cocoa Rice Crispies at Aldi’s. Not that I’m obsessed with that place or anything, but yeah…vegan & gluten free chocolate rice crispies. I’m all over that! I’m not sure what other brands are out there, I’m sure the aldi’s one is a knock-off of a name brand, just don’t know which one.

Recipe was inspired by this recipe I saw in Saveur Magazine.

pulse dates

add dates, sugar and non-dairy butter to pan

bring to boil, simmer 5 minutes.

take off heat and add cereal

let cool until able to handle

roll in balls

drop in powdered sugar

coat with powdered sugar

Print Recipe

Cocoa Crispies Date Balls

A soft chewy chocolate-y date ball with crunchy bits in the center. Easily made gluten free. The perfect food gift for the holidays.

Prep Time

20

Cook Time

8

Passive Time

20

Servings

balls

Ingredients

• 8 oz pitted dates
• 3/4 cup cane sugar
• 8 tablespoons non dairy butter or margarine
• 3 1/2 cups cocoa crispie rice cereal (you can use gluten free rice crispie cereal)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Prep Time 20 Cook Time 8 Passive Time 20 Servings balls Ingredients 8 oz pitted dates 3/4 cup cane sugar 8 tablespoons non dairy butter or margarine 3 1/2 cups cocoa crispie rice cereal (you can use gluten free rice crispie cereal) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. In a food processor, pulse the dates until they form a chunky paste. You can also use a blender but might have to do it in batches.
2. Add the dates, sugar and non-dairy butter to a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn down to low simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. (sugar should be completely melted)
3. Take pan off the heat and add the cereal and vanilla. Mix until very well combined.
4. Let cool until it is able to be handled with bare hands. You don't want it completely cold or it will be hard to roll in balls.
5. While still warm, and working quickly, roll the cereal into 1" balls, pressing the mixture together tightly so it stays together. Really squish it!
6. Drop balls in bowl of powdered sugar and roll around to coat it.
7. Can be served immediately or in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks or at room temp up to 4 days.

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