These date balls are ready in 15 minutes and use a handful of ingredients. They’re naturally sweetened and so easy to make.

As I have been growing up in Baghdad, dates were always around for us to enjoy as a treat. We used them in different recipes such as date syrup, date cookies, date cack and stuffed dates. At work some years ago, I found in our company canteen, I tasted these date balls for the first time, so i tried at home, and thin they are great.

- Prepare time: 5-10 min
- Cook time: 5 min
- My stars: ******* (7/7 starts)

Description: 
Dates are a good source of fiber which improves digestion. They’re also rich in antioxidants and minerals such as potassium. Additionally, dates can boost your energy.

Ingredients:

• Dates: I use medjool date for this recipe because they’re large, tender and chewy. Usually, there is no need for you to soak these in hot water.
• Walnuts: Date and walnut is a classic combination that we use in different ways such as date walnut cheesecake bites or date walnut babka.
• Oats: Both old fashioned or quick oats work for this recipe.
• Nut butter: Use any kind of nut butter that you have on hand. My favorite is almond butter but peanut butter works, too.
• Toppings: You can roll the date balls in ground pistachios, desiccated coconut or sesame seeds.

Instructions
1- Cut open all the dates and discard the seeds.
2- Place the dates, old fashioned oatmeal, nut butter and walnuts in the bow of a food processor. Blitz until the mixture comes together, pausing midway to scrape the sides using a spatula. If the mixture looks dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water and blitz again. Repeat until the date and walnut mixture comes together.
3- Rub some olive oil on your palms and spoon out about a tablespoon of the date mixture. Roll it into a ball and set it aside, repeat with the remaining mixture.
4- Roll the balls in ground pistachios, sesame seeds or desiccated coconut.

Variations
What I love the most about these date energy balls is that they are so versatile and you can modify them to your liking. Here are a few suggestions:

• Add chia seeds or flax seeds to the mixture.
• Use spices such as cinnamon or cardamom.
• Get creative with the nuts: use cashews, almonds or pecans instead of walnuts.
• Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to have chocolate date balls.

Storage
These no-bake date balls last very long. Store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. You can enjoy them any time with a cup of tea.