These 2-bite treats are rich, super chocolaty, and indulgent, with a crunchy hazelnut surprise in the middle. Amazingly, they contain absolutely no added sugar. Naturally sweet dates hit that note, so there’s no need for refined sugar. Each mini sweet also contains 3g fiber and 3g protein—a treat with benefits. We find one to be satisfying, but don’t feel a bit bad about eating two at a sitting—that’ll only set you back 220 calories. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week, or in the freezer up to 1 month (no need to thaw if frozen).
How to Make It
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spread nuts on a small rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 350°F until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes, stirring once. Cool 10 minutes. Rub off skins. Reserve 20 hazelnuts. Pulse remaining hazelnuts in a food processor until finely chopped; transfer chopped nuts to a small bowl.
Pulse dates in food processor until almost pastelike. Add almond butter, cocoa, 2 tablespoons water, vanilla, and salt; process until well combined. Turn mixture out into a bowl; divide into 20 equal portions. Roll each portion around 1 whole hazelnut to form a ball. (Mixture will be oily.) Roll each brownie ball in chopped hazelnuts to coat. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.