Decadent, soft and fragrant, Chocolate Cinnamon Balls make a perfect guilt-free treat. These little delights are packed with bittersweet dark chocolate flavor, yet remain healthy—made from natural ingredients with no added refined sugars. Ideal as a holiday dessert or a wholesome snack any time.
With Christmas approaching, many of us are planning holiday menus and searching for simple, delicious recipes to share. Bite-size sweets are a staple on my holiday table—treats like Hazelnut Chocolate Balls, Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies and Vanilla Almond Cookies bring instant festive cheer. Presented on a decorated table with candles, these little bites make the season feel extra special.
What I love about these Chocolate Cinnamon Balls is that they are both indulgent and wholesome. They’re easy to make with just a few natural ingredients and no added sugar, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.
The base for these energy balls is a mix of walnuts and almonds. Both nuts provide plant-based protein, healthy fats (including omega-3s in walnuts), B vitamins, folate and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. They contribute flavor, texture and nutrition—making the bites satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Raw cacao is the ingredient that gives these balls their true chocolate depth. Cacao offers magnesium, iron and a wealth of antioxidants. It adds a rich, slightly bitter chocolate note that pairs beautifully with the warm spice of cinnamon.
For sweetness and a soft, caramel-like texture I used Medjool dates, which I soak briefly in warm water before blending. I also add carob powder for a milder sweetness and Ceylon cinnamon for fragrant warmth. Finally, I roll the finished balls in raw cacao (or ground nuts) to enhance the chocolate flavor.
These Chocolate Cinnamon Balls are great as a holiday dessert, a healthy snack throughout the year, or even an edible gift for friends and family.
Why you’ll love these Chocolate Cinnamon Balls
- Made with only six ingredients and ready in about 10 minutes
- Rich in healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids
- Provides plant-based protein
- No added refined sugars—naturally sweetened with dates
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Flavored with antioxidant-rich raw cacao and fragrant Ceylon cinnamon
- Nutritious source of vitamins and minerals
- Convenient to store and freeze for later
Enjoy!
Recipe
Chocolate Cinnamon Balls
Ingredients
- 12 dried Medjool dates
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup walnuts
- 6 tablespoons cacao powder
- 4 tablespoons carob powder
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- 2–3 tablespoons water (from the soaked dates)
- Raw cacao, ground walnuts, almonds or carob for dusting
Instructions
- Remove pits from dates and soak them in hot water for several minutes until softened. Drain, reserving the soaking water.
- Place dates, almonds, walnuts, cacao powder, carob and cinnamon in a food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a paste or dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add 2–3 tablespoons of the reserved date water.
- Scoop small amounts with a spoon and roll into balls. Coat the balls in raw cacao powder or ground nuts. Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving. These can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes
Measurements use US cup (240 ml). You can add honey or maple syrup to taste if you prefer a sweeter result. Keep the bites frozen up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 85 kcal | Carbohydrates: 13 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 1 mg | Potassium: 171 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 10 g | Vitamin A: 20 IU | Calcium: 29 mg | Iron: 0.6 mg
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Xoxo, Natalie
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