No-Bake Chocolate Mint Balls
These Chocolate Mint Balls are packed with rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavor for a fun festive treat! Made with dates, almonds, and cocoa powder, they’re a nutrient-rich recipe perfect for the holiday season.
Do you like chocolate peppermint flavors? With recipes like our chocolate peppermint protein cake, chocolate peppermint brownies, and easy peppermint fudge, we’re pretty big fans.
There’s just something about the combo of rich chocolate and refreshing mint that hits the spot, especially during the holidays. Naturally, we had to turn that flavor into no-bake bites!
Like our other seasonal no-bake recipes, these come together in minutes, are packed with nutrients like fiber and healthy fats, and taste like dessert. Even picky eaters won’t realize they’re healthy. We always make a double batch since they disappear fast, and it saves us from cleaning the food processor twice. Win-win!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Dates – These form the base of the balls, adding a sweet flavor and creating a sticky texture that acts as “glue.” We use Medjool dates, but any pitted date will work.
- Almonds – Feel free to substitute any other kind of nut or seed. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture of the balls will change depending on what you use.
- Cocoa Powder – Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate taste!
- Peppermint Extract – This infuses the bites with peppermint flavor. If desired, one drop of peppermint essential oil may be substituted for the peppermint extract.
- Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermints – Technically optional but highly recommended, this adds an extra festive touch.
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Mint Balls
- Combine. Add the dates, almonds, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse on low to form coarse crumbs.
2. Adjust. If the mixture is not moist enough to hold together, add a few teaspoons of water at a time, pulsing to combine. Be careful not to add too much! The mixture shouldn’t be sticky just “wet” enough to hold its shape.
3. Shape. Portion the “batter” into tablespoon-sized balls, rolling them between your palms.
4. Coat. Roll each ball in crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces, if desired.
5. Serve. Enjoy right away, chill in the fridge, or store for later!
Common Questions
Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Yes, leftovers freeze well for up to three months. Enjoy them frozen, or thaw the chocolate mint balls in the refrigerator or at room temperature to serve.
Sure! Feel free to omit it completely. Or, use chopped nuts, coconut flakes, festive sprinkles, or more cocoa powder instead. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even dip the balls in melted chocolate and let them set!
More Delicious Energy Bites
No-Bake Chocolate Mint Balls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140 g) pitted and dried dates
- 1 cup sliced almonds (see notes)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, adjust to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons cold water, if needed
- 1 candy cane or peppermints, crushed (optional)
Instructions
- Place the dates, almonds, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract in a food processor. Process on LOW until course crumbs form.1 cup (140 g) pitted and dried dates, 1 cup sliced almonds, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract,
- If the mixture is not holding together due to the lack of moisture in the dates, add a few teaspoons of water a little at a time while the food processor is running until the crumbs stick together and form into a ball. Be careful to not add too much water as the mixture should not be sticky, just "wet" enough to hold together.1-2 teaspoons cold water,
- Remove the mixture from the food processor and form into 1 Tablespoon size bites by rolling between your palms.
- If desired, roll the bites in crushed candy cane or cocoa powder.1 candy cane or peppermints, crushed
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or the freezer for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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All the best Christmas flavors in such a small little bite! So so yummy. 🙂
These look delicious! I am featuring them tonight on Allergy-Free Thursdays. Can’t wait to see what you share this week!
I SO appreciate that, Elle! Thank you so much 🙂 Your party is always so much fun!
Your peppermint cocoa bites look very tempting! Thanks for sharing your recipe at the #HomeMattersParty
These look delicious! Of course I’m a fan of anything peppermint and cocoa. 😉 Thank you so much for sharing them with us at AFT! I’m going to feature them at this week’s party. Hope you have a wonderful holiday! 🙂
Oh wow!!! Thank you so much, Raia! I LOVE paryting with you ladies each week, so I am honored 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
Yum! I bet these would be great to curb my late night sweet tooth. Plus I love peppermint! Pinned and sharing! Thank you for joining us at Family Joy Blog Link-Up Party.
They most certainly would, Cristina! I never thought to have them as a midnight snack 😉 Love it!
Just printed this one off! Thanks!
Cool! I really hope you enjoy them as much as we do 🙂 Merry Christmas!
I love the addition of the peppermint to your awesome cocoa bites! Hope you have a fantastic weekend and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
Oh me too, Miz Helen! There is just something magical about chocolate and peppermint together 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I love it when delicious is healthy too – and these definitely are both delicious and healthy!! They look really cute too. Thank you for sharing with us at Hearth and Soul, Sammi.
I actually found candy canes that are just: Sugar & Peppermint oil. Everything else had HFCS and other toxic ingredients. Sure, they aren’t ORGANIC, but close enough!
King Leo Pure peppermint sticks.
Really?! I need to see if they carry them on Amazon. Thanks for sharing this healthy Christmas treat with all of us, Carol. Merry Christmas to you!
Another fabulous snack idea of your Sammi! Love clean eating snacks like this! It really makes snacking more fun! Pinning and stumbling!
Thanks Ilka, your support of my recipes is MUCH appreciated. Merry Christmas to you!