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Healthier Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Bites

Looking for the perfect homemade Christmas gift? These healthier Ferrero Rocher bites are a festive twist on the classic treat! They're indulgent, no-bake, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Plus, they can be made virtually sugar-free, depending on the chocolate you choose. Thoughtful, delicious, and made with love—these are guaranteed to impress and make your holiday gifting extra special!

Takes 30 minutes

Serves 20

Ingredients
 

  • 250 g hazelnuts 100g for hazelnut butter (~1 ¾ cups hazelnuts, ¾ cup for hazelnut butter)

Chocolate hazelnut filling:

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 200 g Medjool dates pitted (~1 cup, packed)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 30 g cocoa powder ~¼ cup
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Prepare Hazelnuts:

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Transfer the toasted hazelnuts to a clean tea towel and rub them to remove the skins.
  • Set aside 100g of skinned hazelnuts for hazelnut butter and reserve 20 whole hazelnuts for centres. Roughly chop the remaining hazelnuts.

Make Hazelnut Butter:

  • In a food processor, blend 100g skinned roasted hazelnuts with the coconut oil and a pinch of salt until they form a nut butter (3-5 mins).

Prepare Filling:

  • Remove stones from Medjool dates, leaving roughly 200g.
  • Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and 3-4 tbsp water to the hazelnut butter. Blend until a smooth ball forms.

Form Balls:

  • Take a small portion of the filling (approx 20g) and place a whole hazelnut in the middle.
  • Roll into smooth balls (approx 1.5-2 cm diameter), ensuring the hazelnut is centred. Repeat for all filling, you should get approx 20 balls.
  • Roll balls in the chopped hazelnuts, pressing gently so they stick.

Coat in Chocolate:

  • Melt chocolate in a bain-marie or microwave.
  • Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, then sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top.

Enjoy:

  • Allow the chocolate to set before serving. Enjoy your healthier Ferrero Rocher protein balls!
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