Anti Inflammatory Smoky Paprika Cocoa Walnut Energy Balls
These no-bake bites pack a genuinely surprising flavor punch — deep, chocolatey, and warmly spiced with smoked paprika, cinnamon, and a whisper of cayenne that lingers in the best possible way. Every single ingredient is pulling double duty here: walnuts bring healthy fats and a satisfying richness, Medjool dates provide natural sweetness that binds everything together without refined sugar, and extra virgin olive oil adds just enough silkiness to the dough. Cocoa powder and cinnamon are both well-regarded for their antioxidant properties, making this one of those rare snacks that tastes indulgent but is genuinely built on wholesome, purposeful ingredients. The whole thing comes together in a food processor with no baking required — just blitz, roll, and chill for 30 minutes until firm. With 12 servings worth of balls ready to stash in an airtight container, you'll have grab-and-go snacks on hand all week. They're the kind of thing you'll find yourself reaching for at 3 p.m. when you need something that actually satisfies rather than just tides you over.
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Learn more →Ingredients
12 servings
- 2 cups raw walnuts
- 1 ½ cups medjool dates, pitted
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For rolling
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the walnuts to a food processor and pulse 8–10 times until coarsely chopped and beginning to clump — the texture should resemble coarse, slightly oily crumbs, not a fine powder.
- 2
Add the pitted dates, cocoa powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the food processor. Process continuously for 45–60 seconds, stopping once to scrape down the sides, until the mixture comes together into a cohesive, slightly sticky dough that holds its shape when pressed between your fingers.
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