Almond Date Biscuits: Healthy and Nutty Treats

Cuisine: Ricette DolciDifficulty: Easy

Prep time

minutes

Calories

2588

kcal

If you are looking for a no-sugar, no-oven, no-flour treat, this recipe is not just simple but also a healthier alternative for your holiday indulgence. Ideal for those cozy Christmas gatherings or as a delightful homemade gift, this dessert is set to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

300 g dates (1 + 1/4 cup)
200 g roasted almonds (1 + 1/4 cups)
dark chocolate (approx. 100g)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Date Preparation:
Wash the dates with warm water and let them soak in warm water for 10 minutes.
Almond Grinding:
Take 200 g of toasted almonds and grind them until you achieve a fine consistency.
Dough Preparation:
Add the previously soaked dates to the ground almonds and grind together until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
Ball Formation:
Shape the mixture into balls of the desired size.
Use of Citrus Juicer:
Use a citrus juicer: cover with plastic wrap and place a ball of the mixture inside. Gently press with the citrus juicer to shape the cookies.
Freezing:
Arrange the shaped forms on a tray and, using the handle of a wooden spoon, make a small indentation in the top of each cookie. Put it in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Now, your delicious Almond and Date Cookies with Dark Chocolate are ready to be enjoyed! Bon appétit!

Recipe Video

Discover how to make these nutritious almond date biscuits step-by-step with our recipe video. Click the link for guided instructions!

Ingredient Breakdown

Dates: The natural sweetness and sticky texture of dates make them an excellent sugar substitute. They form the base of our dessert, offering a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Toasted Almonds: Almonds add a crunchy texture and nutty taste, complementing the sweetness of the dates. Toasting them enhances their flavor, making the dessert even more irresistible.
Dark Chocolate: A coating of dark chocolate introduces a luxurious, velvety layer, balancing the sweetness with its subtle bitterness.

Expert Tips

Date Selection: Opt for Medjool dates if available. They are larger, sweeter, and have a softer texture, which makes them ideal for blending.
Almond Preparation: Toasting almonds is key. Do it in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently, until they’re just golden and aromatic. This enhances their flavor significantly.
Consistency Check: When blending dates and almonds for Almond Date Biscuits, aim for a consistency that’s sticky enough to hold shape but not too oily. If the mixture is too dry, add a few more dates; if too wet, add more almonds.”
Melting Chocolate: To prevent the chocolate from seizing, ensure no water comes into contact with it during melting. Consider using a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
Dipping Technique: Use a fork or a dipping tool for the chocolate coating. This allows excess chocolate to drip off and ensures a thin, even layer.
Setting the Chocolate: If your kitchen is warm, consider setting the chocolate-coated treats in the freezer for a quicker and more even set.
Handling Stickiness: If the date-almond mixture is sticking to your hands while rolling, lightly oil your palms or use a bit of water to prevent sticking.

Variations

Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the date and almond mixture for a refreshing citrus note.
Coconut Roll: After shaping, roll the balls in desiccated coconut before or after the chocolate coating for a tropical twist.
Espresso Infused: Mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder to the date and almond mixture for a subtle coffee flavor, complementing the dark chocolate.
Nut Butter Core: Before shaping, insert a small amount of almond or peanut butter into the center of each ball for a creamy, nutty surprise.
White Chocolate Drizzle: After coating with dark chocolate, drizzle with melted white chocolate for a festive look and a sweet contrast.
Matcha Dusting: For a unique twist, dust the finished treats with matcha powder, adding a sophisticated and earthy flavor.
Spiced Delight: Incorporate a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger into the mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Berry Topped: Top each chocolate-coated treat with a freeze-dried raspberry or strawberry for a burst of color and a tangy flavor contrast.