I have posted almost this exact same recipe in the past, but since I was demoing these truffles for a recent segment on my local CBS 6 morning show, I had to take some short-cuts. And since I know we are all busy, especially during the holidays, I thought I would share those short-cuts with you!

HEALTHIFIED HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

2 1/2 cups raw hazelnuts
15 Medjool dates, pits removed
4 tablespoons coconut oil, divided (3 tablespoons melted; 1 tablespoon soft)
3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place hazelnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 12 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven to slightly cool, about 15 minutes.

After the nuts have slightly cooled, place 1/2 cup of hazelnuts in food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a shallow dish and set aside. Place the remaining 2 cups of the hazelnuts in the food processor. Grind for about 20 seconds, until the consistency is like that of course sand. Add dates and process again, slowly adding 3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil until sticky dough is formed. Roll dough into bite-sized balls. Do this until all dough is used up, placing back on baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Once the balls have cooled, make the chocolate coating. In a small saucepan over medum-low heat, combine the chopped dark chocolate and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir frequently until melted, about 5 minutes, making sure to keep an eye out so the chocolate mixture does not burn.

Dip cooled hazelnut/date balls in melted chocolate mixture and roll in the hazelnut pieces. Place back on parchment paper lined baking sheet and back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. Enjoy!