Dates offer a natural sweetener to many different holiday recipes. Not only that, but they are packed with fiber—which has an abundant amount of benefits including promoting better gut health, increasing feelings of fullness, and helping regulate blood sugar levels.

The best part about this holiday recipe? There is no baking required. In fact, these “cookies” require minimal time and effort and even freeze really well (if you happen to have leftovers).

So, how can you bring these delicious bites to your holiday table this year? 

Coconut Date Balls Recipe

Grab the ingredients and get mixing! Here’s the lowdown on how to make these delicious no-bake treats.

Ingredients

• 11 ounces of chopped dates
• 1 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
• 7 ounces of shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Remove the pits of the dates and chop them up. No piece should be larger than the fingerprint of your pinky finger.
2. Grab a large saucepan and melt the butter and sugar together. Stir occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the dates. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the mixture boils. Make sure to stir often to avoid any burning.
4. In a bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
5. Once the date mixture is boiling, add about ¼ cup of it to the egg mixture. Whisk continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs.
6. Take the saucepan off the heat and add the egg mixture to the pan. Work quickly here!
7. Put the saucepan back on the heat and boil for five minutes, stirring often.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and combine the mixture with rice krispies in a large mixing bowl. Stir until coated, then leave it to cool.
9. Shape the mixture into balls, then roll each date ball in coconut.
10. Refrigerate the balls for at least one hour to set, then enjoy!