If your dates are especially hard/dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain well and proceed with the recipe.
To a food processor, add pitted dates and process until broken down and the dates have formed a “date ball” — about 1 minute. Break the “date ball” up into smaller pieces, then add the tahini, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Process until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed to incorporate the cocoa powder, about 30 seconds total. Be careful not to over-process, or it will get very oily.
Taste and adjust as needed, adding more cocoa powder for chocolate flavor or tahini for richness — we added a little more of each.
Place a small plate or dish nearby for your truffles and, if desired, add sesame seeds (we used a mix of black and white) to a small mixing bowl. Then, using a 1 – 1 ½ Tbsp scoop (we like this one), form the mixture into balls and drop them into the sesame seeds. Roll them around to fully coat, then shake off any loose seeds.
Enjoy right away or place finished truffles on your plate or dish and transfer to the refrigerator to firm up (aim for at least 30 minutes for best texture). Enjoy! Leftover truffles keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or in the freezer for 1 month (or longer).
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Notes
*We tried rolling these truffles in cocoa powder for a classic “truffle” look, but they were too oily and absorbed the cocoa powder. *Inspired by Margalaxy’s Halva Balls in Portland, OR. *Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without optional ingredients.