![](https://www.realmomnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/Peppermint-Bites-7.jpeg)
Inside: Get a recipe for healthy chocolate mint bites made with walnuts and dates, topped with coconut and crushed candy canes. Sweet and sweet!
It’s the season for Christmas sweets. And I love you all.
But it’s nice to have other treats on hand that are delicious and festive but actually give your energy instead of consuming it.
These chocolate mint bites are made with just a few healthy ingredients and then rolled in a crunchy layer of coconut and candy canes.
![Ingredients for chocolate and mint bites lie on a white countertop.](https://www.realmomnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/Peppermint-Bites-1-1024x683.jpeg)
Ingredients you need
- Dates: Be sure to remove the pit inside first
- Walnuts: These are pulverized in the food processor, so it doesn’t matter if you choose them chopped or halved.
- cocoa powder
- Milk: Use dairy or plant-based milk.
- mint extract
- Coconut: Unsweetened (as Bob’s Red Mill) works best in this recipe, but sweetened is fine too.
- Candy canes
How to make chocolate mint bites
Place the dates, walnuts and cocoa powder in a food processor. Process until combined.
![A food processor contains dates, cocoa powder and nuts.](https://www.realmomnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/Peppermint-Bites-2-683x1024.jpeg)
Then drizzle in the mint extract and milk. The dough will come together and form a dough. It should be sticky but not wet. If it is too dry, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it is the right consistency. If it’s too wet, add some extra nuts.
![A food processor contains the processed dough for the chocolate mint bites.](https://www.realmomnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/Peppermint-Bites-3-683x1024.jpeg)
Using a spoon, or preferably, a spoonful of cookies like this So that they are all uniform: form 14 balls. Next, roll each ball in a combination of coconut and crushed candy canes.
![A silver baking tray with chocolate and mint bites along with a plate of crushed candy canes and coconut.](https://www.realmomnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/Peppermint-Bites-4-683x1024.jpeg)
Press the coating to make it stick. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
![Chocolate-mint energy bites are topped with coconut and candy canes.](https://www.realmomnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/Peppermint-Bites-5-683x1024.jpeg)
Questions about Chocolate Mint Bites
What type of coconut should I use?
Unsweetened works best here, so it doesn’t clump together in the crushed candy cane. But either one works. If the coconut pieces are long, put them through the food processor first.
How do you store these mint bites?
Because they contain milk and are not cooked or baked, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 5 to 7 days.
What is the nutritional information for these mint bites?
Each bite of chocolate mint contains approximately 99 calories, 8 grams of sugar (mainly natural sugar from dates), 2 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of protein.
![A chocolate and mint energy ball with a bite taken out of it.](https://www.realmomnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/Peppermint-Bites-8-683x1024.jpeg)
Swaps and substitutions you can make
- Skip the peppermint extract if you don’t have it. The mint flavor will still be noticeable in the candy cane coating.
- Use plant milk instead of cow’s milk.
- Skip the candy canes and roll them in coconut only.
- Add the crushed candy cane to the dough in the food processor to make it crispy inside.
- Use raw almonds instead of walnuts (you may need more milk).
![A plate of chocolate and mint balls on a white counter.](https://www.realmomnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/Peppermint-Bites-9-683x1024.jpeg)
More No-Bake Cookie Ball Recipes
![Chocolate and mint bites](https://www.realmomnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/Peppermint-Bites-10-720x720.jpeg)
Chocolate and mint bites
Produce:
14
Preparation time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes
These healthy chocolate mint bites are rich, fluffy and filling, with a crunchy mint coating.
Ingredients
-
1 cup of walnuts
-
1 cup dates, packed
-
1/4 cup cocoa powder
-
3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
-
2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
-
2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
-
2 candy canes (crushed)
Instructions
- Place the almonds, dates and cocoa powder in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
- While the food processor is running, add the peppermint extract. Then add the milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together and forms a ball. It should be sticky but not wet.
- Form into one-inch balls and then roll in coconut to coat.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Nutritional information:
Produce: 14
Portion size: 1 bite
Amount per proportion:
Calories: 99Total fat: 6gSaturated fat: 1gTrans fat: 0gUnsaturated fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2 gSugar: 8gProtein: 2 g