Introducing the date version of the beloved classic chocolate treat, Ferrero Rocher! These caramel-like Medjool dates are filled with creamy hazelnut butter, a whole hazelnut, and topped off with a luscious coat of melted chocolate and chopped hazelnuts. They’re the ultimate indulgent yet healthy snack to satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ferrero Rocher Dates
Ingredients
**Hazelnut Butter:**
- 3 cups of roasted hazelnuts
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- A pinch of salt
**Other:**
- 24 Medjool dates
- 24 whole hazelnuts
- 2 cups of milk or semi-sweet chocolate melted
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped hazelnuts
**Equipment:**
- Toothpicks
- Piping bag or ziplock bag optional
Instructions
**Making the Hazelnut Butter:**
- In a food processor, blend the roasted hazelnuts until they form a thick paste.
- Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- If the hazelnut butter is too runny, chill it in the fridge to firm up.
**Assembly:**
- Slice each date open and remove the seed/pit, or use pre-pitted dates.
- Transfer the hazelnut butter to a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each date with hazelnut butter. Place a whole hazelnut in the center and seal the dates shut.
- Insert a toothpick into each date to aid in dipping later.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Mix in the finely chopped hazelnuts.
- Dip each date into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off, then place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the dates in the fridge or freezer until the chocolate sets.
- Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- If desired, you can use store-bought hazelnut butter or Nutella as a substitute, but keep in mind Nutella is sweeter.
- To make the hazelnut butter more like homemade Nutella, consider adding cocoa powder, although the chocolate coating provides plenty of richness already.