Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Bites

Higher-Protein Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Chocolate Dates

Oh my goodness, friends. These are GOOD.

They’re like my Date Snickers and Almond Joy Chocolate Covered Dates, but with a Ferrero Rocher twist! That crunchy hazelnut texture and flavor, chocolate, the sweet caramel flavor of dates…yeah. You’re gonna love this one, and they’re so fun to take to holiday parties! Everyone I’ve share these with are so shocked that they’re actually dates.

I’ve been making these Ferrero Rocher Dates on repeat lately and my whole fam loves them! They taste like that iconic candy but with a healthier twist and even a little boost of protein. I seriously could eat these every single day (and I have been lately). Make a big batch and keep them in the fridge or freezer for whenever you’re craving chocolate!

RELATED: Raspberry Chocolate Hazelnut Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy – Not only are they delicious, but dates are also a fabulous source of copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6. Then, the cottage cheese adds calcium and protein, and the nuts add good-for-you fats and extra fiber, too! 
• No-Bake – The only “cooking” required is melting the chocolate, which happens in the microwave. That means these dates can be assembled in about 10 minutes. The only hard part is waiting for them to set in the freezer! 
• Prep Ahead – These dates stay fresh in the fridge or the freezer for weeks. So, I love to prepare a big batch to keep on hand.
• Gluten-Free – As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s also easy to make dairy-free with just a couple of simple swaps. 

You’ll Also Love: Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Waffles

Ingredients

• Dates – Medjool dates work best because they’re large and easy to stuff and add a delicious caramel-like taste. I always look for pitted dates so I don’t have to spend time cutting out the pits. 
• Chocolate Chips – Regular or dark chocolate chips work great. Use dairy-free chocolate chips, if needed. 
• Coconut Oil – This helps create a smooth chocolate and allows it to harden and set. 
• Chopped Hazelnuts 

Filling

• Cottage Cheese – Full-fat works best, but low-fat will also work if needed. Substitute a dairy-free cottage cheese if you need your chocolate dates to be dairy-free. You can always use Greek yogurt here instead! 
• Hazelnut Spread – I use Nutella, but any similar brand will work. 
• Maple Syrup – This is optional, but it helps sweeten the filling and blend just a bit better. You can also substitute honey or skip it entirely!
• Hazelnuts – Again, these are optional, but I love to include them to replicate the nut in the center of Ferrero Rocher truffles. 

How to Make Stuffed Chocolate Dates

This recipe couldn’t be easier to make! You’ll need a Small Blender and a microwave-safe bowl. Here’s how these Ferrero Rocher chocolate dates come together: 

1. Blend the filling – Add the filling ingredients to a blender, and pulse until smooth. Then, transfer it to the fridge. 
2. Prepare the dates – Slice the dates in half lengthwise, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 
3. Stuff – Spoon the cottage cheese mixture into the dates, and add a hazelnut to the center of each date, if desired. Close the dates around the filling, and transfer them to the freezer. 
4. Melt the chocolate – Heat the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 15-second increments in the microwave, stirring in between, until smooth. 
5. Coat the dates – Dip the dates in the chocolate, or drizzle it on top. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top. 
6. Freeze – Transfer the dates back to the freezer to set, and enjoy! 

Tips

• Use Fresh Medjool Dates – Soft, plump dates are the easiest to fill and taste the best. If yours feel a little dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes, and pat them dry before using.
• Don’t Skip Freezing – Chilling the filled dates helps them hold together when dipping them in chocolate.
• Blending – The filling is thick, so if it’s tough to blend, you can always add in a little vanilla or a teaspoon of water at a time to thin it out. However, I recommend doing that as a last resort since you’ll want it to be pretty thick in the dates!
• Work Quickly – Have the chopped hazelnuts ready to go before you begin. The chocolate sets quickly. So, you want to make sure to add the nuts while the chocolate is still wet, or they won’t stick to the dates. 

RELATED: Homemade Date Twix Bars

Variations

Nuts – Not a fan of hazelnuts? Use almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, peanuts, or pistachios instead. The dates won’t taste like Ferrero Rochers, but they’ll still be tasty! 

Hazelnut Spread – Use almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for a different taste. 

Toppings – Sprinkle flaky salt or coconut flakes over the dates before the chocolate sets. Or, add a drizzle of white chocolate for extra indulgence. 

How to Store

Fridge – Once set in the freezer, transfer the chocolate dates to an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

Freezer – For a longer-lasting option, freeze the dates for up to 3 months. Let them soften in the fridge or at room temperature before serving! 

More Healthy Dessert Recipes

• Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
• Protein Cheesecake
• Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Viral Thin Mint Brownie Balls
• Pecan Pie Bars

Looking for more? Find 35+ cottage cheese recipes!

Healthy Chocolate Treats

• Snickers Protein Bites
• Frozen Banana Snickers
• Healthy Tahini Salted Caramel Truffles
• Protein Reese Cups
• Rice Cake Treat Recipes (4 Ways) 
• Cottage Cheese Brownies