Granola Chocolate Truffles

Time for a festive recipe with a healthy twist! We all know 'tis the season for all things chocolatey and indulgent and hey, I'm more than okay with that. I mean, with all that is going on in the whole world, we all need (and deserve) to have a good time, we don't need to count calories right now. ;-p

Buut, there are always healthier wholesome alternatives. Like these granola chocolate truffles that taste very similar to the famous Ferrero Rocher chocolates without all the refined sugars and nasty ingredients. They are very yummy, easy to make and will satisfy your sweet tooth especially those days when your brain and stomach are in full festive mood but you want to behave on weekdays.

This is a nice recipe to try with your kids, they will love these truffles too! I love to prepare them with my sister these festive days and enjoy with a hot cup of chai green tea, my latest obsession. It is also a cute idea for a homemade gift you can bring to a party with friends, or even surprise your colleagues and add a sweet note to a hard day's work.

Bonus point: they are vegan-friendly, dairy-free and gluten-free...everybody wins!

Tip: add some cinnamon and ginger to the dough if you want your truffles to have a more festive flavor! I kept them as "natural" as possible to really enjoy the hazelnut notes.

Receta en español elaborada para Ecocesta, aquí

Granola Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups chocolate and coconut granola.

1/2 cup hazelnut butter.

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or agave syrup).

2 tablespoons coconut oil.

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla powder.

- Coverture:

Dark chocolate (70 % cocoa), melted.

A small pinch of granola or coconut flakes, to decorate.

Directions

Transfer the granola to the bowl of your food processor and pulse until it is almost ground.

Add in the rest of ingredients (unsweetened hazelnut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla), process until a compact dough forms. To test the consistency, simply scoop out a small amount of dough and roll it with your hands to form a ball. If the ball doesn't crumble or breaks apart then the dough is ready!

Roll into balls using your hands until all the dough is used up and transfer to the fridge until they set and harden a bit.

Finally, dip each ball into the melted dark chocolate and carefully transfer all the truffles to a wire rack to drip off the excess chocolate. Decorate the tops with granola and/or coconut flakes.

Store them in the refrigerator but let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Enjoy!