Rice Krispie Date Balls are a simple no-bake holiday treat filled with lots of flavor and crunch! These easy date balls are sweet and light in texture and rolled in shaved coconut for some festive flair.
Anytime between Thanksgiving and New Years, my mother was likely to make up a batch of these festive date balls for guests or just for us when we asked. The recipe came from an old holiday cookbook that she had for as long as I can remember. I don’t even know the name of the book because the cover went missing years ago. My sister now has the book, but I was smart enough to write down this recipe for date balls with Rice Krispies for myself.
Granted, there is no baking involved in these. Still, they are just so good that I have to share them. These little balls are easy and quick to make. They do need to cool for a bit. That actually takes longer than making them. Traditionally, these date balls are rolled in coconut. However, some people (that’s you, Quinn) don’t like coconut, so I rolled half of them in confectioner’s sugar. If you go that route, keep in mind that they may need to be re-rolled in the sugar at some point because they seem to absorb it.
These date balls are great for a little party dessert, a cookie tray, or just about anything. This Christmas, I put them in holiday boxes and gave them as gifts. Well, not all of them. I might have saved a few for myself.
Easy Holiday Date Balls
Holiday Date Balls are a simple no-bake treat filled with lots of flavor and crunch! Sweet and light and rolled in shaved coconut for some festive flair.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces (226g) chopped dates
- 2 cups (56g) crisp rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
- 1/4 cup (30g) chopped pecans
- sweetened shredded coconut or confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the egg, sugar, butter, salt, and dates. Stir frequently. Cook until the dates are soft and the mixture is thick.
- Place the saucepan in cold water until the mixture is cool enough to handle.
- Add the cereal and pecans. Mix quickly.
- Shape into small balls. Roll each ball in coconut or confectioners' sugar.
10 Comments on “Easy Holiday Date Balls”
I’m not a big coconut fan but love everything else in these. I’m glad there is an alternative. Your photo is great!
They sound and look delish, and the recipe looks nice and easy too!
The perfect little bite.. yum!
I am so excited that you posted these. My step grandmother made these every Christmas and they were my favorite along with buckeyes. I have been looking for this recipe since I am no longer in contact with them, but couldn’t find anything that sounded right.
You just made my day! Thank you so much!
These look so cute! I don’t know if I have ever eaten a date before.
Pingback: Chocolate-Macadamia Nut Clusters
Pingback: Pecan Date Cookies
My grandmother has made these for her Christmas Eve get together for as long as I can remember. They were always my favorite. I’ve made them the last two years. They are so easy to make and you’ll love them even if you’ve never had, or don’t think, you like dates.
Love these! I prefer no egg and no coconut because they are so sweet.Â
They roll into balls beautifully and they are gluten free! I like to add a few more pecans.
I will thank you for a delicious gluten free snack for all those gf people having difficultiesÂ
finding really good treats.
I’m glad you like them, Shelby!