Date and Nut Rolls

Call them what you want dates and nut rolls, khajoor ladoo, or date laddoo, every home has a version of them that is just as delicious. Naturally sweet with the right amount of crunch from the nuts, we’ve all polished off these fudgy treats packed full of energy at some point. 

It is such an everyday recipe, and you can’t help but make it. From start to finish, the rolls take, at the max, 20 minutes, and you need just four ingredients. The only caveat is to practice portion control. 

Yes, they are healthy with the dates bringing in a ton load of minerals (potassium, iron, magnesium, etc.), proteins, fiber, and vitamins B6 and B5 with a bit of A and K mixed in. And there is no added sugar. So these are a very nutrient-dense treat.

How to make dates and nut rolls?

• Start by dry roasting walnuts and pistachios for two to three minutes. Set them aside.
• Pit and chop the dates and then cook them with almond milk on low heat.
• Use a wooden spoon or spatula to smush the dates and in under ten minutes, you’ll have a mashed, soft mixture. 
• Mix the roasted nuts into it and let it cool just a tad bit for easier handling. 
• Using your palm, form small balls out of the date and nut mixture.
• Roll the spheres in desiccated coconut.
• Then very gently press each one of them a touch to shape it into a roll.

My tip for making date and nut rolls

My corner of the world is still hot. So, I had to refrigerate the date rolls. But if it’s cool where you are, simply store them in an air-tight container.

How to shape the rolls?

It’s easier to form spheres if your palms are greased. YOu can use a bit of ghee or oil or even some water to make the rolling process easier.

Another method is to form one big log out of the date & nut mixture after it has cooled. Roll the entire log in desiccated coconut, cling wrap it and then refrigerate it. Once the log has chilled and firmed up, slice the rolls and serve!

Choose the method that's easier and more convenient for you. The taste, texture, and mouthfeel remain absolutely the same.

What other ingredients can you use in the date and nut roll?

Nuts: These rolls are fudgy and gooey from the dates. You want to add plenty of nuts for the textual contrast and to counterbalance the sweetness. And you have the pick of them. Pander to your preference. 

Don’t like walnuts or pistachios? Use cashews, pecans or walnuts. Try almonds – for a recipe, hop over to coconut almond rose bliss balls. 

Seeds: I didn’t incorporate any seeds into this recipe, but I have made date and fig bliss balls before that had both sesame and chia seeds. 

Any combination of seeds (and nuts) will work beautifully, from melon to flax. My advice? Roast them before you fold them in. 

Coconut: The desiccated coconut lends a striking textural play to the dates and nuts rolls. I didn’t, but you can even throw some in the mixture before you shape the rolls.

Milk: Non-dairy, homemade milk like almond, oat, cashew, etc. tend to muscle their way into my bakes and cakes because I’m lactose intolerant. They’re not essential to this recipe. Use any milk you have in the pantry, from regular to coconut. 

Try the quick dates and nut roll recipe. It’s:

Perfect for the upcoming festive season 

Wonderful for the colder months

Ideal as a healthy dessert

Free of any added sugar

Instant energy boosters 

Excellent for fasting

Great for snacking

Gluten-free

Love the natural sugar in dates? Then you must try these recipes:

Sheer Khurma

Banana Granola

Almond Date Granola

Vegan Sticky Toffee Pudding

Date & Cinnamon Chia Pudding

📖 Recipe