Growing up we had this cute family that I would babysat for! Every year, the mom would bring our family these yummy date balls for Christmas. A few years ago the date balls were brought up in a conversation, and the lady I was talking to said it was her recipe, so Candy gets the credit for these delicious little morsels! They are super easy to make and amazing! They are a great addition to goody plates at Christmas time.
Date Balls
8 oz. chopped dates
1/2 cup real butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups Rice Krispies
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Cookie scoop so all balls are the same size- I use this one.
8 oz. chopped dates
1/2 cup real butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups Rice Krispies
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Cookie scoop so all balls are the same size- I use this one.
Makes approximately 18 1" date balls
Instructions: In a frying pan or saucepan, combine dates, butter, and sugar. Cook on medium heat (300 degrees F). Once mixtures starts to bubble, cook for 4 minutes. Take off heat and add Rice Krispies and chopped pecans. Stir until combined. Roll into 1" balls then roll the balls in coconut. Place on a parchment lined pan to finish cooling.
Instructions: In a frying pan or saucepan, combine dates, butter, and sugar. Cook on medium heat (300 degrees F). Once mixtures starts to bubble, cook for 4 minutes. Take off heat and add Rice Krispies and chopped pecans. Stir until combined. Roll into 1" balls then roll the balls in coconut. Place on a parchment lined pan to finish cooling.
Step-by-step
Gather ingredients. Chop pecans.
Gather ingredients. Chop pecans.
In a frying pan or saucepan combine chopped dates, butter, and sugar.
Cook on medium heat (300 degrees F). Once mixture starts to bubble, cook for 4 minutes or until mixture looks like the picture below.
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Add pecans and Rice Krispies. Mix until combined.
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I use a cookie scoop to form all the balls (totally not necessary, but I do love that they are all the same size). This here is my favorite!!!
Roll the balls in coconut, pushing the coconut into the date balls. Place on a parchment lined sheet pan to finish cooling.
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Enjoy!!!
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My neighbor made these for our family 30 years ago and they were our favorite cookie! Sadly, she is gone from us now, but these take us back to times spent with our good friends!
Hi Brenda,
We are so happy they bring back great memories. Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! We hope you have a happy holiday season.
-Cassie and Sadie
I tried making these and was disappointed. The coconut wouldn’t stick to the balls and once the ingredients started to cool the balls wouldn’t stay together. What did I do wrong?
Hello Mary Beth,
So sorry you were not happy with the outcome. Thank you for taking the time to let us know.
I've never had mine fall apart before but the first thing that comes to mind is that maybe they cooled too long before they were rolled? The two issues I've had with these in the past were from overcooking (once) and old dates another time, though neither of these resulted in a formation issue.
My fingers are crossed that this information will help you if you decide to make them again!
-Cassie
Mary Beth,
I wanted to let you know that we have been experimenting with this recipe today and have amended it to reflect what we have found to have a better outcome. Cook the date balls on medium heat (300 degrees F). Once the mixture starts to bubble, cook for 4 minutes. We tested this method twice and both times it came out perfectly. We hope that if you decide to try the recipe again, you'll be pleased with the outcome.
Thanks,
Cassie and Sadie
I make these minus the coconut. I found easier to press in a pan and cut into squares. Because sometimes they just wont stick together in ball shape. Also sometimes I add craisins with the dates.
I am making these tomorrow. These are my favorite.
Why couldn't the coconut be mixed into the cookies before making them into balls.?
Linda,
You can mix the coconut in. If you do this, add roughly do 3/4 cup worth of coconut. Rolling the balls in coconut is more for "looks". Best of luck!
-Cassie
These are the best!
DeAnn,
So glad you love them too! Thanks for stopping by!
-Sadie
My mom made these at Christmas when I was a little girl....she called them Skillet Cookies....and I always looked forward to them. She may half rolled in coconut and half with no coconut (my dad didn't care for coconut, he LOVED them without coconut). Over the years, she stopped making these and couldn't find her recipe. I was so happy to find it here. My family loves these cookies as well, so they're back on the holiday cookie list for me!!
Terri thank you for sharing this story with us!! Hoping they turned out ok!
Can I leave out the pecans?
Yes! They will be a littler chewier consistency!