This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Balls are a quick, no-bake snack packed with mini semisweet chocolate chips in every bite! Just 7 ingredients, including a blend of dried cherries and dates for natural sweetness, are needed.

Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: No-bake
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free option, Dairy-free option
- Skill Level: Easy
Why I Love These Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
Add cherry energy balls to your arsenal of homemade energy balls recipes! These no-bake cherry chocolate chip energy balls are quick and easy, and I love that they’re nut-free so I don’t have to worry about any allergies when I send them along to school in lunchboxes. A few pantry basics create the best flavorful snack that’s packed with sweet-tart dried cherries and mini chocolate chips. (For a similar recipe that contains nuts, try my Cranberry Almond Energy Balls. We also absolutely love Chunky Monkey Banana Energy Balls.). Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Kid-friendly. Not only do kids love the cherry chocolate sweetness of these energy balls, but they also love helping to roll them out, so get them involved in the process.
- Festive if you want. I love serving cherry energy balls as a more nutritious Valentine’s Day treat! Their pinkish hue makes them feel fun and holidayish.
- Nut-free. I love adding nuts to many recipes, but I also keep a list of recipes that are nut-free so that everyone can eat them. This chocolate chip cherry energy balls recipe more than fits the bill.
- Naturally sweetened. No extra sugars here! You’ll rely on dates and cherries for natural fruit sweetness in these cherry energy balls.
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a look at the brief ingredients list needed for chocolate chip energy balls! I’ve included the full ingredients list in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Dates: Use pitted Medjool dates for these energy balls.
- Dried Cherries: Check the package to make sure that the dried cherries don’t contain extra sugar (some varieties do) if you want to keep the sugar content low.
- Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
- Ground Flax Seeds: I prefer to use ground flax seeds so that they blend in with the dough. You could also try chia seeds.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Rolled oats (or old-fashioned oats) add texture. Make sure they’re certified gluten-free if needed.
- Salt: A pinch of fine salt balances the sweetness of the cherry energy balls.
- Chocolate Chips: I always use mini chocolate chips so that the chocolate doesn’t overwhelm the energy balls. Try your favorite chopped chocolate bar if you like, and use vegan chocolate if needed to make the dairy free.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
A food processor plus a few minutes are all you’ll need to put together these cherry energy balls. Check the recipe card lower down for detailed instructions.
- Add to a food processor. Place all of the ingredients (leaving out the chocolate chips) in a food processor.
- Combine. Process the mix until it forms a paste.
- Mix in the chips. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Start scooping. Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions.
- Roll. Form the scoops into balls.
- Keep airtight. Store the energy balls in an airtight container.
Tips and Variation Ideas
- If you want them sweeter: If you do want to add a little sweetness to the cherry energy balls, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
- Keep them chilled. Cherry chocolate chip energy balls can be kept on the counter or in the fridge or freezer (see my notes below). I prefer my energy bites cold and firm, so if you’re like me keep them in the fridge until you eat them. (I also eat them straight from the freezer for a frozen treat!)
- Try another dried fruit. Use this cherry energy balls recipe as a base and swap another dried fruit like dried apricots or blueberries for the cherries. I like using dried dates because they are very sweet, but you could use raisins for the dates if you don’t have dates.
- Add coconut. I love pairing coconut with cherries, and coconut goes quite well with chocolate, too! Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened to keep the sugar content lower) to the mix.
How to Store
- Counter – Place the energy balls in an airtight container and store them on the counter for up to 1 week.
- Fridge – Store the container of energy balls in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer – Transfer the formed cherry energy balls to a freezer-safe container or sealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the energy balls completely in the fridge before eating them. You can also portion the energy balls into several smaller bags, and then place them in a larger bag to cut down on freezer burn.
More Energy Ball Recipes
Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup ground flax seeds
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats, gluten free, if necessary
- pinch salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, gluten free and vegan, if necessary
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor and process until it forms a paste.
- Stir in the chips.
- Using about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time, roll into approximately 36 balls.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to eat.
That looks yummy and health in one go… That’s a rare thing:-)
I have bookmarked the page as I want to try the recipe.
Thanks for sharing:-)
Brianne, very pretty as well as tasty! Cherry and chocolate is a classic combination, and isn’t flaxseed a wonderful thing!
These look really tasty! Thanks so much for sharing your yummy recipe on the Monday Funday Party!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing with me Brianne! You are My Beyonce 🙂 I love this recipe and can’t wait to make this when I am better! XO
Hahaha! Feel better soon!
I love this energy balls. For my friends they don’t look very yummy (that’s because of the color). So I came up with an idea to cover them. Cocoa is the best I think. Balls become smooth and elegant. I also use chopped nuts or desiccated coconut. Everything sticks very well to this balls, go and try it.