Matcha Coconut Bliss Balls
You’ll always find bliss balls in my fridge. They’re so easy to make, come together in ten minutes, and are truly bites of heaven. Bliss balls make for the perfect grab-and-go nutritious snack that will give you an energy boost and keep you satisfied between meals. I also always need something sweet after dinner, and these matcha bliss balls are my go-tos.
I love bliss balls because they’re extremely versatile! Get creative and customize them based on the ingredients you have on hand. For my matcha coconut bliss balls, I used medjool dates, nuts, coconut, cacao nibs, and matcha green tea, of course! Sweet and sticky dates act as a binder and balance the deep, rich flavor of matcha. I used raw cashews and walnuts to add a boost of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthful fats. Almonds and pecans would be wonderful as well.
The star of these bliss balls is matcha, a type of green tea. Not only does the matcha give the balls a gorgeous green color, but it also adds a subtle earthiness and punch of antioxidants. I’ve been loving the organic, Japan-grown and harvested matcha from Matcha.com. Their matcha is grown on the hillsides of Uji, just outside of Kyoto, which is the birthplace of matcha. You know the matcha from Matcha.com is high quality because of its bright green color and smooth flavor. I love dusting the tops of the chocolate-covered bliss balls with matcha using this scoop and sifter to accentuate the matcha’s beautiful color and flavor.
If you’ve been curious about matcha or have a matcha-lover in your life, this matcha tea gift set is a great way to get started and is also a lovely gift. For me, the practice of making matcha - sifting it into a bowl, pouring in water, and gently whisking - is part of my morning ritual. It helps me slow down and encourages me to be present in the morning which carries over into the rest of my day. The starter set comes with everything you need to bring this ritual into your home.
Be sure to use discount code SYDNEY at checkout for 20% off your first Matcha.com purchase. To learn more about matcha and for inspiration on how to use matcha, check out Matcha.com’s website, instagram (@matchakari), tiktok (@matchakari), and youtube! I personally love adding matcha to smoothies and granola and my newest obsession is my matcha-ginger rice served with salmon and bok choy.
Makes 12 golf-size balls
INGREDIENTS
5 medjool dates
1/2 cup nuts (I did 1/4 cup raw cashews and 1/4 cup raw walnuts)
2 tablespoons coconut butter/manna (NOT the same thing as coconut oil)
1 teaspoon or more matcha.com’s ceremonial grade matcha
Small pinch fine grain sea salt
1 tablespoon cacao nibs
Melted dark chocolate (optional)
Shelled pistachios (optional)
METHOD
In a food processor, place medjool dates, nuts, coconut butter, matcha, and salt. Process until the mixture sticks together.
Then, add in cacao nibs and pulse a few more times.
Form golf-size balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
If you are dipping them in chocolate, melt your chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
If you are rolling them in pistachio-matcha dust, place a small handful of shelled pistachios in the food processor along with a heaping 1/4 teaspoon of matcha. Process until a very fine crumb forms.
Dip some balls in melted chocolate using two forks and let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place balls on the baking sheet.
Leave remaining balls as is or roll in pistachio-matcha crumb and place on the baking sheet.
Refrigerate the balls until the chocolate sets. Then, sift a little bit of matcha over the chocolate-covered balls.
Store in a glass container or silicon bag in the refrigerator. Enjoy!