Looking for a healthier festive treat? These chocolate, cranberry & orange hemp energy balls use wholefood, plant-based ingredients for natural protein and a burst of Christmassy flavour.

Keep a batch of Cranberry, Orange and Cocoa Hemp Energy Balls on hand this holiday season for a tasty, nutrient-dense snack. They combine bright citrus and tart cranberries with rich cacao and the nutty, protein-rich texture of hemp seeds.
Hemp hearts add a subtle nuttiness and plant-based protein while keeping the recipe free of tree nuts—just check labels to ensure the hemp seeds you buy are processed in a nut-free facility if that matters to you.

Ingredients
- Dried cranberries – unsweetened if possible
- Medjool dates – pitted
- Spices – ground cinnamon and ground mixed spice (or pumpkin pie spice)
- Cacao powder – or cocoa powder as a substitute
- Shelled hemp seeds (hemp hearts)
- Fresh orange – zest of half an orange and about 1 tablespoon juice

Instructions
1. Add the dried cranberries, pitted dates, cinnamon, mixed spice, cacao powder and hemp seeds to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is evenly combined and begins to form a coarse, sticky texture.
2. Add the orange zest and then add the orange juice a teaspoon at a time, processing between additions, until the mixture clumps together and holds when pressed.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and use your hands to roll into 12 even balls.

4. Roll each ball in a little extra cacao powder to coat. A simple method is to place a tablespoon of cacao in a lidded container, add the balls, close and shake gently for an even dusting.

5. Serve immediately or chill. Store in the refrigerator for best texture and freshness and enjoy within five days.

More Healthier Christmas Treats
Raw Christmas Pudding Balls
Gingerbread Smoothie (no bananas!)
Vegan Panforte
📖 Recipe
Chocolate, Cranberry & Orange Hemp Energy Balls
12
Festive energy balls made with hemp seeds for protein, cacao for chocolate flavour, and cranberry and orange for a seasonal finish.
Ingredients
- 80 g (½ cup) dried cranberries
- 100 g (approx 4–5) Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground mixed spice (or pumpkin pie spice)
- 1 tbsp cacao powder, plus extra for dusting
- 50 g (⅓ cup) shelled hemp seeds
- Zest of ½ orange and approx 1 tbsp fresh juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the orange juice in a food processor and blend until coarse and combined.
- Add the orange juice a teaspoon at a time until the mixture comes together and can be shaped.
- Roll into 12 balls.
- Dust the balls in extra cacao powder for a finish.
- Serve and enjoy. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Yield 12
Serving Size 1 ball
Amount Per Serving
Calories 74
Total Fat 2.1g
Carbohydrates 12.5g
Fiber 1.7g
Sugar 9.7g
Protein 2g
More recipes to try
-
Raw Chocolate Brownie Bites (No Nuts!)
-
Raw Marzipan Chocolates
-
Raw Lemon Poppy Seed Energy Balls

