Place the pitted dates into your food processor and pulse until they break down into a sticky, cohesive paste, about 30-40 seconds. You should see a smooth ball forming.
Transfer the date paste to a mixing bowl. Add the shredded coconut, nut butter, a pinch of sea salt, and lemon zest. Mix everything together with a spatula or spoon until well combined and sticky.
If you're using cacao nibs or chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture now for extra crunch and flavor.
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. With dampened hands, roll each portion into a tight ball about 1 inch in diameter—this helps prevent sticking and makes shaping easier.
Place the formed bites onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slightly flatten each one if you prefer a more bar-like shape, or leave them round for chewy balls.
Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up and flavors to meld. They will become chewy and slightly dense, perfect for grabbing on the go.
Once chilled and firm, serve the bites directly from the fridge. Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy these naturally sweet, chewy treats anytime you need a quick energy boost!
