Healthy and Delicious
Let’s talk about the humble date roll. It’s chewy, sweet, and easy to ignore… until you make them yourself. Suddenly, you realize this simple snack has been seriously underestimated.
If you’re looking for a naturally sweet, shelf-stable (or fridge-stable) snack that doesn’t come in plastic wrap and isn’t pretending to be healthy — this one’s for you.
Why We Love Coconut Date Rolls
Coconut date rolls hit that magical trifecta:
They’re fast.
They’re nutritious.
Kids think they’re dessert.
Made with just a handful of real ingredients, these rolls are free from added sugar, preservatives, and mystery fillers. They’re a great way to use pantry staples in a way that feels a lot fancier than it actually is. Plus, no baking required. That’s a win when the oven is full of something else… or when it’s 100 degrees outside and no one is trying to bake.

What’s in a Coconut Date Roll?
These little gems are made with:
Medjool dates – soft, caramel-like, and rich in fiber and natural sugars
Unsweetened coconut – for texture, healthy fat, and that tropical flair
Raw nuts – we love walnuts, but you can sub in almonds or cashews
Coconut oil & vanilla – because a little richness and flavor go a long way
Real salt – just a pinch, but it makes everything pop
You toss it all in a food processor, roll it up, and coat it in extra coconut. That’s it. You’re now a snack wizard.
Real-Food Snacks Without the Guilt (or the Plastic)
If you’re trying to cut down on single-use plastics or ditch the ultra-processed snack aisle, this recipe will be your new go-to. These rolls can be stored in glass containers, beeswax wraps, or silicone pouches — no cling wrap or snack bags needed.
They’re perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or the “Mom, I’m hungry and we just ate ten minutes ago” moments.

Are Coconut Date Rolls Healthy?
In a word: yes. They’re sweet, but it’s the kind of sweet that comes with fiber, minerals, and healthy fats — not a sugar crash. Here’s what you’re getting in every bite:
Potassium and magnesium from dates
Omega-3s from walnuts
Medium-chain fatty acids from coconut
A good source of fiber that helps with digestion and energy
This is real food. It fuels little bodies and grown-up ones too.
Make it A Family Activity
Kids love rolling these. It’s sticky, it’s fun, and it’s surprisingly hard to mess up. You can even let them customize theirs by rolling in chopped nuts, cacao nibs, or cinnamon coconut. Let snack time double as quality time — just don’t forget to sneak a few for yourself.
Storage Tips
These store beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and you can freeze them for 2–3 months. (Just thaw a bit before eating — they’re like sweet little energy nuggets when frozen.)
I’ve made these as little snack squares too. Rather than rolling them into balls, roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper as thick as you’d like them to be. Sprinkle some coconut on top (gently roll it to press the coconut into the dough) then cut into squares with a pizza cutter or a multi-square cookie cutter.
Use What You’ve GOt
You can absolutely make substitutions. Try swapping:
Pecans for walnuts
Almond extract for vanilla
Hemp hearts for part of the coconut
Don’t overthink it — this recipe is as forgiving as a grandma with fresh-baked cookies.

Homemade Snacks Cookbook
Wholesome Snacks Made From Scratch
Price
This cookbook is packed with kid-approved, real-food recipes that are easy to make, fresh-milled flour friendly, and free from the junk you’re trying to avoid.
Over 65 recipes full of homemade goodness!
Coconut Date Rolls: The Perfect Real-Food Snack
6
servings5
minutesIngredients
1½ cups soft pitted Medjool dates
¾ cup raw walnuts or almonds
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (for coating)
Directions
- In a food processor, pulse the dates and nuts until finely chopped and sticky. Add vanilla and salt. Blend until it forms a dough-like consistency. It will get more sticky the longer you blend it.
- Scoop out 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into logs or balls.
- Roll each piece in shredded coconut until coated.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, or enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for 2 months.