If you want a bite-sized treat that tastes like a gourmet truffle, you will love these Matcha Chocolate Covered Dates. These sweet snacks are the perfect blend of rich, caramel sweetness and earthy green tea flavor. Because they are naturally sweet and easy to customize, making Matcha Chocolate Covered Dates is a wonderful way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy afternoon pick-me-up or dessert.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Metric Scale | U.S. Customary Scale | Notes & Substitutions |
| Medjool Dates | 12 large | 12 large | Pitted |
| Nut or Seed Butter | 60 g | 4 tbsp | Peanut, almond, macadamia, or black sesame paste |
| White Chocolate | 120 g | ¾ cup | High-quality baking chips or chopped bars |
| Matcha Powder | 12 g | 1.5 tbsp | Sifted |
| Coconut Oil | 12 g | 1 tbsp | Used to thin and fluidize the chocolate shell |
| Crunchy Centers (Optional) | 12 pieces | 12 pieces | Whole almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts |
| Garnishes (Optional) | To taste | To taste | Coconut flakes, sesame seeds, or flaky salt |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Stuff the Dates
First, open up your pitted dates to create a small pocket. Next, fill each date with your choice of nut butter or black sesame paste.
💡 Pro-Tip: Transfer your filling to a small piping bag because it keeps the process completely mess-free.
You should use about ½ teaspoon of filling for smaller dates, whereas large Medjool dates will need ¾ to 1 teaspoon. After filling them, press a whole nut into the center for an extra crunch if you like. Finally, arrange the dates on a lined baking tray and freeze them for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
While the dates are chilling, you need to melt your white chocolate. You can do this by using a double boiler over simmering water, or you can use the microwave. If you choose the microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals and stir well between each burst. Once the chocolate is fully melted, stir in the coconut oil until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Make the Matcha Shell
First, sift your matcha powder into a separate small bowl to remove any lumps. Then, slowly pour the melted white chocolate into the matcha powder a little bit at a time. Be sure to whisk continuously so that the mixture stays smooth and turns a vibrant green color. Once everything is combined, take your dates out of the freezer.
Step 4: Dip and Decorate
To coat the Matcha Chocolate Covered Dates, use one or two forks to dip each piece into the green chocolate. Let the excess liquid drip off before placing them back onto your baking sheet.
Because the dates are frozen, the initial chocolate shell will set almost immediately. Therefore, once all the dates are dipped, quickly dip a fork into your remaining warm matcha chocolate and drizzle it across the top of every date. Act fast and immediately sprinkle your coconut flakes or sesame seeds onto the wet drizzle so they stick perfectly!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Place the tray in the fridge for 30 minutes until the chocolate sets completely. Alternatively, you can create a beautiful bakery-style look with a quick extra step. After 10 minutes of chilling, take the tray out and drizzle leftover chocolate over the dates using a fork. Then, return them to the fridge to finish setting.
🎁 Bonus: Zero-Waste Matcha Chocolate Bark!
Do not throw away your leftover matcha chocolate! Instead, you can easily turn it into a delicious bonus treat.
First, simply pour the remaining melted chocolate onto a sheet of parchment paper. Next, use a spatula to spread it completely flat. After that, press a handful of freeze-dried fruits and chopped nuts into the top surface. Finally, let it set completely in the fridge alongside your dates. Once it hardens, snap it into pieces for a beautiful, crispy matcha chocolate bark.
📌 Recipe Notes
- Choosing Dates: Medjool dates work best for this Matcha Chocolate Covered Dates recipe because they are incredibly soft, large, and sweet. Plus, they have a surprisingly low glycemic index score according to Healthline, meaning they provide clean energy without a massive blood sugar spike.
- Matcha Quality: For the brightest green color and best taste, use a high-quality culinary or ceremonial grade matcha. You can learn more about the antioxidant profiles of green tea powder through this scientific guide to matcha health benefits to pick the perfect one for your kitchen.
- Mastering the Shell: If you love working with this vibrant green tea coating, make sure to check out my tutorial on Matcha Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Bars. It uses a very similar technique to get a flawless snap on a cold dessert!
- Storage Tips: You can store these treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Consequently, they make the perfect make-ahead snack!
Matcha Chocolate Covered Dates
Ingredients
- 12 pieces large Medjool dates pitted
- 60 grams nut or seed butter such as peanut, almond, or black sesame paste
- 12 pieces whole nuts optional, like almonds, cashews, or macadamias
- 120 grams high-quality white chocolate chopped or chips
- 12 grams matcha powder sifted
- 12 grams coconut oil
- Garnishes to taste shredded coconut or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Open up your pitted dates to create a small pocket.
- Fill each date with your choice of nut butter or black sesame paste (about ¾ to 1 teaspoon per date). Chef's Tip: Use a small piping bag for a completely mess-free process!
- Press a whole nut into the center of the filling for an optional extra crunch. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler over simmering water, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Once melted, stir in the coconut oil until completely smooth.
- Sift the matcha powder into a separate bowl to remove lumps. Slowly pour the melted chocolate into the matcha, whisking continuously until the glaze is a smooth, vibrant green.
- Remove the dates from the freezer. Use one or two forks to dip each date into the matcha chocolate, letting the excess drip off before returning them to the baking sheet.
- Once all dates are coated, use a fork to quickly drizzle any remaining warm matcha chocolate over the top of every date. Immediately sprinkle with coconut flakes or sesame seeds while the drizzle is still wet.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until fully set.
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