I have posted the recipe for these before, but with the holidays approaching, I’m finding myself wanting to make them (and eat them!) and you may too! 😉 They are so easy and so tasty! My kids came by when I was making them once, popped one (without chocolate) into their mouth and immediately exclaimed “Mmmm caramel, I love caramel!” Yes to a healthier treat!

Recipe (makes approximately 15 caramels)

Ingredients:

1 cup pitted dates

½ Tbsp peanut (or other nut or seed) butter

½ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (use dairy free if needed)

Preparation:

1 Place pitted dates and peanut butter in a food processor and process until smooth.

2 Take mixture out and roll into small balls. You should get approx. 15 balls. Put in the fridge or freezer for 10-15 min to harden.

3 In a small bowl gently heat chocolate (either over a water bath or in the microwave)*.

4 Dip caramels in the chocolate and place on parchment paper to harden.

5 Optional: You can sprinkle with caramels with either some sea salt, chopped nuts, fancy sugar etc!

6 Let cool so chocolate sets.

7 Enjoy!

*If you melt the chocolate over a water bath be careful not to get water into the chocolate. Also, the smaller the bowl, the better for this purpose!

If microwaving the chocolate, add a drop of milk or cream and heat in increments of 15-20 seconds and stir between so you don’t burn the chocolate and it gets dry.