Add the Medjool dates to a heat-safe bowl and submerge them in hot water. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes to soften. Then, drain the water from the bowl. It allows the dates to blend more easily in the food processor. Or, you can chop the pitted dates into smaller pieces instead of soaking them.

Add the pitted Medjool dates, unsalted pecans, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, maple syrup, unsweetened coconut flakes, vanilla extract, and salt to a high-powered food processor.

Thoroughly pulse the ingredients in the food processor until combined and blended.

Carefully remove the mixture from the food processor and place it in a large bowl.

Use a small 2-teaspoon cookie scoop to scoop the mixture and your hands to roll it into balls.

Optional: Once you form the balls, roll them in unsweetened shredded coconut. You can blend coconut flakes in a food processor or buy shredded coconut. Serve at room temperature, and store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.