Pulse nuts in a food processor until they are in small pieces. Some larger pieces will remain, and some of the pieces will be very small.
Add the pitted dates, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Process until the mixture comes together in one large ball. Depending on the size of the dates, you may need to add a few more to get the mixture to come together.
Pinch off a small bit of mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a small ping pong ball. If desired, roll the ball in unsweetened shredded coconut.
Notes
Make sure you are using the "pulse" function of your food processor instead of the "on" or "blend". This will make sure they are chopped into pieces instead of becoming nut butter.Store in an air-tighter container on the counter. They will keep for weeks, but I guarantee you’ll eat them all prior to that.