Soak the dates in warm tap water for 10 minutes and then drain.

Place the dates, peanut butter, cocoa powder, peanuts, chia seeds, vanilla, and salt into a food processor (or blender) and pulse until all of the ingredients are blended together and forms a thick dough. If the dough doesn't come together add 1 tablespoon of water.

Roll the dough into 20 balls and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the bites set for about 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. You can also place in the freezer.

Tip: These energy bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator up to 7 days and in the freezer up to 3 months.