In a medium sized bowl, cover pitted dates with hot water. Soak dates for 20 minutes.
Place oats in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely ground. (Bowl must be completely dry.)
Drain and chop dates. Reserve soaking liquid.
Add drained and chopped dates, 1⁄2 cup of the cocoa powder, almond butter, vanilla, and peppermint to the oats in the food processor.
Process all ingredients until finely ground and sticking together. Mixture should be a dough-like consistency. Add reserved soaking liquid as needed to help mixture stick together.
Form truffle mixture into balls roughly 1- 11⁄2 in diameter.
Roll balls in remaining 1⁄4 cup cocoa powder to coat with rich cocoa flavor.
Chill for 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
Recipe by simple+well at https://www.simpleandwell.net/recipes/peppermint-cocoa-truffles/