Pre-heat the oven to 160C(320F) fan-forced and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Place the dates in a heat-proof bowl and cover with hot water then leave to soak for 15 minutes.
Drain the dates well then place them in the bowl of a food processor or thermomix.
Add the vanilla and process until the dates are all chopped up.
Add the coconut, nuts, cinnamon, salt and cacao and process just until the mixture comes together.
Using a heaped teaspoon of mixture at a time, roll into balls then flatten slightly and place on the tray leaving 1-2cm between each one.
Bake for 10 minutes and then leave to cool completely on the tray (out of the oven).
Store in an airtight container.