Begin by removing the pits from your Medjool dates. If your dates are firm, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice until you have a couple of tablespoons, and grate the lemon zest. Set aside.

In a food processor, add your raw cashews and pulse them until they become finely chopped.

Add the softened dates, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to the food processor. Blend until they form a crumbly dough.

If your mixture appears too dry, gradually add water, one teaspoon at a time, while blending.

Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and fold in the dried cranberries using a spatula.

With clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls.

Refrigerate the tray of rolled energy balls for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.