Place dates, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt in a blender or food processor and puree. Add water a bit at a time, scraping the sides, and continuing to puree until a paste is formed. If necessary, a touch more water may be added to achieve a paste.
Wet hands or coat with coconut oil and roll the paste into balls. About 14 or so balls should be formed. Spread remaining cocoa powder on one plate and shredded coconut on another. Roll half of the balls in cocoa and the other half in coconut. Place covered in the fridge for 1-2 hours to set.