Pin Whimsical, wintry treats featuring a creamy nut butter mixture shaped into pinecones and coated with crunchy cereals—perfect for festive snacking.
I first made these pinecone-shaped snacks during the winter holidays and they were a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Nut Butter Mixture: 1 cup creamy almond butter (or peanut butter), 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Coating & Decoration: 2 cups chocolate-flavored whole grain cereal (e.g., Chex, Cocoa Krispies, or gluten-free equivalent), 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine almond butter, softened butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Step 2:
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes until slightly firm, making it easier to handle.
- Step 3:
- Divide the chilled mixture into 12 portions. Shape each portion into a small oval, resembling a pinecone base.
- Step 4:
- Starting from the narrow end, gently press cereal pieces into the nut butter oval to mimic pinecone scales, overlapping slightly as you work your way down.
- Step 5:
- Arrange finished pinecones on a parchment-lined tray.
- Step 6:
- For a snowy effect, lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- Step 7:
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set before serving.
Pin This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, with everyone eager to help shape and decorate the pinecones.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations
Add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to the nut butter mixture for extra flavor.
Pin Enjoy these charming snacks as a fun and festive addition to your holiday celebrations.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of nut butter works best for these snacks?
Almond butter provides a creamy texture and subtle flavor, but peanut or sunflower seed butter offer great alternatives based on preferences or allergies.
- → Can these treats be made gluten-free?
Yes, choose gluten-free cereal options like gluten-free Chex to ensure the coating is gluten-free.
- → How should the nut butter mixture be handled before shaping?
Chill the mixture for 10–15 minutes until slightly firm to make shaping the pinecones easier and neater.
- → What is the purpose of pressing cereal pieces onto the nut butter?
The cereal mimics pinecone scales, adding a crunchy texture and enhancing the visual appeal for a festive look.
- → How can these treats be stored and for how long?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.