# Components:
→ Nut Butter Mixture
01 - 1 cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Coating & Decoration
07 - 2 cups chocolate-flavored whole grain cereal (such as Chex, Cocoa Krispies, or gluten-free equivalent)
08 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, mix almond butter, softened butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and homogeneous.
02 - Refrigerate the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes until it firms slightly to facilitate shaping.
03 - Divide the chilled mixture into 12 equal portions and form each into a small oval shape resembling a pinecone.
04 - Starting from the narrow end, gently press chocolate-flavored cereal pieces onto the shaped nut butter ovals in overlapping layers to imitate pinecone scales.
05 - Place the finished pinecones on a tray lined with parchment paper.
06 - Lightly dust the pinecones with powdered sugar for a snowy appearance, if desired.
07 - Refrigerate the assembled pinecones for 10 minutes before serving to allow them to set.