Save 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 nut butter snacks last winter, and they were a hit at our family holiday party—everyone loved the crunchy cereal coating and creamy filling.
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 1015 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.
Save These treats have become a treasured holiday tradition in our family gatherings, always bringing smiles and warm memories.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Spoon or spatula, Measuring cups and spoons, Baking tray, Parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy (butter) may contain gluten if cereal is not gluten-free For nut-free use seed butter for dairy-free use plant-based butter Always check ingredient labels for allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 150 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 3 g per pinecone
Save This festive snack is quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests with both taste and presentation.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → Can I use different nut butters?
Yes, almond or peanut butter work well. For nut-free options, sunflower seed butter makes a great substitute.
- → Is baking required for these snacks?
No baking is needed. The mixture is chilled to firm up before shaping and coating.
- → How do I achieve the pinecone texture?
Press cereal pieces gently into the nut butter oval starting from the narrow end to resemble pinecone scales.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free cereal varieties to keep them safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What is the best way to store these treats?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.