Easy Edible Brownie Pinecones Recipe

Want to wow your holiday guests? Make these scrumptious pinecone brownies that look like they came from a bakery.

Easy Edible Brownie Pinecones Recipe

Move over Christmas cookies there is a new holiday treat in town, Edible Brownie Pinecones! These adorable and scrumptious brownie pine cones are easy to make and are a fun treat to make with your kids or grandkids. All you need for pine cone brownies are brownies and chocolate cereal, if you are feeling festive you can dust with powdered sugar. This whimsical dessert will be the hit of the festive season.

Today I am joining my friend Sheri for our monthly series, “Sweet treats for your Sweet tooth.” Each month we share our favorite version of a sweet treat, everything from cookies, bars, cakes, puddings and more. Today I am sharing Pinecone Brownies and Sheri is sharing Easy Sugar Cookies both are delicious additions to your Winter and holiday dessert roundup.

Why You Will Love Viral Pinecone Brownies

• They are easy to make and a delicious treat the whole family will love.
• Start with your favorite homemade brownies recipe or use a quality box mix, making this recipe accessible to everyone regardless of your baking skills.
• Brownie pinecones are perfect for winter and Christmas parties, but you can also serve them for autumn celebrations, woodland themed birthdays, or rustic weddings.

Need more brownie recipes? Or Christmas treats? 

• Christmas Brownie Pudding Bites
• Ina Garten ~The Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies
• Condensed Milk Brownies
• Oprah’s Favorite Baked NY Brownies
• Christmas Cupcakes
• Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Cranberry Topping

What You Need to Make Brownie Pinecone

These adorable and delicious treat will be the hit of your holiday party.

Brownie Recipe

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• pinch of salt

Pine cone decoration

• 6 cups Chocolate cereal flakes
• 1/4 cup  powdered sugar

How To Make Pinecone Brownies

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare  an 8 x 8 x 8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan melt butter and chocolate over low heat.
• Remove from heat, let cool. Then stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla into the melted chocolate mixture.
• Using a wooden spoon beat lightly until just combined.
• Stir in the dry ingredients, flour and salt, into the wet ingredients.
• Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake the brownies for 28-30 minutes cool on a wire rack. DO NOT OVER BAKE the brownies. When you check for doneness you want there to be a few crumbs on the skewer.
• Let the brownies cool for 15-20 minutes, then using the baked brownie mixture make 10 large pine cone shapes or 15 smaller cones. Start by rolling the brownie batter into a ball and then shape into a cone.
• Take the cereal pieces and insert them in the brownie cones starting at the top and going in a circle to create the outside of a pinecone. When finished leave plain or dust with powdered sugar for a frosted look.

Variations

• Use a boxed brownie mix in place of a homemade brownie recipe.
• Slice almonds, or slivered almonds can be used in place of the cereal flakes.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the brownie batter or peppermint extract for a  seasonal twist, use just 1/4 teaspoon.
• Orange extract or finely grated orange zest creates a classic holiday flavor pairing. Use 1 teaspoon of zest or 1/2 teaspoon extract per brownie batch.
• Add espresso powder to the wet ingredients to enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
• Fold 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolate flavor.
• Add a little cinnamon to the brownie batter for seasonal warmth.
• For a little something extra drizzle the finished pinecone brownies with melted dark chocolate or use white chocolate in place of the powdered sugar dusting.

What to Serve with Brownie Pinecones

• Coffee, hot chocolate, peppermint mochas, salted caramel lattes, or spiced chai.
• Cold milk is a classic brownie companion.
•  Eggnog during holiday season creates the perfect combination for Christmas gatherings
• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Peppermint ice cream
• Salted caramel ice cream
• Coffee ice cream

Festive Desserts to Serve with Brownie Pinecones

Build a dessert board featuring pinecone brownies as the centerpiece. Add shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles, candied nuts, and dried fruit for variety in texture and flavor. Arrange everything on a wooden board and garnish with fresh greenery and some candied cranberries for a pop of color.

For formal dinner parties, serve a single pinecone brownie plated with raspberry coulis, an a dollop of whipped cream with a sprig of fresh mint.

How to store brownie pinecones

Keep assembled pinecone brownies in the refrigerator uncovered for up to 8 hours before serving. For longer storage loosely cover brownies with aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Pinecone brownies last 3 to 4 days. Expect some softening of cereal texture after the first day.

If you want to freeze the brownies do not freeze with the cereal on. Wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These keep for up to 3 months and thaw in about 2 hours at room temperature. I do not recommend freezing assembled pinecones as the cereal becomes soggy.

FAQS

Can I use a box mix for the brownie base?

Absolutely. Box mixes like Ghardelli are perfect for this recipe. Choose fudgy style mixes rather than cake like ones for better texture. Follow the package directions but bake 2-3 minutes less than recommended to keep brownies extra moist.

How far in advance can I make these?

Bake brownies up to 3 days ahead and store undecorated at room temperature wrapped tightly. Decorate them 1-2 days before serving for best results. The cereal stay crunchier when added closer to serving time rather than days in advance.

That’s All for Now

These whimsical Pinecone brownies will be the hit of the party or holiday celebration. They are easy to make and a fun family project. Why not make them the same day you make gingerbread houses! Make these for your next holiday gathering and watch them disappear from the dessert table. Or make a basket full to deliver to family and friends.

Don’t forget to visit Sheri to get the recipe for her Easy Holiday Sugar Cookies. 

You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. And last but not least, if you like Pinecones & Acorns share it with a friend!

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Easy Edible Brownie Pinecones Recipe

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Want to wow your holiday guests? Make these scrumptious pinecone brownies that look like they came from a bakery.

• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: 10-15 servings 1x

Ingredients

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1/2 cup butter

2 oz. unsweetened chocolate

2 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup all purpose flour

pinch of salt

Pine cone decoration

6 cups Chocolate cereal flakes

1/4 cup  powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare  an 8 x 8 x 8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan melt butter and chocolate over low heat.

Remove from heat, let cool. Then stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla into the melted chocolate mixture.

Using a wooden spoon beat lightly until just combined.

Stir in the dry ingredients, flour and salt, into the wet ingredients.

Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake the brownies for 28-30 minutes cool on a wire rack. DO NOT OVER BAKE the brownies. When you check for doneness you want there to be a few crumbs on the skewer.

Let the brownies cool for 15-20 minutes, then using the baked brownie mixture make 10 large pine cone shapes or 15 small cones. Start by rolling the brownie batter into a ball and then shape into a cone.

Take the cereal pieces and insert them in the brownie cones starting at the top and going in a circle to create the outside of a pinecone. When finished leave plain or dust with powdered sugar for a frosted look.

• Author: Elizabeth
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 28-30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked