Chocolate Pine Cones

Name: Chocolate Pine Cones
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Chocolate cereal 3 ¼ cups; Cookies 5.3 oz; Whole milk 0.42 cup; Butter 3 ½ tbsp; Sugar 4.8 tbsp; Unsweetened cocoa powder 0.3 cup; Powdered sugar to taste

it de fr br

Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Serving: 8
Cost: Low
Note + the resting time in the fridge (30 min.)

PRESENTATION

In Italy, chocolate pinecones are a total must-have, especially during Christmas. And they're part of a tradition of easy, creative sweets that everyone loves. Really, they're super simple. These little treats stand out thanks to their unique pinecone shape and crispy chocolate cereal coating. And you know what? Unlike many fancy Italian pastries, they’re quick to make and don’t require any baking—no kidding, a lifesaver when you are juggling all those holiday tasks. They're kinda like the famous salame di cioccolato, but way easier—no eggs needed, just crushed biscuits, cocoa, and a few add-ins. The moist mixture holds its shape, letting you mold it into pinecones, while the chocolate cereal gives a crunchy texture. Just sprinkle on some powdered sugar, and these edible pinecones look like they’ve been dusted with snow. Seriously, they're perfect for any Christmas gathering.

On Italian holiday tables, these chocolate pinecone recipes are more than just food—they're like edible decorations. People absolutely love using them as centerpieces—which is great. You can get creative with toppings too: try a drizzle of melted chocolate, colorful sprinkles, or just a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Kids love shaping them, and adults appreciate their sweet and rich taste without being too heavy. No-bake chocolate pinecones fit right in with other festive treats. Plus, they save you from spending all day in the kitchen. And honestly, ideal for a last-minute idea to impress guests without going overboard. Across Italy, folks might add their own twist, sometimes using hazelnut crumbs or a touch of orange zest for a hint of tangy flavor. No matter how you dress them up, these Christmas chocolate treats always bring out smiles and holiday magic. They’re one of those winter-themed sweets you'll really want on your table year after year, bringing warmth and joy to your celebrations.

How to prepare Chocolate Pine Cones

To prepare the chocolate pine cones, start by blending the dry cookies in a mixer 1 until they are reduced to a fine, uniform powder 2, then transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the butter into another bowl 3 and melt it in the microwave.

Meanwhile, add the unsweetened cocoa 4 and sugar 5 to the bowl with the cookies, then pour in the melted, cooled butter 6.

Also add the milk 7 and first mix with a spoon 8. Then knead with your hands until you get a homogeneous mixture 9.

At this point, form the pine cones by shaping the mixture into small pyramids 10; with these quantities, you will get 8. Arrange them onto a tray 11 or a plate as you go. Now you can move on to the most fun part: decorating the pine cones with chocolate cereals. Arrange the cereals one by one, starting from the top and moving towards the base, creating concentric circles that will give the characteristic “pine cone” shape 12.

When all the pine cones are ready 13, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them set for at least half an hour. Decorate the chocolate pine cones with powdered sugar 14 and serve them 15!