Viral Pine Cone Brownies

If you’re looking for a fun and festive dessert that will leave everyone smiling, then these Viral Pine Cone Brownies are just what you need! They may look like they require a professional baker’s touch, but I promise they are super easy to whip up. Not only do they bring holiday cheer to any gathering, but they also make a great activity to enjoy with friends or family—especially with the kiddos! Plus, these brownies are gluten, dairy, egg, and refined sugar-free, making them a perfect treat for those of us with food sensitivities.

Imagine serving these adorable pine cone-shaped brownies at your next holiday party or cozy family get-together. With their cute appearance and delicious flavor, they are bound to be a hit and could even become a new holiday tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Simple: Using a boxed brownie mix saves time and effort while still delivering delicious results.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Shaping the brownies into pine cones is an enjoyable activity for children and adults alike!
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are not only cute but also shareable—ideal for potlucks or gifting to friends.
• Deliciously Festive: The combination of chocolate and almond flavors makes this treat irresistible during the holidays!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pine Cone Brownies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about. Whether you’re whipping them up for the holidays or just because, you’ll love how easy they come together!

For the Brownies

• 1 GF/Grain free boxed brownie mix (I love using Simple Mills)
• Ingredients required by the brownie mix

For the Decoration

• 1 cup sliced almonds (or cereal flakes as a substitution)
• 9 oz chocolate chips
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• Powdered Sugar or Powdered Monk fruit (for dusting)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you want to switch things up or accommodate different tastes and dietary restrictions, here are some fun variations:

• Change the Nuts: Use chopped walnuts or pecans instead of sliced almonds for a different texture.
• Flavor Twist: Add a dash of peppermint extract to your melted chocolate for a festive minty flavor.
• Make Them Mini: Form smaller cones for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties!
• Add Sprinkles: Decorate with colorful sprinkles before the chocolate sets for an extra festive touch.

How to Make Viral Pine Cone Brownies

Step 1: Bake Your Brownies

Start by preparing your brownie mix according to the package instructions. Make sure not to over bake; you want them gooey in the middle so they’re easier to shape later. Once baked, let them cool slightly—about 10 minutes should do it—but don’t let them harden too much.

Step 2: Shape into Cones

Take your slightly cooled brownie mixture and form it into about 12 cone shapes. Think of it like creating cake pops! This step is crucial as it gives our brownies that delightful pine cone look.

Step 3: Add the Scales

Carefully place the almond slices (or cereal flakes) around each brownie cone. This is where the magic happens—the scales make them look like real pine cones! Be gentle; they can be fragile.

Step 4: Chill Out

Place your decorated pine cones on a parchment-lined sheet pan and pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Freezing helps set their shape so they’re easier to coat in chocolate later.

Step 5: Melt Your Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second increments until smooth. Stir frequently—this keeps everything from burning and ensures maximum creaminess!

Step 6: Coat with Chocolate

Once melted, take the pine cones out of the freezer and carefully dip each one in the melted chocolate until fully coated. Place them back on parchment paper—you want them set nicely without sticking!

Step 7: Sprinkle & Enjoy!

Finally, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of each pine cone brownie for that snowy effect. And there you have it! These Viral Pine Cone Brownies are ready to share (or devour all by yourself)! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Viral Pine Cone Brownies

Making these Viral Pine Cone Brownies can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and a gluten-free brownie mix. This will ensure your brownies taste delicious and maintain their gooey texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, making them harder to shape into cones. You want them to be soft and slightly underbaked in the middle.
• Work Quickly with Chocolate: Chocolate can set quickly, so have everything ready to go when you’re coating the pine cones. This ensures an even coating without rushing.
• Chill the Pine Cones: Freezing the brownie shapes helps them firm up before dipping in chocolate, which prevents them from crumbling during the coating process.
• Have Fun with Shapes: Don’t stress about making perfect cones! Each pine cone is unique, just like nature. Embrace the imperfections for a more rustic look.

How to Serve Viral Pine Cone Brownies

These adorable pine cone brownies are not just cute but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some fun ideas to present this festive treat.

Garnishes

• Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle some unsweetened shredded coconut on top of your pine cone brownies for a snowy effect that adds both flavor and visual appeal.
• Edible Glitter: For an extra touch of magic, dust some edible glitter over the top of your brownies before serving. It’s a great way to make them feel even more special!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream: This dairy-free ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor of the brownies perfectly. It adds a creamy texture that balances out the dessert.
• Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries (like strawberries or raspberries) provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Nutty Granola: Serve some crunchy nutty granola on the side for added texture. It’s also great for those who enjoy munching while indulging in sweet treats!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your beautiful Viral Pine Cone Brownies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Viral Pine Cone Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or share them during festive gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover brownie pine cones in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
• If you notice any sogginess, you can refresh them by letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze your pine cone brownies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• If you prefer your brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the brownies from their wrapping and place them on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful treats.

Can I make Viral Pine Cone Brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free boxed brownie mix as suggested in the recipe. Simple Mills is a great choice that ensures deliciousness!

What makes Viral Pine Cone Brownies different from regular brownies?

These Viral Pine Cone Brownies are shaped like pine cones and decorated with almond slices, giving them a unique festive appearance that’s perfect for holiday celebrations!

How do I store leftover Viral Pine Cone Brownies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They remain deliciously soft and flavorful!

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of dairy-free ones for Viral Pine Cone Brownies?

While this recipe is designed to be dairy-free, if you don’t have any dietary restrictions, feel free to use traditional chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these adorable Viral Pine Cone Brownies as much as I do! They’re not only festive and fun but also cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, these brownies are sure to bring joy during the holidays. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and sweet scents!