The chocolate pinecones are a scenic, delicious treat perfect for instantly bringing a Christmas atmosphere to the table. They are prepared without baking, with very few ingredients, and in less than half an hour: an ideal dessert for those who love simple yet impressive recipes.
Their dough resembles the classic chocolate salami, but in a lighter version, without butter and enriched with hazelnut cream for a full and enveloping taste. The peculiarity that makes them truly irresistible is the use of chocolate petal-shaped cereals, essential for obtaining the realistic shape of a pinecone.
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few staggered petals, and… they’re ready to impress at Christmas, either as a dessert or as an edible gift idea.
Also discover:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 20 Minutes
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 5 Pieces
- Cooking methods: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: New Year's Day, Christmas
Ingredients to Prepare No-Bake Chocolate Pinecones
- 1 cup cups digestive cookies
- 1/2 cup cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup cups yogurt
- 2 tbsp tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup cups hazelnut cream
- to taste chocolate petal-shaped corn flakes
- to taste powdered sugar
- to taste shredded coconut (rapè)
Tools to Prepare No-Bake Chocolate Pinecones
- Mixer
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Plate
How to Prepare No-Bake Chocolate Pinecones
Blend the dry cookies until you obtain a fine flour. Transfer them to a bowl and add the unsweetened cocoa and almond flour. Mix well.
Incorporate the yogurt and hazelnut cream, then work the dough until you have a soft and shapeable mixture.
Shape 5 compact cones, molding them with your hands. If the dough is too soft, let it rest for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
Gently insert the petal-shaped cereals at the base of the cone, working your way up.
Arrange the petals in a staggered manner, as if they were the scales of a real pinecone.
Some petals may fall off: this is absolutely normal! Just reinsert them.
Once the shape is complete, press lightly to compact.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar (and shredded coconut if you like) and let them set in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving.
Storage
The chocolate pinecones can be stored:
In the refrigerator for 4 days, covered or in an airtight container.
Tips
For a firmer dough, you can replace 1–2 tablespoons of yogurt with ricotta or mascarpone.
If the dough is too soft, a quick trip to the fridge will fix it.
Variants
White Pinecones: replace the cocoa with 20 g of shredded coconut.
Vegan Version: use plant-based yogurt and vegan spread.
Crispy Cocoa Pinecones: add 2 tablespoons of chopped hazelnuts.
Christmas Gift: package them in clear bags with a red ribbon.
FAQ
Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes, in fact, it’s better: they firm up and improve in texture in the fridge.
What type of cookies should I use?
Any dry cookie: digestive, oro saiwa, simple shortbread.
Can I substitute the almond flour?
Yes, with hazelnut flour or 20 g more of crushed cookies.
Do the cereals have to be petal-shaped?
Yes, they’re essential to achieve the ‘pinecone’ effect.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
Ricotta or mascarpone are great for texture. Or you can try increasing the amount of hazelnut cream.
