Viral Pine Cone Brownies

If you’re looking for a fun and adorable dessert to impress your friends and family, you’ve come to the right place! These Viral Pine Cone Brownies are not only a delightful treat but also a wonderful way to bring everyone together during the holidays. While they might look like a complicated dessert, I promise they are easy to whip up. Plus, they are gluten, dairy, egg, and refined sugar-free, making them a perfect option for various dietary needs.

Every time I make these brownies, my kitchen fills with laughter and joy as we shape the brownie mix into cute little cones. They are perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in with friends, or as a festive treat to share at holiday parties. Trust me; these sweet little pine cones will steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: Using a boxed brownie mix saves you time while still delivering delicious results.
• Family-friendly fun: Shaping these brownies into pine cones makes for a great activity with kids or friends.
• Customizable ingredients: With simple swaps, you can adapt this recipe to fit your dietary preferences.
• Stunning presentation: The unique shape and decor will wow everyone at your gathering.
• Guilt-free indulgence: Enjoy these tasty treats knowing they’re made with wholesome ingredients!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for these delightful Pine Cone Brownies! Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that festive look and scrumptious flavor.

For the Brownies

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

For the Decoration

• 1 cup sliced almonds (you can substitute with cereal flakes if you prefer)
• 9 oz chocolate chips
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• Powdered Sugar or Powdered Monk fruit (for that frosty finish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Change the nuts: Swap out sliced almonds for pecans or walnuts for different flavors and textures.
• Add some spice: Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg into your brownie mix for an added warmth.
• Make it more festive: Use colored sprinkles instead of powdered sugar on top for extra holiday cheer!
• Go dairy-free: Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free to keep everything in line with dietary preferences.

How to Make Viral Pine Cone Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Mix

Start by following the instructions on your gluten-free boxed brownie mix. Be careful not to overbake them; you want them just gooey enough in the middle so they’re easy to shape later. Let them cool slightly—about 10 minutes—so they’re easier to handle without hardening.

Step 2: Shape the Brownies

Once cooled, take pieces of the brownie mixture and form them into about 12 cone shapes—think cake pops! This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for our adorable pine cone look.

Step 3: Decorate with Almonds

Now comes the fun part! Carefully place the almond slices (or cereal flakes) around each brownie cone. This mimics the “scales” of a pine cone and adds a lovely crunch. Take your time here since they can be fragile!

Step 4: Freeze Your Cones

To help maintain their shape while we coat them in chocolate, place your decorated pine cones on a parchment-lined sheet pan and pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

While those cuties are chilling out, melt your chocolate chips with coconut oil. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments or use a double boiler method on the stovetop. Stir until smooth—that luscious melted chocolate will be perfect for coating!

Step 6: Coat Your Pine Cones

Take your frozen pine cones out of the freezer and dip each one carefully into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Place them back on parchment paper so they can set without sticking.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

For that final touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of each pine cone brownie for an enchanting frosted appearance. And voila! Your Viral Pine Cone Brownies are ready to enjoy!

These brownies aren’t just delicious; they’re sure to become a cherished recipe you’ll want to share year after year!

Pro Tips for Making Viral Pine Cone Brownies

These adorable Pine Cone Brownies will surely impress everyone, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more delightful!

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality chocolate chips and a gluten-free brownie mix can elevate the flavor of your brownies. It makes a noticeable difference in both taste and texture, giving your creation a gourmet touch.
• Moisten Your Hands: When shaping the brownie cones, dampen your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. This little trick helps you mold perfect shapes without frustration.
• Chill Before Coating: Freezing the brownie cones before coating them in chocolate helps the shape hold better. A chilled surface makes it easier for the melted chocolate to adhere without melting the brownie.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Try adding mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts on top of the chocolate coating for extra texture and visual appeal. It’s all about making these treats uniquely yours!
• Store Correctly: To keep your Pine Cone Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them—but be sure to allow them to come back to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

How to Serve Viral Pine Cone Brownies

These charming Pine Cone Brownies not only taste fantastic but also look festive on any dessert table. Here are some fun ideas on how to present and serve them!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar gives your brownies a frosted appearance, reminiscent of fresh snow during winter!
• Cocoa Powder: Sprinkle cocoa powder around the base of the brownies on the serving plate for an elegant touch that enhances their chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the brownies, providing a burst of color and natural sweetness.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: This dairy-free whipped cream is fluffy and creamy, making it a perfect companion for your brownies. Just whip up some chilled coconut cream and add a touch of vanilla extract for flavor.
• Vanilla Almond Milk: Serve these brownies with a glass of chilled vanilla almond milk for a delightful treat! The nutty flavors complement the chocolate perfectly.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea brings comfort alongside these brownies. The aromatic notes will enhance your overall dessert experience while keeping things cozy.

With these presentation ideas and pro tips, you’re all set to wow your family and friends with these delightful Viral Pine Cone Brownies! Enjoy every bite and happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Viral Pine Cone Brownies are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal treat to whip up in advance for holiday gatherings or fun family activities. They store well, so you can enjoy them even after the baking day!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover pine cone brownies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Reheating

• To reheat, place the brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Enjoy warm for a gooey treat!

FAQs

Have questions about these delightful Viral Pine Cone Brownies? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered just for you.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of almonds?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute sliced almonds with your favorite nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds. Just ensure they fit within your dietary preferences.

How do I make these Viral Pine Cone Brownies vegan?

To make these brownies vegan, use a plant-based boxed brownie mix and substitute any required eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water. This will help bind the ingredients while keeping it delicious!

Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered monk fruit?

Yes, you can use regular powdered sugar if you prefer. However, if you’re looking to keep it refined sugar-free, stick with powdered monk fruit to stay true to this recipe’s health benefits.

How long do these Viral Pine Cone Brownies last?

When stored correctly at room temperature, they last about 3 days. If refrigerated, they can last even longer—up to a week!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these adorable Viral Pine Cone Brownies! They’re not only a festive treat but also a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones in the kitchen. Remember, every bite is filled with creativity and cheer—perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Enjoy creating these delightful treats, and don’t forget to share your experiences! Happy baking!