Can you form the brownies before baking?

No, it’s not recommended to form the brownies before baking. The batter is too soft and will spread in the oven, losing the desired shape. For the best results, bake the brownies first and shape them while they’re still slightly warm. This makes the mixture pliable and easy to mold into pine cones without breaking apart.

What if my brownies become too hard to shape?

If your brownies turn out too hard, there are simple fixes. Crumble them into a bowl and mix in a spoonful of chocolate frosting or vegan cream cheese until they reach a soft, moldable consistency. This trick works beautifully and gives your brownies a rich, cake pop-like texture that’s perfect for shaping into pine cones.

What if my chocolate is too thick or hardens too quickly?

If your chocolate becomes too thick during melting, add one teaspoon of coconut oil at a time until it smooths out. Coconut oil thins the chocolate and gives it a shiny finish. Make sure you melt your chocolate in short intervals, stirring between each, to prevent overheating.

Should I undercook my brownies for softness?

You can slightly underbake your brownies if you are using an egg substitute. If you’re using real eggs, avoid underbaking for safety reasons. The goal is to achieve a fudgy, soft center that stays together without being raw. Always check your brownies a few minutes before the timer ends to find that sweet spot.

What can I use instead of almonds for allergies?

If you’re avoiding nuts, use cereal flakes such as corn flakes, rice flakes, or bran flakes instead of almonds. They mimic the look of pine cone scales beautifully while keeping your Viral Pine Cone Brownies allergy-friendly. You can even use toasted coconut flakes for a lighter, tropical twist.

Can I freeze Pine Cone Brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can freeze these brownies ahead of time, but do it before coating them in chocolate. Shape and decorate the brownie cones with almonds or cereal flakes, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, coat with chocolate, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy.

Viral Pine Cone Brownies Recipe: The Best Holiday Dessert Everyone’s Talking About (2025)

Description

These viral pine cone brownies are as delicious as they are festive. Gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and fun to decorate—perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 GF/Grain free boxed brownie mix and ingredients required (like Simple Mills)

1 cup sliced almonds (or cereal flakes)

9 oz chocolate chips

1 tsp coconut oil

Powdered sugar or powdered monk fruit

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Instructions

1. Prepare brownie mix according to instructions; don’t overbake. Let cool for 10 minutes.

2. Form into about 12 cone shapes using hands or spoon.

3. Press sliced almonds or cereal flakes into cones to create pine cone scales.

4. Freeze cones for 30 minutes on parchment-lined tray.

5. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-sec increments or double boiler.

6. Coat each cone with melted chocolate and return to tray.

7. Dust with powdered sugar for frosted pine cone look. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

If brownies feel dry, mix in chocolate or cream cheese frosting.

Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate for easier coating.

Cereal flakes are a great nut-free alternative to almonds.

Freeze undecorated cones for up to 1 week before chocolate coating.

Prep Time: 1hour hr 15mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Brownies & Bars
Cuisine: American