# What You'll Need:
→ Nut Butter Mixture
01 - 1 cup creamy almond butter (or peanut butter)
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Coating & Decoration
07 - 2 cups chocolate-flavored whole grain cereal (e.g., Chex, Cocoa Krispies, or gluten-free alternative)
08 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, mix almond butter, softened butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully integrated.
02 - Refrigerate the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes until it firms slightly, improving moldability.
03 - Divide the chilled mixture into 12 equal parts and form each into a small oval to represent the pinecone base.
04 - Starting from the narrow end of each oval, gently press cereal pieces into the surface, mimicking pinecone scales with slight overlap moving downward.
05 - Place the decorated pinecones on a parchment-lined tray prepared for refrigerator setting.
06 - For a festive snowy appearance, lightly dust with powdered sugar.
07 - Refrigerate for an additional 10 minutes to allow the shapes to firm before serving.