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Decadent Pinecone Truffles Recipe

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4.4 from 7 reviews

Decadent Pinecone Truffles are a festive no-bake dessert featuring a rich, creamy chocolate cookie and cream cheese base, decorated with chocolate cereal or almond slivers to resemble pinecones, dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant treats.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (14.3 oz) package chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
  • 1 (8 oz) package full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Toppings & Garnish

  • 2 cups chocolate-flavored cereal (like Cocoa Puffs) OR 1 1/2 cups blanched almond slivers (or sliced almonds)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), for a snow-dusted effect

Instructions

  1. Crush Cookies: Finely crush the chocolate sandwich cookies (including filling) into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a Ziploc bag and rolling with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened full-fat cream cheese, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Mixtures: Add the cream cheese mixture to the crushed cookie crumbs. Mix thoroughly by hand or with a sturdy spoon until a thick, moldable dough forms. Adjust consistency with a splash of vanilla or milk if too dry, or a tablespoon of cocoa powder if too wet.
  4. Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to firm up the dough. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
  5. Shape Truffle Cores: Take about two tablespoons of chilled dough and roll it between your palms into an elongated oval or football shape, forming the pinecone base. Place each on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Decorate with Scales: Starting at the wider bottom end, press chocolate cereal pieces or blanched almond slivers into the dough in slightly overlapping rows, working toward the top narrow end. Ensure pieces adhere well.
  7. Snow-Dusting: Once all truffles are decorated, gently dust them with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve to create a snowy, festive look and add subtle sweetness.
  8. Final Chill: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes so the truffles firm up and the scales set securely. Serve cold. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • Using full-fat cream cheese ensures the truffles are rich and smooth; do not use low-fat versions for best texture.
  • If you don’t have chocolate cereal, sliced almonds can be toasted lightly for extra flavor before decorating.
  • Adjust the dough consistency carefully by adding small amounts of liquid or cocoa powder to avoid overly wet or dry dough.
  • For a different flavor twist, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder into the dough mixture.
  • Store truffles chilled to maintain their shape and freshness; they soften at room temperature.

Find it online: https://hotsavors.com/decadent-pinecone-truffles-recipe/