Are pine cones edible?

Although pine cones are technically edible for humans and many animals , most creatures don't chow down on the cone itself. Instead, critters like squirrels and chipmunks use their sharp teeth to break open the cone and access the pine nuts inside.

How long to bake pine cones to open them?

Simply line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil and add you pine cones in a single layer. Set your oven to 200 degrees F and bake them for about 25-30 minutes . Make sure to monitor them closely!

Which pine cones are not edible?

As noted above, pinecones, at least some varieties, are indeed edible. In fact, most pine trees are completely edible with the exception of lodgepole, Norfolk, ponderosa, and yew, which are quite toxic.

Are all types of pine cones edible?

Humans can eat seeds from particular pine cones, including Sugar Pine, Western White Pine, Longleaf Pine, Red Pine, and Pitch Pine . Species unsafe to eat include Ponderosa Pine, Yellow Pine, Lodgepole Pine, and Norfolk Island Pine. Not enough is known about these species to consider them safe for human consumption.

Why do you soak pine cones in vinegar?

This is going to remove the bugs (EWWW) and extra dirt you can't see . Step 4: After the pine cones soak for a few hours, remove them from the vinegar mix and put them on a baking sheet. I lined my baking sheets with parchment just incase there were any more hidden creepy critters.

Do you need to soak pinecones before baking?

Let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour . The vinegar will help disinfect and soften the pine cones. Scrub (if necessary): If your pine cones have stubborn dirt or sap, gently scrub them with a soft brush or toothbrush while in the vinegar solution. This will help remove any remaining debris.

Why do people bake pinecones?

Bake them to get rid of insects . That's where baking comes in handy, because it's like giving them a one-way ticket to the great outdoors. The heat from the oven will get rid of any bugs, so you don't have to worry about them anymore.

What are the benefits of eating pine cones?

Pine cones, which are used for decoration purposes, are consumed as a natural treatment for upper respiratory tract diseases during the winter months. Pine cone strengthens the immune system during seasonal transitions and increases body resistance against diseases .

What do you do with fallen pine cones?

By laying them around your trees and flowerbeds , they'll help soils retain moisture and suppress weeds – and they look good too. They're also a good natural slug repellent, and provide useful habitat for spiders.

Why do you cook pine cones?

Bake them to get rid of insects . Pinecones, especially if they've been on the ground for a while, can be full of all sorts of creepy crawlies like beetles, spiders, and even ants. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't want any of those little fellas runnin' around my house.

Edible Chocolate Pinecones | Recipe by My Name Is Snickerdoodle (2024)

Edible Chocolate Pinecones are such a holiday delight! This no bake dessert recipe can be made ahead and only takes 30 minutes to create. A creamy center made of peanut butter and chocolate spread and would you believe the outside is made of cereal?! Imagine these on your Christmas dessert board or bringing them to your holiday party!

Food can be so fun during the holidays. Every now and then I like a recipe that gives me a challenge, but I tend to enjoy easy and simple recipes that make quite the impact. Like my Donut Christmas Trees. No one can resist them! I also love creating my festive Christmas Tree Cheese and Cracker Board. And not a year goes by when I don’t make my Peppermint S’mores. A personal favorite for sure!

Edible Chocolate Pinecones | Recipe by My Name Is Snickerdoodle (1)

Christmas Treats

I first saw these years and years ago on a fun website and instantly knew I had to make them. My three boys were really little at the time, so they didn’t really help me. They sure did enjoy them and have had fun making them as they’ve grown.

How To Make Chocolate Pinecones

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium bowl combine peanut butter, Nutella, butter and vanilla together until smooth.
Slowly add I powdered sugar a little at a time, making sure it’s well mixed in after each time.
Once all of the powered sugar has been added, you should end up with a thick dough consistency.
Divide chocolate peanut butter dough into 8 equal parts.
Mold one portion completely around one pretzel rod and form a cone shape with the pointy end at the top.
The pretzel should be completely covered.
Place on the parchment lined baking tray and repeat the process with the remaining dough and pretzels.
Starting at the bottom and working your way up in a spiral, press in one cereal square at a time and a slight angle pointing upwards.
Once you’ve gotten to the top, carefully slice a cereal square in half on the diagonal using a serrated knife.
These will create your top middle pieces.
Dust each pinecone with extra powdered sugar to make the appearance of snow!
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Edible Chocolate Pinecones | Recipe by My Name Is Snickerdoodle (2)

If you need more Christmas and holiday recipes in your life, click these below!

Christmas Punch
Magic Cookie Bars For Christmas
Chocolate Pecan Bars
Grinch Sundaes by Gluesticks Blog