# 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 pure maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Coating and 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 mixing bowl, blend almond butter, softened butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully incorporated.
02 - Refrigerate the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes to achieve a slightly firm consistency suitable for shaping.
03 - Divide the chilled mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a small oval resembling a pinecone base.
04 - Starting at the narrow end of each oval, gently press cereal pieces onto the surface to imitate pinecone scales, overlapping them slightly along the way.
05 - Place the finished pinecones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and optionally dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy appearance.
06 - Refrigerate the pinecones for 10 minutes to firm up prior to serving.
