Pine Cone Cookies

When was the last time a cookie made you clap your hands and say “awww”? We can’t remember either, but we know that’s what happens when folks see these charming pine cone cookies. Perfect for serving during the winter holidays, or anytime during the winter, they’re charming to behold and couldn’t be more tasty. That’s to be expected when you bring together Goldfish grahams, Nutella and Biscoff cookie spread.

And don’t worry, while these cookies are eye-catching, they’re very easy to make, so even the novice baker should not shy away from this recipe, which (spoiler alert) does not involve any actual baking.

Ingredients for Pine Cone Cookies

• Goldfish fudge brownie grahams: If you can’t find this exact flavor of Goldfish, don’t worry, any sweet goldfish variety will serve well here. Just don’t use a cheesy flavor.
• Butter: The butter should be softened prior to being used in this recipe. That can mean sitting out on the counter for 30 minutes to as much as an hour, depending on the temperature in your refrigerator and your kitchen.
• Nutella: Nutella is the secret weapon here, delivering deliciousness as it does in every recipe it’s found in.
• Biscoff creamy cookie spread: And the Biscoff creamy cookie spread doesn’t hurt either! In fact, it brings a rich sweetness.
• Confectioners’ sugar: You will be using confectioners’ sugar in two different parts of the recipe, so make sure to set some aside for dusting the finished cookies later. That will give you the snowy effect you want.
• Pretzel rods: The pretzel rods provide some crunch and are the literal backbone of these cookies. Make sure to use pretzel rods that are as fresh as possible.

Directions

Step 1: Make the Goldfish crumbs

Pulse 1 cup of the Goldfish grahams in a food processor until fine crumbs form.

Step 2: Make the dough

In a large bowl, beat the butter, Nutella, Biscoff cookie spread and 3 cups of the confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is smooth. Then stir in the Goldfish graham crumbs.

Step 3: Mold the dough around the pretzels

Mold 1/4 cup dough around each pretzel rod in a cone shape, stopping 1 inch below the top of the rods. Place these on a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the pine cones

Starting at the bottom of each dough cone, insert the tail ends of the Goldfish grahams, flat side up, into the dough to resemble a pine cone, trimming the tails of the Goldfish as needed near the top.

Step 5: Top off the pine cones

Using kitchen scissors, cut off the exposed tip of each pretzel, then place a small amount of dough on top of each.

Step 6: Dust the cookies with “snow”

Dust the pine cones with the remaining confectioners’ sugar to make snow.

Pine Cone Cookie Variations

• Try pretzel Goldfish: If need be, you can use pretzel Goldfish, which can be quite easy to find. They will have the right look and crunch, and will tamp down the sweet factor a bit.
• Use dairy-free butter: A dairy-free butter alternative will work well in these cookies, and it will make them vegan-friendly.
• Mix in chocolate chips: Small semisweet chocolate chips enhance the flavor and the texture of these already delightful cookies.

How to Store Pine Cone Cookies

Storing these cookies can be a bit tricky, as you can’t put them in baggies or airtight wrap, as it will destroy their shape and look. You can carefully lower them into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to five days, though.

Can you freeze snowy pine cone cookies?

These cookies will not freeze well—the consistency will be off when they thaw. But it’s rare to have enough left over anyway!

Pine Cone Cookie Tips

Make the dough ahead of time

This dough can be made ahead and refrigerated; just bring it to room temperature again before shaping it into cones.

How do I dust the cookies with confectioners’ sugar?

To achieve a perfect dusting of snow, use a sifter and a light touch.

What is Biscoff creamy cookie spread?

Biscoff cookie spread, also known as Biscoff cookie butter, is a sweet and creamy spread made from finely crushed Biscoff cookies. It has a similar consistency to peanut butter but doesn’t contain nuts, and it’s often described as having hints of caramel and warm spices.