Sugar-Free Chocolate Pinecone Pastries for Christmas

Ingredients

For the Pastries

300 grams (10.5 ounces) chocolate cookies, sugar-free

70 grams (2.5 ounces) coconut oil

30 grams (1 ounce) carob powder

We recommend:

For sugar-free chocolate cookies:

Prime

HighKey Keto Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies - Gluten Free Sugar Free Cookies Keto Snack Low Carb Snacks Healthy Protein Diabetic Dessert Food Low Sugar Treat Diet Friendly Sweets 3 Pack + Arcade

4.3

(52,729) HighKey Keto Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies - Gluten Free Sugar Free Cookies Keto Snack Low Carb Snacks Healthy Protein Diabetic Dessert Food Low Sugar Treat Diet Friendly Sweets 3 Pack + Arcade $14.90 View details

Rip Van Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Wafer Cookies - Healthy Snacks - Non GMO Keto Cookies - Keto Snacks - Low Carb, Low Sugar (1g), Low Calorie and Vegan Snack - 16 Count

(19,628) Rip Van Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Wafer Cookies - Healthy Snacks - Non GMO Keto Cookies - Keto Snacks - Low Carb, Low Sugar (1g), Low Calorie and Vegan Snack - 16 Count $21.99 View details Prime

HighKey Low Carb Keto Brownie Bites - Keto Snack Low Carb Snack Sugar Free Chocolate Protein Cookies Sugar Free Snacks Gluten Free Snack Keto Friendly Food Healthy Snacks Keto Dessert Diet Snacks 3pk

4.1

(22,797) HighKey Low Carb Keto Brownie Bites - Keto Snack Low Carb Snack Sugar Free Chocolate Protein Cookies Sugar Free Snacks Gluten Free Snack Keto Friendly Food Healthy Snacks Keto Dessert Diet Snacks 3pk $14.99 View details

For coconut oil:

Prime

4.8

(10,836) 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil Virgin, 14 Fl Oz $15.50 View details Prime

Carrington Farms Organic Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil for Cooking, Nutrient Dense, Unrefined, Perfect for Baking or Sauteing Vegetables, 54 Fl Oz

4.7

(10,146) Carrington Farms Organic Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil for Cooking, Nutrient Dense, Unrefined, Perfect for Baking or Sauteing Vegetables, 54 Fl Oz $19.99 $21.95 View details Prime

4.7

(16,193) Nature's Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Pure Source of MCTs, Cold-Pressed, 32 Oz. $19.67 $28.49 View details

For carob powder:

Prime

Chatfield’s All Natural Carob Powder 16-oz Pouch, Sweet and Delicious, Premium Quality, Caffeine-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO Verified - (4 Pack)

(4) Chatfield’s All Natural Carob Powder 16-oz Pouch, Sweet and Delicious, Premium Quality, Caffeine-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO Verified - (4 Pack) $34.94 View details

4.9

(9) Raw Power Carob Powder, Brand (Bulk Kilo Bag, 35.2 oz, 100% raw and Pure, wildcrafted) $35.95 View details

For Decoration

Chocolate sugar-free cornflakes

We recommend:

For chocolate sugar-free cornflakes:

Prime

4.3

(2,936) Catalina Crunch Dark Chocolate Cereal 4 Pack | Low Carb, Sugar Free, Gluten Free | Keto Snacks, Vegan, Plant Based Protein $31.96 View details Prime

4.7

(1,736) Post Sugar Crisp Cereal, 365g/12.9oz, (Imported from Canada) $12.80 View details Prime

4.6

(4,178) Chocolate Cheerios Heart Healthy Cereal, Gluten Free Cereal With Whole Grain Oats, 19.2 OZ Family Size $3.99 $4.93 View details

Optional

Stevia powder, for dusting

We recommend:

For stevia powder:

Prime

4.6

(39,317) Swerve Sweetener Powder, Confectioners, 12 oz $6.98 View details Prime

4.7

(12,020) Truvia Original Calorie-Free Sweetener from the Stevia Leaf Spoonable (9.8 Ounce Stevia Jar) $6.48 View details Prime

4.6

(1,779) Now Foods Better Stevia Certified Organic Extract Powder 1 Lb (454 G) Powder $52.81 $79.99 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Mixture

Begin by finely crushing the *chocolate cookies*. In a separate bowl, melt the *coconut oil* and mix it with the *carob powder* until smooth. Pour this mixture over the crushed cookies.

Combine the ingredients thoroughly, forming a dough. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for *30 minutes* to firm up.

Step 2

Shape the Pinecones

After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Divide it into *4 equal parts*, and roll each part into a ball. *Gently pinch* the top of each ball to create a pointed shape, resembling a pinecone.

Step 3

Decorate the Pastries

This is the fun part! Decorate each shaped pinecone with the *chocolate sugar-free cornflakes*. It's a relaxing and meditative process that brings joy, as seen in the demonstration video.

*Optional*: For extra sweetness, dust the finished pastries with *stevia powder* before serving at your festive table.

Servings

The magic of these Sugar-Free Pine Cone Pastries isn't just in their taste but in their versatility. 🌟 They can be the **star of your dessert table**, charming guests with their festive appearance and delightful flavor. 🥳 **Pair them with a rich, steaming mug of hot cocoa ☕** for the ultimate cozy experience. The warmth of the drink contrasts beautifully with the cool, crisp bite of the pastries, creating a symphony of textures and flavors on your palate. 🎶 Feeling adventurous? Try dipping your pine cones in a yogurt-based sauce infused with a pinch of cinnamon and a drop of vanilla essence. This subtle twist will elevate the taste without overshadowing the charm of these simple but elegant desserts. 🍨❄️ And let's not forget, these pastries make **a delightful gift**. Wrap them in a decorative box with a personalized note, and you'll have a gift that is both heartfelt and healthy. 🎁💌

Equipment

Food Processor

A food processor will help you finely crush the chocolate cookies to a perfect texture. If you don't have one, a sturdy zip-lock bag and a rolling pin can do the trick in a pinch.

We recommend:

Prime

4.7

(4,477) Vitamix Immersion Blender, Stainless Steel, 18 inches $169.95 View details

Mixing Bowl

Essential for combining your crushed cookies with the coconut oil and carob mixture. Stainless steel bowls are ideal as they help maintain cool temperatures, perfect for this chilled dough.

We recommend:

Prime

YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage

4.7

(9,737) YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage $27.99 $35.99 View details Prime best seller

4.8

(29,369) Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set $17.53 View details Prime

REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)

4.8

(8,743) REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful) $26.99 View details

Refrigerator

Ensure you have enough space to chill the dough and let it set properly – this step is crucial for the pastries to hold their shape.

We recommend:

2 Door 49 Cu.Ft Commercial Refrigerator Dynamic Cooling OmniSmart Temperature Control 33℉~41℉ Stainless Steel Reach In 6 Shelves 54" W Commercial Refrigerator LED Light Digital Thermostat

4.2

(16) 2 Door 49 Cu.Ft Commercial Refrigerator Dynamic Cooling OmniSmart Temperature Control 33℉~41℉ Stainless Steel Reach In 6 Shelves 54" W Commercial Refrigerator LED Light Digital Thermostat $2499.00 View details

KoolMore KM-MDR-1D-6C 6 Cu. Ft. Commercial One Glass Door Display Upright Beverage Refrigerator Cooler Merchandiser-22.8 in. x 21.4 in. x 52.7 in. [Black]

4.4

(225) KoolMore KM-MDR-1D-6C 6 Cu. Ft. Commercial One Glass Door Display Upright Beverage Refrigerator Cooler Merchandiser-22.8 in. x 21.4 in. x 52.7 in. [Black] $696.93 View details

(1) KoolMore CDC-165-WH 35 in. Self-Service Countertop Bakery Display Refrigerator in White $1194.19 View details

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation 🌾

Replace chocolate cookies with a gluten-free alternative. Opt for almond or coconut flour-based cookies for that crunchy texture without the gluten.

Vegan Variation 🥥

Good news! This recipe is already vegan-friendly. However, if you'd like to boost the nutrient content, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the dough mixture for an omega-3 kick.

🔄 Enjoy these variations with the same seasonal flair and deliciousness!

Faq

Why does the dough need to be chilled?
Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to shape into pine cones. This step is crucial for the pastries to maintain their structure when decorated.
Can I use regular cookies instead of sugar-free ones?
Absolutely! While this will affect the sugar content of the final product, it’s a viable option if you don't need to keep the pastries sugar-free.
Could I use another type of oil instead of coconut oil?
Yes, you can use butter or margarine as alternatives, but note that they may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the finished pastries.
How can I make the decoration process easier?
Dip your fingers in a bit of water before handling the cornflakes; this makes it easier to attach them to the dough without sticking to everything else.
Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent drying out, and decorate just before serving for optimal freshness.
How can I enhance the flavor without adding sugar?
You can infuse the melted coconut oil with a few drops of vanilla essence or a hint of espresso powder to bring a depth of flavor that marries well with the carob and chocolate notes.