Chocolate Pinecone Truffles

gluten and dairy free

Dec 11, 2025

∙ Paid

Good news! Our internet was down all day today (and is still arg), but after a lot of frustrating buffering and spinning wheels, I was able to tether to my phone long enough to get this post on its way! As an author, I really loath missing deadlines. HA.

With that said, a quick holiday heads-up. There won’t be a Thursday newsletter on December 25 or January 1. I’m signing off to unplug and be fully present with my family. Paid subscribers, I sent one bonus recipe out already this week, and keep an eye out for two more recipes arriving a little early so you still receive everything you’re promised as a monthly subscriber! I appreciate you all so much for letting me take this small pause to savor the season with my people.

There is something so nostalgic about holiday treats that look as magical as they taste, and these chocolate pinecone truffles are exactly that. Years ago, at one of those cozy December cookie exchanges where everyone brings their most over-the-top creation, someone set down a tray of pinecone truffles made with corn flakes as the little “needles.” They were whimsical and a little unexpected. I never forgot them, but most versions I’ve seen since use Oreos, dairy, and a fair amount of powdered sugar.

This version keeps the fun and the nostalgia but gives the idea a better-for-you refresh. They are grain free and dairy free, use a richer truffle-style filling inspired by my Christmas Fudge base, and still have that familiar Oreo truffle texture that holds its shape once you start pressing in the almond petals. They’re beautiful on a holiday dessert board, hold up well for gifting, and make such a sweet little treat for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who needs a bit of magic in their December.

Enjoy!

Danielle