In this article, we’re going to show you how to bake pinecones safely in order to prep them for your crafts and decorations!
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Decorating with pinecones is very popular, you can literally pick them up anywhere. It’s like having a little piece of the outdoors inside your home. I’ve made wreaths, centerpieces, and even some cute little critters out of these little treasures. One year, I painted them with glitter and used them to fill a glass hurricane for my Christmas table.
How to Bake Pinecones
- Preheat oven to 250°F
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Place a single layer of pinecones on the lined pan.
- Bake the pinecones for 30-60 minutes, depending on their size and moisture content. Larger pinecones may require longer baking times.
- Check the pinecones every 15-20 minutes to make sure they’re not getting too brown or burning. You can also gently shake the pinecones to see if any seeds have fallen out, which is a sign that they’re ready.
- Don’t leave the kitchen – it gets hot in there with those pinecones 🙂
- Remove from oven and use tongs, cool on a flat surface for 24 hours and decorate them 🙂
FAQs
How long should you bake pinecones before using them for crafts or decoration?
Answer: Ovens and humidity of your location may vary, but in general we recommend heating your oven to 250°F and baking for 30-60 minutes. Be sure to check the pinecones every 15 minutes or so.
Is baking better than freezing?
Answer: While there are a few other methods that work (such as freezing them for a few days), we highly recommend baking pinecones using the instructions above. It is faster and results in better blooming.
Do you need to bake pinecones for crafting?
If you decorate with pinecones, you’re going to want to bake them. They are beautiful and natural and may have been highjacked by insects and bacteria.
Bake them to get rid of insects.
We all love nature, but sometimes those little bugs and insects can be a real nuisance. 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. 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.
Bake them to get rid of bacteria.
It’s not just bugs that can be a problem with pinecones. There can also be all sorts of bacteria and fungi growing in the pinecones, and that’s not something you want in your home. This can cause all sorts of health problems, from respiratory issues to infections. And if you’re using those pinecones for crafts or decor, you don’t want any bacteria or fungi growing and spreading around your home like wildfire. That’s another reason why it’s important to bake those pinecones – the heat kills off any unwanted bacteria or fungi, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re keeping your home safe and healthy.
Bake them to make them “bloom”.
Have you ever seen a pinecone open up like a flower in bloom? It’s a sight to behold! You see, when you bake those pinecones, the heat causes them to open up and release their seeds, almost like they’re showing off their inner beauty. And let me tell you, it’s not just pretty, it’s practical too! Those open pinecones are easier to decorate with, because they have more nooks and crannies to attach things like ribbons, bows, and ornaments. And they’re just plain prettier, too! You can see all the little details and textures in the pinecone, and it’s almost like a work of art. You’ll have your home looking like something out of Magnolia.
What’s in your oven today??
How to add Ribbon to Pine Cones:
Critters, lol 😉 Great advice, though!
I just baked my pinecones at 215 degrees for ABOUT 45 MIN. and they look great. Did two batches already and was going to spray now but saw where you have to wait 24 hours – why is this? The weather is good out there right now to spray them!
Thank you soooo much for answering my question. I will definitely follow your directions to the letter. Again, Thank You!
So glad to find this page! I have been trying to sanitize pine cones, but using the vinegar and water method, soaking them for 30 minutes, followed by baking them anywhere from 200 to 300 degrees for up to an hour and a half. I tried soaking them for only 10 minutes and they hadn’t closed up too much, but as soon as I put them in the oven they closed completely! After baking for up to an hour and half they still don’t open up as pretty as before they received the treatment. And I am too impatient to just let them air dry! 🙂
I thought about just baking them, but firsts round had temp too high! Won’t go there! Second attempt I set temp at 250 and baked them for 10 minutes, watching them closely. Then I did a search on whether this method would be a good option and found this information! I have baked them at 300 degrees, but they were wet. Thanks so much!
I want to put baking clay on them first but the clay needs to be baked at 270 for over an hour. Will the pinecones still be ok when they come out?
Clarissa, I am not sure about 270. I’m sorry but I don’t know.
Debbie
Thanks for the tip – I hadn’t even thought about bugs… eeewwww! I’m assuming the 250 degrees is in fahrenheit? (I’m in NZ where we use celcius). Thanks.
Yes fahrenheit! Thanks 🙂
You can also put them in a ziploc in the freezer overnight .
I collected pine cones today for the first time here in Scotland as hoping to make some type of christmas decoration(??) had no idea you had to bake them??!! I take it no fire risk with this!!!!!!!!!!!!
Make sure you’re not baking at a high temp, this is just to insure any insects don’t make it in to your decor 🙂
This is such a good idea. They don’t catch on fire though???
Great tip Debbie, I’m doing this today!
What a great tip! I have tons of pine cones from the outdoors and I always just soak them and dry them out. Never thought of baking them to kill everything. What a great idea! Must try this.
well, I can honestly say that there are no pinecones in my oven …but what a great idea to kill the little critters….thanks for this great tip…xo
Thanks for posting this! I do the same thing with Acorns! I don’t like “surprise visitors” in my home at the holidays (or any other time)…particularly the 6 or 8 legged varieties! 🙂
Thanks! We live in a cabin in the woods and would soak them in bleach water, but will try this idea next time. Did you wash them before or after to get any dust off them?
I never knew this about baking a pine cone. Thanks for the info.
What a useful tip thanks Debbie. 🙂
I have never heard of baking a pine cone! Makes sense though. My son was reading along with me & was afraid you were going to eat them! Lol
I wish I had done that with my dyed acorns … I’ve been finding weevils in the bottom of the vase every day. I was sure the dye would kill them!
How smart are you!!! Brilliant…I will be baking my pine cones from here on out!
Debbie, I’m so glad that you posted this. I had Leo to pick up some humongous pine cones last week. It’s going to be a pine cone Christmas this year and we don’t want to be scratching, etc!!!
I never seen people doing that! but it is definitely a great idea!
I read this post. I followed it EXACTLY. I don’t know what I did wrong but my pinecones TASTED AWFUL! ; ) Such a great tip and great post…for real! You always have such great posts! Getting ready to Pin and Share! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com
Add more sugar 😉
What a great tipe! Who knew..not me:)
GREAT tip!