30+ Pine Needle Recipes: Drinks, Desserts, Syrups, Balms & More! (2024)

Pine trees are amazing in many ways, but did you know that they are edible? Indeed they are, and they make very tasty cookies, drinks, syrups, balms, and more! Read on to learn about all the delicious recipes that you can make with foraged pine needles. These pine needle recipes are all you need!

30+ Pine Needle Recipes: Drinks, Desserts, Syrups, Balms & More! (1)

Wildcrafting Weeds

If you want to learn more about the edible and medicinal weeds that surround us and how to use them, check out my eBook: Wildcrafting Weeds: 20 Easy to Forage Edible and Medicinal Plants (that might be growing in your backyard)!

Gather & Root Online Foraging Course

My online foraging course is a great way to learn about wild edible and medicinal plants! Learn more about the gather + root online foraging course here.

Edible Pine Trees

Foraging in fall and especially winter foraging can be a bit sparse, but conifers are always abundant in most regions!

The waiting period before spring truly arrives is an excellent time to take advantage of trees that stay green year-round.

Enter: Evergreen conifer trees.

They are vitamin-rich, flavorful, and easy to forage! I’m excited to share this post and hope it will help you discover your favorite ways to eat and use evergreen conifer trees with these pine needle recipes.

30+ Pine Needle Recipes: Drinks, Desserts, Syrups, Balms & More! (2)

“Evergreen” is a term often used to describe coniferous, or cone-bearing trees. Examples of conifers include pines, firs, spruces, the Douglas-fir (which is actually a false hemlock), coastal redwood, junipers, cedars, and false cedars.

There are a number of edible and medicinal uses for various conifer and specifically pine needles. For example, most evergreen needles are high in vitamin C and act as an expectorant, making them ideal for herbal remedies, such as this pine needle cough syrup.

(Learn more about medicinal uses for conifer needles in my book Healing Herbal Infusions!)

How to Identify Edible Pine Trees and Other Conifers

While many conifers are edible, be aware of those that are not, and learn to identify them confidently.

See my guide on how to identify conifer trees to get started!

For example, the yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) is toxic and should be avoided. I have briefly confused its dark green needles with those of some fir and hemlock trees, so be extra cautious.

In addition, the needles of the ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) are considered unsafe for pregnant women.

And as with anything you forage, try to ensure the tree hasn’t been treated with harmful chemicals. For example, some Christmas tree farms use pesticides, herbicides, and even paint to coat tree needles.

Most conifer needles, though, are safe, and they’ll add a citrusy, sometimes spicy flavor to cocktails, baked goods, savory dishes, and more.

Pine Needle Recipes

To help you navigate the fragrant world of conifer cooking and simple DIY body care products, I have compiled this post of various recipes where pine needles are the stars.

Read it before your next hike or walk in the park, and you’ll be ready to pinch away those yummy-smelling needles with purpose!

Pine Drinks

Whether you are in the mood for tea time or happy hour, there are many ways to sip on your choice of peppery, citrusy pine needles.

Familiarize yourself with this simple pine needle tea recipe, and you could be warming your soul with a steamy cup of forest-fresh goodness whenever you please.

Pine Needle Tea

Making pine needle tea is one of the best and easiest ways to use your foraged pine needles. This is a wonderful and simple way to use pine or other conifer needles medicinally.

Check out this recipe

For those times when you want a hot beverage that is a little more decadent, consider this frothy Douglas-fir-infused eggnog.

And remember – it doesn’t have to be the middle of December for you to enjoy a festive mug of nog. If the weather outside is frightful (and it probably will be until, umm, May), eggnog indulgence is more than justified!

Conifer Infused Vodka

Go foraging for fresh conifer needles, then make this refreshing conifer needle infused vodka! You can use any edible conifer needles – there are many, such as pine, spruce, fir, redwood, or hemlock. This foraged winter vodka is a lovely winter treat!

Check out this recipe

Shake up your liquor shelf selection with a tasty conifer-infused vodka and an infused winter gin. This Douglas-fir liqueur also sounds wonderful!

Homemade Infused Gin

This homemade gin is infused with fresh foraged juniper berries, white fir, and lots of winter herbs and spices. It's refreshing and aromatic, and a perfect winter foraging recipe.

Check out this recipe

Leave your dinner guests feeling cozy (and maybe a little rosy!) with a crisp spruce homebrew beer or a conifer hot toddy with rose hips and ginger.

Conifer Hot Toddy with Rose Hips and Ginger

This conifer hot toddy is the perfect foraged cocktail to make on a chilly day. It will warm you up and might even make you feel better if you are under the weather. Any edible conifer needles will work in this recipe — pine, fir, and spruce are all great options!

Check out this recipe

Spruce Beer

This homemade spruce beer is made with foraged spruce tips and fermented in a one gallon jug.

Check out this recipe

If you’re looking for a fizzy, fermented refresher that is also downright pretty, prepare a batch of this fermented pine needle soda!

Pine Needle Soda

Pine needle soda is a naturally fermented drink with foraged ingredients, also called pine needle sprite. It's light, bright, and refreshing! This recipe makes one 16 oz bottle.

Check out this recipe

Pine Cookies, Shortbread, and Nougat

To keep the cozy theme going, let’s talk cookies!

If you love the aroma of cookies baking in the oven, imagine how incredible your home will smell after you have whipped one of these pine needle recipes, featuring aromatic evergreen needles.

These redwood needle shortbread cookies are a must-try if you like your desserts with a citrusy kick!

Conifer Needle Shortbread Cookies

These festive foraged conifer needle shortbread cookies are perfect for the holidays! They're crisp and crumbly, the perfect recipe for a real food cookie swap, homemade food gift, or a sweet treat for your family.

Check out this recipe

While you’re in the mood for shortbread, why not also experiment with this Douglas-fir shortbread cookie recipe? You’ll soon find yourself sitting down to a plate of buttery cookies laced with the subtle tingle of spice.

You’ll also have to try my delicious pine tree cookies decorated with pine needles!

Pine Needle Cookies

These pine needle cookies are made with real pine needles for a fresh winter flavor, and are a wonderful way to use foraged pine needles! This recipe makes about 36 cookies.

Check out this recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie you can cut into shapes and enjoy plain or drizzled with icing, try these pine needle sugar cookies.

They’re perfect for the winter holidays, of course, but repurpose the recipe for an early spring celebration, and I doubt anyone in your house will complain!

This last crunchy treat is a little different.

It’s an Old World-inspired grand fir dark nougat that will allow you to skip the eggs and flour and instead compliment your conifer needles with plenty of honey and hazelnuts. Slip cubes of this nougat into a gift basket or chew it with your morning coffee. Yum!

Pine Pastries

The range of citrusy, spicy flavors of pine needles makes them ideal for flavoring your spongy bakes and creamy concoctions.

If you’re hosting friends for dinner, why not wow them with this beautiful Douglas-fir poached pears and frangipane tart? Sitting in a golden crust and topped heavily with pears, this tart will shine in a comfy little cabin or on an elegant dinner table.

30+ Pine Needle Recipes: Drinks, Desserts, Syrups, Balms & More! (11)

Foraged Douglas Fir Poached Pears & Frangipane Tart

This Douglas Fir Poached Pear & Frangipane Tart is foraged treasure. Sweet, spiced, with the subtle balsamic of evergreen, this tart is stupendous! The pears can be poached and the frangipane prepared while the crust is baking.

Check out this recipe

For a savory-sweet combo, experiment with this spruce cornmeal cake, boasting tangerines and goat cheese frosting. (You don’t have to tell me twice!)

For something delicious and dainty, try your hand at these profiteroles with Douglas-fir, orange, and cinnamon crème patissiere. (Don’t be too intimidated by the name – they are basically cream puffs, and they sound spectacular!)

30+ Pine Needle Recipes: Drinks, Desserts, Syrups, Balms & More! (12)

Elegant Profiteroles with Douglas Fir, Orange & Cinnamon Creme Patissiere

Feel like a French pastry chef with this easy profiteroles recipe. Filled with Douglas fir creme patissiere, each classic, elegant profiterole can be piled high to form a croquembouche tower. This impressive dessert is sure to please folks of all ages and foraged foodies alike!

Check out this recipe

Pine Ice Creams and Sorbets

As spring approaches, conifer and pine trees will begin to produce soft, bright green needles at the tips of their branches.

This is the tree’s new growth for the year, and it should be harvested sparingly. Focus on mature trees and taking from more than one tree if possible, to disperse the impact.

With those ethical foraging tips in mind, celebrate the return of sunshine and the start of new growth with frozen forest-inspired desserts!

For a creamy treat, try this recipe for spruce tip ice cream, which recommends adding a bit of vodka to keep the ice cream soft in the freezer. (A good use for your conifer-infused vodka, perhaps?)

Here’s a spruce ice cream recipe that takes a slightly different approach, in case you like having choices! If you’re in the mood for something lighter, make a refreshing Douglas-fir tip sorbet.

Savory Pine Needle Recipes: Dips, Dressings, and Dishes

With so many sweet ways to prepare pine needles, you could just skip the savory portion of the menu altogether, right? No way!

I have been perusing this sampling of pine needle recipes for savory dips, dressings, and main dishes, and it’s as though a whole new culinary world is opening up before me.

This vegan spruce tip pesto sounds like the most creative thing to spread onto your favorite bread, and if you have some spruce tips left over, just pickle them!

A smart way to incorporate pine needles into various meals with only one recipe is this pine needle salad dressing, which will compliment a bowl of fresh garden greens, but I would also love to try it as a marinade or drizzled over braised veggies.

For an entrée or hearty side, indulge in some sautéed mushrooms with spruce tips and chives, or a tantalizing pilaf with lemony spruce tips and pine nuts.

Oh, and please invite me to your house for dinner.

Pine Infused Salt, Sugar, and Syrup

I love the idea of including conifer and pine needles in a seasoning or sweetener. It’s a simple way to quickly add distinctive flavors to any recipe that just needs a little something special.

Learn how to easily add conifer needles to your salt, sugar, and syrup for a great pantry addition or gift idea!

For something a bit more complex, consider experimenting with an evergreen tonic syrup that combines conifer needles with fruits, herbs, and spices of your choosing.

Add some woodsy flavor and vitamin C to your next herbal tea with a spoonful of pine needle infused honey.

Pine Needle Infused Honey

Pine needle infused honey has medicinal benefits, is beautifully fragrant, and is delicious when used in many ways for culinary purposes!

Check out this recipe

This can be used as an herbal remedy, much like the pine needle cough syrup I mentioned earlier.

Pine Needle Cough Syrup

This pine needle cough syrup is beneficial for soothing for a dry and scratchy throat and helping to tame coughs.

Check out this recipe

Pine Needle Bath and Body Care

Even if you’ve never eaten them, you have probably experienced pine needle benefits through fragrant body care products.

Surprise a (bearded) friend or loved one by making this citrusy rosemary pine beard balm.

Rosemary Pine Beard Balm

This rosemary pine beard balm is great for beards and smells amazing. It is easy to make and is also great for gift giving. Learn how to make this homemade herbal and foraged woodsy beard balm!

Check out this recipe

Or, try out this juniper spiced beard balm! It smells just as wonderful and emphasizes the spicier aromas of cinnamon and cloves.

Juniper Spice Beard Balm

Beard balm helps to condition, soften and style beards, and this juniper spice recipe smells amazing!Learn how to make this DIY juniper spice beard balm for that bearded man in your life!

Check out this recipe

For pine needle body care recipes that don’t require a beard, make this pine and honey moisturizing lip balm. Use your favorite evergreen in this versatile conifer needle lip balm, or make your own conifer-infused body oil!

Conifer Needle Infused Oil

Make this conifer infused oil this winter season using foraged conifer needles! Most conifer needles can be used such as pine, spruce, or fir. This conifer infused oil with cinnamon is great for body care and it also has some aromatherapy benefits. It smells absolutely amazing!

Check out this recipe

Moisturize dry, winter skin with this batch of DIY lotion bars made with pine infused oil! They make excellent handmade holiday gifts for friends and family!

Pine Lotion Bars

This recipe for pine lotion bars is perfect for moisturizing dry winter skin, make wonderful gifts, and smell like a walk through the forest! Makes six 2 ounce lotion bars, or more with a smaller size mold.

Check out this recipe

Pine salve is great for dry, cracked skin! Infused with the aroma of pine, this easy-to-make herbal salve not only moisturizes and heals but also offers a delightful aromatherapy experience.

Pine Salve

This pine salve recipe is made with infused pine oil that will moisturize and heal winter skin ailments and has aromatherapy benefits, too!

Check out this recipe

If you are tired after a long day of work or cold from romping about in the snow, relax in a warm bath that smells like a walk in the woods. Make these pine bath salts, perfect for stress relief, and keep a jar on hand for all bath-worthy occasions.

Want to give your hair care routine a change? Give this pine needle infused vinegar hair rinse a try!

Wow! I have always loved trees, but researching these pine needle recipes has made me appreciate them even more.

I can’t wait to gather more pine and other conifer needles during my next walk in the woods. Hopefully I have inspired you to do the same!

What are you going to make first? A batch of pine cookies, a seasoned salt, or that frothy eggnog? I think I see some pine-infused vodka in my future. Cheers!

Lucia Hadella is an environmental writer from Talent, Oregon. Her interests include human-environment interactions, climate change, and resilient futures. Lucia recently graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. in Natural Resources and an M.A. in Environmental Arts & Humanities and moved to Columbus, OH this winter to begin her urban nature adventure! Find her on Instagram @true_nature_filter.

30+ Pine Needle Recipes: Drinks, Desserts, Syrups, Balms & More! (2024)

FAQs

What flavors go with pine needles? ›

Foodpairing potential of the Douglas pine or Christmas tree

Next to these forest flavours the needles have sweet, citrus like flavours. Its citrus-like aromas link the Douglas pine to citrus ingredients such as yuzu, kaffir leaves, lemon. The piney side will link to white and green asparagus but also to gin.

What drink is made from pine needles? ›

Did you know that you can make fizzy soda with pine needles? This pine needle soda recipe only requires 3 ingredients: pine needles, sugar, and water. Simply add a few slices of lemon and some ice cubes, you will get a glass of refreshing and natural carbonated soft drink.

What can I make with fresh pine needles? ›

'If you want to go home and get the flavour of pine and the health benefits really quickly, just go and make pine needle tea,' Harriet suggests. 'Steep them and just enjoy it – it's one of my favourite things. It tastes like the woodland, and it's packed full of vitamins A and C. It's a really nutrient dense thing.

Which pine needles are not edible? ›

Avoid these poisonous bark or needles! The needles of some pine trees, such as ponderosa pine, and other evergreens that are not actually pines, such as Norfolk Island pine, may be toxic to humans, livestock and other animals.

What spice tastes like pine needles? ›

Sensory Profile. Rosemary has a distinctive pine-woody aroma with camphoraceous undertones and a fresh, bittersweet flavor.

Can you make soda with pine needles? ›

Pine and other conifer needles have natural yeasts on them that cause fermentation to happen when water and some kind of sweetener are added, like sugar or honey. During fermentation, the yeast on the pine needles eats the sugar and outputs bubbles, making for a fizzy drink!

What are the benefits of drinking pine needles? ›

Regular consumption of Pine Needle Tea could potentially boost immunity, soothe colds, help with weight management and balance testosterone levels. Pine needle tea contains anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. The tea is believed to support heart and brain health and may offer better sleep and stress relief.

What did Native Americans use pine needles for? ›

For several millennia, the Native Americans living in the region that became North Carolina fashioned utilitarian and decorative objects from the trees and plants surrounding them. The abundance of pine trees in the region led to the use of pine needles to make baskets and other objects.

How do you use pine needles as medicine? ›

The fresh needles and buds of Pine, picked in the springtime, are called “pine tops.” These are boiled in water, and the tea is consumed for fevers, coughs, and colds.

What does boiling pine needles do? ›

Pine needle tea also contains high levels of Vitamin A, which is good for your eyesight, improves hair and skin regeneration and improves red blood cell production. It can be used as an expectorant for coughs and to help relieve chest congestion; it is also good for sore throats.

How do you make tea with pine needles? ›

  1. Wash the white pine needles in cold water. ...
  2. Cut the woody end off where the needles come together, and then cut the needles into 1-inch lengths. ...
  3. Steep 2 tablespoons of pine needles in the water for 10-15 minutes. ...
  4. The tea will become a pale-yellow color after steeping. ...
  5. If desired, strain the pine needles out of the tea.

Can you make pine syrup? ›

Bring 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons corn syrup and a pinch of salt to a boil in a saucepan, whisking, then boil 1 minute without stirring. Remove from the heat, add the needles and steep 2 to 3 hours. Strain the syrup and refrigerate up to a month. It tastes great in cocktails!

How do you make pine needle vinegar? ›

INSTRUCTIONS. Place pine needles, cinnamon sticks, and cloves into jar. Top off with vinegar. Seal with a tight-fitting lid, and let stand for two weeks.

What scents go with pine needle? ›

In particular, Pine Oil blends well with the oils of Bergamot, Cedarwood, Citronella, Clary Sage, Coriander, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Niaouli, Neroli, Peppermint, Ravensara, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Tea Tree, and Thyme.

What can I add to pine needle tea? ›

If desired, strain the pine needles out of the tea. The needles will sink to the bottom of the steeping container and the tea can be sipped or gently poured otherwise, leaving the needles in the bottom. Add sugar or honey to sweeten the tea if you prefer, or try a squeeze of lemon.

Can you use pine needles for seasoning? ›

I love the idea of including conifer and pine needles in a seasoning or sweetener. It's a simple way to quickly add distinctive flavors to any recipe that just needs a little something special. Learn how to easily add conifer needles to your salt, sugar, and syrup for a great pantry addition or gift idea!

What flavor do pine nuts add? ›

Pine nuts have a soft, nutty flavor with an undercurrent of sweetness, similar to cashews. A bitter taste can also be a sign that the natural oils in pine nuts have turned rancid, which happens if they're left in the pantry too long after opening.

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