Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips: Creative Recipes & Snacking Ideas

Trader Joe’s has a knack for creating cult-favorite snacks, and their “Hold the Cone!” mini ice cream cones are a prime example. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick dessert fix, but did you know their smaller version, “Hold the Cone Tips” offer even more versatility? These chocolate-filled cone ends are more than just a snack; they’re an ingredient waiting to be explored. This article dives into some delicious and creative ways to use Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips, turning a simple snack into something extraordinary.

## What are Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips?

For those unfamiliar, Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips are exactly what they sound like: the chocolate-filled ends of their popular mini ice cream cones. They’re essentially the best part of the cone, concentrated into a small, poppable treat. They typically come in a bag containing both milk chocolate and dark chocolate varieties.

Why are they so popular? Several reasons:

* **Convenience:** They’re bite-sized and require no preparation – perfect for a quick snack on the go.
* **Taste:** The combination of crunchy cone and rich chocolate is undeniably satisfying.
* **Versatility:** As we’ll explore, they can be used in a variety of recipes.
* **Price:** They’re relatively inexpensive, making them an accessible treat.

## Before We Begin: Important Considerations

* **Storage:** Store your Hold the Cone Tips in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat can melt the chocolate.
* **Chocolate Type:** Most recipes will work with either milk chocolate or dark chocolate tips. Feel free to mix and match or choose your preference.
* **Allergies:** Be aware of potential allergens. The cones contain wheat and soy, and may contain traces of milk, peanuts, and tree nuts.
* **Quantity:** The number of Hold the Cone Tips needed will vary depending on the recipe. It’s always a good idea to have a little extra on hand.

## Creative Recipe Ideas Using Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips

Here’s where the fun begins! Let’s explore some exciting ways to incorporate these delicious cone tips into your cooking and baking:

### 1. Hold the Cone Tip Bark

This is a super simple and customizable treat that’s perfect for parties, gifts, or just a special snack. It’s also a great way to use up any extra cone tips you might have.

**Ingredients:**

* 12 oz high-quality chocolate (milk, dark, or white, your choice)
* 1 bag Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips
* Optional toppings: crushed pretzels, sprinkles, sea salt, dried fruit, nuts

**Instructions:**

1. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate using your preferred method. You can use a double boiler, a microwave (in 30-second intervals, stirring in between), or even an Instant Pot with a glass bowl.
2. **Prepare the Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. **Spread the Chocolate:** Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly into a thin layer.
4. **Add the Cone Tips:** While the chocolate is still wet, arrange the Hold the Cone Tips evenly over the surface. Gently press them into the chocolate so they adhere.
5. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle your chosen toppings (pretzels, sprinkles, sea salt, dried fruit, nuts) over the chocolate.
6. **Chill and Break:** Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. Once firm, break the bark into pieces.
7. **Serve and Store:** Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Flavor combinations:** Experiment with different chocolate types and toppings to create unique flavor profiles. Try dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds, or white chocolate with crushed pretzels and sprinkles.
* **Peanut Butter Bark:** Swirl peanut butter into the melted chocolate before adding the cone tips and other toppings.
* **Holiday Bark:** Use holiday-themed sprinkles and candies to create a festive bark for special occasions.

### 2. Hold the Cone Tip Cookies

Adding crumbled Hold the Cone Tips to your favorite cookie recipe is a fantastic way to add crunch and chocolate flavor. The cone pieces create a delightful textural contrast.

**Ingredients:**

* Your favorite cookie dough recipe (chocolate chip, sugar cookie, oatmeal, etc.)
* 1 bag Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips, coarsely chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Prepare your cookie dough according to the recipe instructions.
2. **Chop the Cone Tips:** Coarsely chop the Hold the Cone Tips. You can use a knife or a food processor (pulse gently to avoid turning them into dust).
3. **Incorporate the Cone Tips:** Gently fold the chopped cone tips into the cookie dough.
4. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake the cookies according to the recipe instructions.
5. **Cool and Enjoy:** Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Chocolate Chip Cookie Upgrade:** Add the cone tips to your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe for extra chocolate and crunch. Consider using a combination of chocolate chips and cone tips.
* **Sugar Cookie Surprise:** Add the cone tips to sugar cookies for a fun and unexpected treat. You can also decorate the cookies with icing and more cone tips.
* **Oatmeal Cookie Crunch:** Add the cone tips to oatmeal cookies for added texture and flavor.

### 3. Hold the Cone Tip Brownies

Take your brownies to the next level by incorporating Hold the Cone Tips. The crunchy cone and melted chocolate add a wonderful dimension to the fudgy texture of brownies.

**Ingredients:**

* Your favorite brownie recipe (boxed mix or homemade)
* 1 bag Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips, coarsely chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Brownie Batter:** Prepare the brownie batter according to the recipe instructions.
2. **Chop the Cone Tips:** Coarsely chop the Hold the Cone Tips.
3. **Incorporate the Cone Tips:** Fold half of the chopped cone tips into the brownie batter.
4. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into prepared baking pan.
5. **Sprinkle on Top:** Sprinkle the remaining half of the cone tips on top of the brownie batter.
6. **Bake the Brownies:** Bake the brownies according to the recipe instructions.
7. **Cool and Cut:** Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Fudgy Brownie Enhancement:** The cone tips work particularly well in fudgy brownie recipes, providing a contrasting texture.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies:** Swirl cream cheese frosting into the brownie batter before baking and then add the cone tips.
* **Nutella Brownies:** Add a swirl of Nutella to the brownie batter for an extra-rich and decadent treat, complementing the cone tips perfectly.

### 4. Hold the Cone Tip Cereal Bars

Create a fun and easy snack with homemade cereal bars featuring Hold the Cone Tips. These are great for lunchboxes or after-school treats.

**Ingredients:**

* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or your favorite cereal)
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1 (10 oz) bag marshmallows
* 1 bag Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips, coarsely chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Melt the Butter and Marshmallows:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
2. **Remove from Heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. **Stir in Cereal and Cone Tips:** Add the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped Hold the Cone Tips to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. **Press into Pan:** Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
5. **Cool and Cut:** Let the cereal bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Other Cereals:** Experiment with different cereals, such as Cheerios or Cocoa Krispies.
* **Peanut Butter Addition:** Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture for a peanut butter twist.
* **Sprinkles:** Add sprinkles for a colorful and festive treat.

### 5. Hold the Cone Tip Parfaits

Create a layered dessert with yogurt, granola, and Hold the Cone Tips. This is a quick and easy option for breakfast or a light dessert.

**Ingredients:**

* Yogurt (Greek or regular, any flavor)
* Granola
* 1 bag Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips, crushed
* Optional: fresh fruit (berries, bananas, etc.)

**Instructions:**

1. **Layer the Ingredients:** In a glass or bowl, layer yogurt, granola, and crushed Hold the Cone Tips.
2. **Repeat Layers:** Repeat the layers until the glass or bowl is full.
3. **Top with Fruit:** Top with fresh fruit, if desired.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Yogurt Flavors:** Experiment with different yogurt flavors to create unique parfaits. Vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate are all good choices.
* **Granola Types:** Use different types of granola, such as honey almond or chocolate chip.
* **Fruit Combinations:** Try different fruit combinations to complement the other flavors.

### 6. Hold the Cone Tip Hot Chocolate

Elevate your hot chocolate experience by adding a few Hold the Cone Tips to your mug. As the hot chocolate melts the chocolate in the tips, it creates an even richer and more decadent drink.

**Ingredients:**

* Hot chocolate mix (your favorite brand)
* Milk or water
* 2-3 Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips
* Optional: marshmallows, whipped cream

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Hot Chocolate:** Prepare the hot chocolate according to the package instructions, using milk or water.
2. **Add Cone Tips:** Add 2-3 Hold the Cone Tips to the hot chocolate.
3. **Stir and Enjoy:** Stir until the chocolate from the cone tips is melted and combined into the hot chocolate.
4. **Top with Marshmallows or Whipped Cream:** Add marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately and enjoy!

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Peppermint Hot Chocolate:** Add a few drops of peppermint extract to your hot chocolate for a festive flavor.
* **Spiced Hot Chocolate:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your hot chocolate for a warm and comforting spice.
* **Mexican Hot Chocolate:** Add a pinch of chili powder to your hot chocolate for a spicy kick.

### 7. Hold the Cone Tip Trail Mix

Add a sweet and crunchy element to your homemade trail mix by incorporating Hold the Cone Tips. This is a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings while enjoying a healthy snack.

**Ingredients:**

* Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.)
* Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
* Seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
* 1 bag Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips, broken into pieces
* Optional: pretzels, chocolate chips

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and broken Hold the Cone Tips.
2. **Add Optional Ingredients:** Add pretzels or chocolate chips, if desired.
3. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients together well.
4. **Store in Airtight Container:** Store in an airtight container.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Spicy Trail Mix:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Tropical Trail Mix:** Use tropical dried fruits, such as mango or pineapple.
* **Savory Trail Mix:** Add savory elements, such as roasted chickpeas or seasoned nuts.

### 8. Hold the Cone Tip Mug Cake

For a single-serving dessert that’s ready in minutes, try a mug cake with Hold the Cone Tips. It’s a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 tablespoons flour
* 4 tablespoons sugar
* 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
* Pinch of salt
* 3 tablespoons milk
* 1 tablespoon oil
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 bag Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips, coarsely chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a mug, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the mug. Stir until well combined.
3. **Incorporate Cone Tips:** Gently fold in the chopped Hold the Cone Tips.
4. **Microwave:** Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, or until the cake is cooked through.
5. **Cool Slightly and Enjoy:** Let the mug cake cool slightly before enjoying.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Peanut Butter Mug Cake:** Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the batter for a peanut butter flavor.
* **Chocolate Chip Mug Cake:** Add a tablespoon of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
* **Espresso Mug Cake:** Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee flavor.

### 9. Hold the Cone Tip Ice Cream Topping

Of course, let’s not forget the obvious! Crush the Hold the Cone Tips and use them as an ice cream topping. It’s a simple and delicious way to add crunch and chocolate flavor to your favorite ice cream.

**Ingredients:**

* Your favorite ice cream
* 1/2 bag Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips, crushed

**Instructions:**

1. **Scoop Ice Cream:** Scoop your favorite ice cream into a bowl.
2. **Sprinkle with Cone Tips:** Sprinkle the crushed Hold the Cone Tips over the ice cream.
3. **Enjoy:** Enjoy immediately!

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Different Ice Cream Flavors:** Try different ice cream flavors to complement the cone tips. Vanilla, chocolate, and mint chocolate chip are all good choices.
* **Add Other Toppings:** Add other toppings, such as sprinkles, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.

### 10. Hold the Cone Tip Pancakes or Waffles

Adding crushed Hold the Cone Tips to your pancake or waffle batter is a fun way to start the day with a sweet treat. The melted chocolate creates a delicious flavor and a slightly gooey texture.

**Ingredients:**

* Your favorite pancake or waffle batter (from scratch or mix)
* 1/4 bag Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips, crushed

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Batter:** Prepare your pancake or waffle batter according to the recipe instructions.
2. **Incorporate Cone Tips:** Gently fold the crushed Hold the Cone Tips into the batter.
3. **Cook Pancakes or Waffles:** Cook the pancakes or waffles according to the recipe instructions.
4. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Chocolate Chip Pancakes/Waffles:** Add extra chocolate chips to the batter for an even more chocolatey treat.
* **Berry Pancakes/Waffles:** Add fresh berries to the batter for a fruity twist.
* **Peanut Butter Pancakes/Waffles:** Swirl peanut butter into the batter for a peanut butter flavor.

## Conclusion: The Versatile Delight of Hold the Cone Tips

Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips are more than just a snack; they’re a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and texture to a variety of recipes. From simple bark and parfaits to more elaborate cookies and brownies, the possibilities are endless. So next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, grab a bag of these delicious cone tips and get creative in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own unique ways to enjoy this delightful treat. Happy snacking and happy cooking!