As the sun sets and the fire crackles, my thoughts drift to those campfire nights of my childhood, filled with laughter and sticky fingers. But let’s be honest—sometimes you crave that nostalgic flavor without the smoke and mess. Enter these irresistible s’mores hand pies, your ticket to enjoying the iconic s’mores experience anytime!
Wrapped in a delicate, flaky crust, each pie bursts with gooey marshmallows, melting chocolate, and the delightful crunch of graham crackers. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, these portable desserts are quick and easy to make, promising smiles from kids and adults alike. Plus, the recipe is highly customizable—switching out ingredients to suit your dietary needs has never been simpler!
So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure and bring a little campfire magic into your kitchen with these delectable s’mores hand pies!
Why are S’mores Hand Pies a Must-Try?
Irresistible combination: With a flaky crust enveloping warm, gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate, these hand pies redefine comfort food.
Kid-friendly treat: Perfectly portable, they’re a hit with children, making them great for lunchboxes or snacks.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Customizable joy: Feel free to swap ingredients—try gluten-free options or add fun flavors like peanut butter for a different twist.
Crowd pleaser: Serve them at parties, and watch everyone dive in for more; they’re an instant favorite!
Enjoy these delightful bites paired with a warm drink, or check out our tips for elevating your dessert experience!
S’mores Hand Pies Ingredients
For the Crust
- Refrigerated Pie Crust – Offers a flaky texture and convenient preparation; homemade crust can elevate the taste.
- Melted Salted Butter – Ensures a golden, crispy finish; can be replaced with milk for a dairy-free version.
For the Filling
- Chocolate Bars – Brings a rich, melty flavor; use dark, milk, or semisweet for varied sweetness levels.
- Miniature Marshmallows – Delivers a gooey center; regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces work just as well.
- Graham Crackers – Adds a delightful crunch; opt for gluten-free graham-style crackers if needed.
For the Topping
- Cinnamon Sugar – A sweet sprinkle that enhances flavor; plain sugar can be used for an uncomplicated touch.
With these S’mores Hand Pies ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create a memorable treat that’s sure to warm hearts and satisfy cravings!
How to Make S’mores Hand Pies
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Prep the Crust: Allow refrigerated pie crusts to reach room temperature as per package instructions, making it easier to roll and cut.
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Cut the Circles: Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut circles from the dough. Make sure to place them closely together to maximize usage and minimize waste.
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Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped chocolate bars, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers until everything is well mixed and evenly coated.
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Fill the Dough: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate-marshmallow mixture into the center of half the dough circles. Don’t overfill to keep them from bursting!
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Seal the Pies: Moisten the edges of the filled crusts with a little water, then top with the remaining dough circles. Press the edges firmly and seal with a fork for a decorative touch.
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Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the tops of the hand pies with melted butter and sprinkle them with crushed graham cracker crumbs for added flavor and texture.
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Air Fry the Pies: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Spray the basket, then place the hand pies inside and air fry for about 10 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
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Cool and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the hand pies to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving warm for that ultimate gooey experience.
Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
S’mores Hand Pies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these s’mores hand pies your own with these delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free options so everyone can enjoy this treat.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut or almond milk in place of melted butter for a delicious dairy-free crust alternative.
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Flavor Boost: Go wild with flavored chocolate bars like salted caramel or mint to add a new depth of flavor.
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Nutty Addition: Stir in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter with the chocolate for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the s’mores perfectly.
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Crunchy Bits: Add chopped nuts or crushed pretzels to the filling for an unexpected crunch that elevates each bite.
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Spiced Up: Mix a pinch of cinnamon into the filling or topping for a warm, comforting spice that dances on your palate.
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Sweet Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the tops for a stunning presentation and even more sweetness.
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Mini Pies: Use smaller cookie cutters to make bite-sized hand pies, perfect for kids or party platters; they’ll disappear in no time!
Let the adventure of flavor take you away as you embrace these variations on your delicious s’mores hand pies!
How to Store and Freeze S’mores Hand Pies
Airtight Container: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their flaky texture.
Refrigerator: If you need to keep them longer, place the pies in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to consume them while they’re still fresh for the best taste.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top bag. Baked pies can be frozen for 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place baked pies in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. For unbaked pies, cook directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the air frying time. Enjoy those delightful s’mores hand pies again!
What to Serve with S’mores Hand Pies?
To truly enjoy these delightful hand pies, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience.
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Cold Milk: A classic choice that balances the richness of chocolate and sweetness of marshmallows, providing a refreshing contrast.
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Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a warm mug of hot chocolate; it’s a nostalgic pairing that amplifies the campfire vibes.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful touch, enhancing the warm and gooey texture of the pies.
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Fresh Berries: Light and refreshing, the tartness of berries like strawberries or raspberries perfectly contrasts the sweetness, adding a fruity burst.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle on each pie before serving can introduce an extra layer of sweetness and warmth, elevating the flavors.
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Flavored Coffee: Enjoying your hand pies with a cup of flavored coffee, such as mocha or vanilla, creates a comforting and indulgent afternoon treat.
For a joyful experience, consider serving a variety of these suggestions, allowing everyone to customize their perfect dessert moment!
Expert Tips for S’mores Hand Pies
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Avoid Overstuffing: Fill each pie with about 1 tablespoon of the mixture to prevent bursting during baking; too much filling leads to leaks.
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Seal It Tight: Moisten the edges of the pie crust thoroughly and press firmly to secure the filling, ensuring no openings occur while baking.
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Poke for Release: Create small holes in the tops of the hand pies to allow steam to escape and prevent a soggy bottom.
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Keep an Eye on Them: Marshmallows melt quickly—watch your pies closely; they can turn from perfectly gooey to burnt in moments.
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Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pies just before cooking to maintain freshness.
With these tips, your S’mores Hand Pies are sure to delight, capturing that perfect balance of crunchy and gooey!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful s’mores hand pies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their weeknight dessert prep! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the steps to make the filling and cut the dough, then refrigerate both components separately in airtight containers. To maintain their quality, allow the dough to come to room temperature before filling and baking. When ready to serve, simply assemble the pies, lightly brush them with melted butter, and air fry as directed for that golden, crispy finish. Enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, all thanks to your thoughtful preparation!
S’mores Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chocolate for my s’mores hand pies?
Absolutely! You can use dark, milk, or semisweet chocolate bars depending on your taste preference. Dark chocolate provides a rich experience, while milk chocolate is sweeter, and semisweet strikes a perfect balance. Feel free to experiment with flavored chocolates like caramel or mint for a fun twist!
How should I store my leftover s’mores hand pies?
To keep those delectable s’mores hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Just be sure to enjoy them while they’re still deliciously gooey inside!
Can I freeze s’mores hand pies, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze s’mores hand pies both unbaked and baked! If freezing unbaked pies, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. For baked pies, they’ll keep for about 2 months in the freezer. To reheat baked pies, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For unbaked pies, cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
What should I do if my hand pies burst during baking?
The more the merrier! To prevent bursting, make sure you’re only filling each pie with about 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture. Additionally, ensure you seal the edges of the dough properly and poke a few small holes in the tops of the pies to release steam during baking.
Are s’mores hand pies suitable for gluten-free diets?
Definitely! To make these s’mores hand pies gluten-free, simply substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers. This way, everyone can enjoy these sweet treats, regardless of dietary restrictions!
Delicious S’mores Hand Pies for Cozy Nights In
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Allow refrigerated pie crusts to reach room temperature as per package instructions.
- Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut circles from the dough.
- In a bowl, combine chopped chocolate bars, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate-marshmallow mixture into the center of half the dough circles.
- Moisten the edges of the filled crusts with a little water, then top with the remaining dough circles and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with melted butter and sprinkle them with crushed graham cracker crumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and air fry the hand pies for about 10 minutes until golden.
- Transfer the hand pies to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving.