As the sun sets and the glow of a cozy fire pit beckons, the nostalgic flavors of s’mores come rushing back to me. But what if I told you that you could savor that beloved combination of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers without the need for an open flame? Enter my S’mores Hand Pies! These delightful little pastries capture the essence of campfire s’mores and package it into a neat, portable treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends for a game night or simply want to whip up something sweet for your family, these easy-to-make pies promise to please. Baked until golden brown, they’re ideal for those who crave a classic dessert but want a no-fuss approach. Let’s dive into this recipe that is sure to become your new favorite quick dessert!
Why are S’mores Hand Pies so delightful?
Convenient Treat: These S’mores Hand Pies offer a delightful twist on traditional s’mores, all without the hassle of a campfire.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and an effortless baking process, you can whip these up in no time.
Portable Indulgence: Perfect for outings, these hand pies are easy to pack for picnics or road trips, making sweet snacking easy.
Nostalgic Flavor: Each bite brings back memories of summer nights, perfectly balanced with crispy crust and gooey filling.
Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with fillings—try chocolate spreads or even fruity additions for a fun twist!
Family Favorite: These hand pies are sure to please kids and adults alike, making them a hit at any gathering.
S’mores Hand Pies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Pie Crust – A store-bought crust saves time, while homemade crust enhances flakiness for your S’mores Hand Pies.
For the Filling
• Chocolate Bars – Rich chocolate adds a gooey center; choose dark or milk chocolate based on your sweetness preference.
• Miniature Marshmallows – These create that signature gooey filling; regular marshmallows work too but may need cutting.
• Crushed Graham Crackers – Essential for that classic s’mores flavor; can be store-bought or easily made at home.
For the Topping (optional)
• Cinnamon Sugar – A sprinkle on top adds extra sweetness; simply mix sugar with ground cinnamon for a quick homemade version.
How to Make S’mores Hand Pies
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Prepare the Dough: Start by letting your refrigerated pie crust come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This step makes it easier to roll out and cut into circles.
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Cut Dough Circles: Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. You’ll need two circles per hand pie, so plan to cut enough for your filling!
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Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, gently combine chopped chocolate, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers. This will create the oozy filling that gives S’mores Hand Pies their delightful flavor.
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Fill Pies: Take your first set of dough circles and place about 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of each. Remember, less is more—don’t overfill!
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Seal Pies: Moisten the edges of the filled circles with a little water, then place another dough circle on top. Press down to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a pretty finish.
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Prepare for Baking: Brush the tops of the pies with melted butter, then sprinkle any remaining graham cracker crumbs over them for added texture and a touch of sweetness.
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Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then carefully place the hand pies inside. Cook for about 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are perfectly crispy.
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Cool and Serve: Once done, allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm to really savor that gooey filling!
Optional: Dust with additional cinnamon sugar before serving for an extra hint of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with S’mores Hand Pies?
Indulging in warm, gooey S’mores Hand Pies opens the door to creating a delightful meal spread. Let’s explore perfect pairings to enhance your dessert experience!
- Cold Glass of Milk: A classic choice, the creamy, coolness of milk perfectly offsets the richness of the hand pies.
- Iced Coffee: The subtle bitterness of iced coffee complements the sweet filling, creating a delightful balance that awakens the palate.
- Hot Chocolate: For those chilly evenings, a warm cup of hot chocolate echoes the delicious chocolatey notes in the hand pies, enhancing their flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy blueberries or strawberries add a refreshing tang, cutting through the sweetness while adding a burst of fresh flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast, making every bite decadent and indulgent.
- Chocolate Syrup Dip: For an extra treat, serve with a small bowl of chocolate syrup for dipping—everyone will love this fun twist!
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Dusting extra cinnamon sugar over the top adds a beautiful touch and enhances the already delightful dessert.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel elevates the sweetness, giving each hand pie a rich and luxurious finish.
- Peanut Butter Spread: For a playful twist, serve alongside peanut butter spread for dipping, adding a nutty depth to your sweet treat.
S’mores Hand Pies Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful treats and make them even more exciting!
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the filling for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor explosion.
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Fruit-Filled: Swap in sliced strawberries, bananas, or raspberries with the chocolate for a fruity surprise in every bite. The juicy fruit pairs beautifully with the creamy marshmallow!
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Peanut Butter Delight: Mix in a spoonful of peanut butter with the chocolate for a creamy, nutty twist that elevates the classic flavors. The richness will leave you craving more!
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon into the filling to add a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness. Embrace the unexpected!
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate and replace marshmallows with vegan alternatives for a guilt-free indulgence everyone can enjoy. It’s easy to adapt, so no one misses out!
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Pumpkin Spice: Introduce pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice to the filling for a seasonal flair that evokes cozy autumn vibes. Perfect for fall gatherings!
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S’mores Bar: Turn these hand pies into a s’mores bar by offering various toppings like coconut flakes or toffee bits for an interactive dessert experience. Let your guests customize their own!
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Chocolate Lovers: Use a blend of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate chunks for an indulgently rich filling that’s a chocoholic’s dream. More chocolate means more goodness!
Expert Tips for S’mores Hand Pies
Avoid Overfilling: Stick to 1 tablespoon of filling to prevent your S’mores Hand Pies from bursting during baking.
Secure Seals: Ensure edges are tightly sealed by pressing firmly and using water; this keeps the filling intact while baking.
Crisp Bottoms: Prevent soggy bottoms by sprinkling leftover graham cracker crumbs on the baking sheet before placing the hand pies.
Poke for Steam: Poke small holes in the tops of each pie to allow steam to escape, ensuring a perfectly flaky crust.
Watch the Clock: Keep a close eye on baking time to avoid burnt marshmallows; golden brown is the perfect hue!
Make Ahead Options
These S’mores Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weekdays! You can prepare the filling (chocolate, marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers) up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Additionally, you can cut the dough circles ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble and bake. When you’re set to serve, simply fill the dough circles, seal them, brush with butter, and air fry for about 10 minutes. This way, you’ll have delicious, warm hand pies ready to enjoy with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze S’mores Hand Pies
Room Temperature: Keep your S’mores Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their deliciousness.
Fridge: If you need them to last longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They may lose some crispiness but will still be tasty.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the hand pies (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. Wrap each pie individually for best results.
Reheating: To bring back the gooeyness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes or in a toaster oven on low heat.
S’mores Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pie crust?
I always recommend using a store-bought pie crust for convenience, but if you want enhanced flakiness, making a homemade crust is a wonderful option. Pair it with good quality butter for the best flavor!
Can I store leftover S’mores Hand Pies?
Absolutely! You can keep your S’mores Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, transfer them to the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about 4 days. Just keep in mind they may lose a bit of their crispiness.
What’s the best way to freeze S’mores Hand Pies?
To freeze your S’mores Hand Pies, I recommend wrapping each pie individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5-8 minutes to restore their gooeyness.
What if my hand pies burst during baking?
No worries! If your pies burst, it often means they were overfilled. To prevent this, stick to about 1 tablespoon of filling per pie. Additionally, make sure you seal the edges well; pressing firmly with water and crimping with a fork will help keep everything snug inside.
Can I modify the filling for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you have allergies, feel free to substitute ingredients like using dairy-free chocolate or gluten-free pie crust. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different fillings, such as Nutella or peanut butter, for a delicious twist on the classic S’mores flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!
How can I make these hand pies pet-friendly?
While chocolate and certain sweets are not safe for pets, consider making a pet-friendly version by filling one pie with unsweetened peanut butter or plain cooked pumpkin (without spices or sugars) for your furry friends. Just make sure to use separate dough that doesn’t include any chocolate!
Delicious S’mores Hand Pies for Cozy Home Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dough: Start by letting your refrigerated pie crust come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
- Cut Dough Circles: Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, gently combine chopped chocolate, miniature marshmallows, and half of the crushed graham crackers.
- Fill Pies: Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of each dough circle.
- Seal Pies: Moisten the edges of the filled circles with a little water, then place another dough circle on top and press down to seal.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the tops of the pies with melted butter and sprinkle any remaining graham cracker crumbs over them.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then cook the hand pies for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
